5 Easy Ways To Make An Autistic Person Happy

Due to the popular misconception that autistic people are withdrawn and uninterested in social connections, it can be difficult to know how to interact with them.However, there are some easy ways you can make an autistic person happy and develop a stress-free relationship with them.For one, endeavor to understand their sensory differences.Autistic people experience various sensory difficulties, which may include processing taste, smell, touch, sight, and sound differently from non-autistic people.By understanding these sensory difficulties, you can help them avoid sensory overload and create a relaxing environment for them.

Also, you can create happy moments and fun times with your autistic friends by connecting with them in their way.Your autistic friend might prefer a form of socializing that is different from yours.Rather than following stereotypes or "trying to make them come out of their shell", it's best to connect with them in a way they will feel safe and comfortable.Similarly, learning about their preferences is an excellent way to make your autistic friend or co-worker happy.Most autistic people react negatively to certain sensory stimuli, making it difficult to interact in social gatherings.By understanding their social needs and preferences, you can make upcoming social interactions comfortable for them.Read on to learn five easy ways to make an autistic person happy:

Understand Their Sensory Differences

When relating with autistic people in hopes of making them happy, it is vital to learn about their sensory difficulties and triggers.Autistic people often show hypersensitivity to sensory stimulations, including light, taste, smell, sound, or touch, and may develop extreme anxiety or discomfort.Thus, to make an autistic person happy and comfortable, understand their sensory differences and help them avoid sensory overload.Hypersensitivity to sensory stimulations varies from one autistic individual to another.So, it's important to avoid generalization and ask your autistic friend about sensory stimuli that may bring them discomfort.Your interest in their well-being will show you care and make them happy.Similarly, when attending events with an autistic person, you can help them avoid sensory overload by sharing details beforehand.Places with disco lights, loud noises, extreme hot/cold temperatures, and so on can be overwhelming for autistic people.You must note that an autistic person's sensitivity to sensory stimulations can affect their social needs and ability to be happy during social interactions.In addition, it is important to exercise patience and give space when your autistic friend needs one.Avoid forcing them to stay in uncomfortable situations or getting offended when they want to leave an event, as they could be experiencing sensory difficulties.

Don't Try to Fix Them

The first step to successfully relating with autistic people is to understand that they see the world differently.They may have different behavioral patterns, reactions to things, and views of life, but this doesn't mean there's something wrong with them.You can make an autistic person happy by accepting them rather than trying to fix them.For one, sensory overload affects autistic people differently.If you notice your autistic friend suddenly feels anxious, sweaty, or engages in self-stimulating behavior, something may be wrong.These behaviors are often ways they show and cope with sensory overload in their environment.Rather than trying to fix their behavior, endeavor to remove or control the cause of the anxiety.Similarly, people with autism cope and thrive with schedules.It is common for friends or family to want to switch up their schedules and introduce them to fun things; however, this will do more harm than good.Unlike non-autistic people, following routines makes an autistic person feel less anxious, so it's best to work with their schedule if you want to have happy moments with them.

Connect With Them in Their Way

For non-autistic people, social connections can be in the form of group hangouts, face-to-face outings, and in public spaces such as parks.However, autistic people often have a distinct way of socializing with friends and family.Whether through social media, text messaging, or small-group settings, you can make an autistic person happy by connecting with them in their way.Many autistic people are driven by their interests.They often show deep interest in performing certain activities or going to a specific place.So if you want to make your autistic friend happy, you can compare interests and connect with them based on shared interests.Also, if they love to collect CDs, coins, comic books, or antique furniture, you can connect with them by gifting them their favorite collectible items.Everyone loves presents, especially the intentional ones.Giving an autistic person a present based on their interest will make them feel happy, noticed, cared for, and loved.In addition, it is important to note that an autistic person might not meet your expectations of building connections.They may turn down your invites or refuse to hang out with you in public gatherings.Rather than taking offense, It's best to try to understand them and connect in a way that works for both of you.

Learn About Their Preferences

Although autistic people might have similar characteristics, they are all different and unique individuals.By learning about their individual preferences, you can avoid misunderstandings and make an autistic person happy and comfortable around you.For one, you can inquire about their social preferences.Your autistic friend might prefer socializing in a familiar environment or may find specific discussion topics uncomfortable.It is essential to discuss what they do and do not enjoy in social interactions and gatherings before asking them to socialize with you.Also, you can make your autistic friend happy by considering and prioritizing their sensory stimulation difficulties.When you want to hang out with them, ensure you discuss their preferences on taste, temperature, light, music, etc., when trying to bond with them.This way, you can make their experience pleasant, joyful, and comfortable.Showing interest and openness to an autistic person's preferences can help to create a strong relationship with them over time.The more interest you show in understanding them, the more they want to learn about you and spend happy moments with you.

Respect Their Boundaries

One way to make an autistic person happy is by respecting their boundaries.Due to hypersensitivity to sensory stimulations, an autistic person may put up certain boundaries to avoid discomfort and overwhelming situations.When they vocalize these boundaries to you, respecting and supporting them is essential.Autistic people often need alone time to recharge and rest after a difficult situation.During this period, it is essential to respect their alone time.Give them enough space to cool off, engage in their other activities, ward off stress and relax.They will surely come around when they feel better.Similarly, if your autistic friend is resistant to touch, avoid hugs, back rubs, or any form of physical contact.Constant exposure to hyper-sensitive stimulations can cause stress and anxiety and may even affect their physical and mental health.Regardless of your relationship with them, respect their boundaries when they say no.Furthermore, people with autism often have a fixed routine they follow to avoid unpredictability and discomfort.A sudden change to this routine can be upsetting and may trigger offensive behaviors.However, when you respect their routines, it becomes easier to form happy relationships with autistic people.

Conclusion

Today, there's more support for autism characteristics and challenges than the emotional well-being of autistic people.It's no wonder many autistic individuals suffer from anxiety, lack of self-esteem, and even depression.However, with patience, you can create an emotionally safe environment for autistic people, form strong relationships with them and make them happy.Easy ways to make an autistic person happy include respecting boundaries, learning about their preferences, connecting with them in their own way, understanding their sensory differences, and showing them genuine acceptance.

Resources

https://www.amaze.org.au/2018/03/6-ways-to-make-life-easier-for-an-autistic-child/

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-be-a-good-friend-to-an-autistic-person

https://www.autismspectrumnews.org/promoting-happiness-in-autistic-individuals/

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-be-a-good-friend-to-an-autistic-person

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/mar/24/the-secret-to-raising-happy-autistic-child