Stepping Out Blog

According to the National Autistic Society, Autism – or Autism Spectrum Disorder, “is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.”

Yet, despite Autism affecting many different people in many different ways, that fact hasn’t stopped those diagnosed with the condition to reach lofty heights in society and even history.

To prove it, here are six highly successful people with Autism.

1. Susan Boyle

World renowned singer and Britain’s Got Talent superstar Susan Boyle confirmed that she was relatively recently diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome – which is a form of Autism.

The Scot has sold millions of chart-topping albums across the globe.

2. Dan Harmon

Mr Harmon is the creator and writer of the hit TV show Community. He also has Asperger’s syndrome.

Whilst he was developing one of the characters for his show, Dan Harmon began researching Asperger’s syndrome and realized that he had extremely similar traits. Dan shares his self-diagnosis of Asperger’s in a revealing interview, stating that: “I started looking up these symptoms, just to know what they are. And the more I looked them up, the more familiar they started to seem. Then I started taking these Internet tests.”

3. Mozart

Even in history, Autistic greats can be found. Mozart, one of the best composers to have ever lived, had Autism.

It has been said that Mozart had repeated facial expressions and was in need of constant motion of his hands and feet. His hearing was also extremely sensitive.

4. Tim Burton

It was actually Tim’s wife, Helena Bonham Carter, diagnosed him Tim Burton with Asperger’s syndrome. While she was researching Asperger’s syndrome for a film she soon realised that many of the symptoms and traits were similar to those carried by her husband.

Tim’s wife commented, saying that, “We were watching a documentary about autism and he said that’s how he felt as a child. Autistic people have application and dedication. You can say something to Tim when he’s working and he doesn’t hear you. But that quality also makes him a fantastic father, he has an amazing sense of humour and imagination. He sees things other people don’t see.”

If you would like to know how Stepping Out can help with young people and adults diagnosed with Autism, visit our autism care page.

Any social care provider – especially those offering semi independent living services, will understand the importance of keeping social care settings functioning, safe and friendly.

Young people and adults receiving care and support in the same house or setting can be difficult to control at the best of times. For that reason, it’s vital to keep everybody cooperating and

So, to help keep things in check, here are six ways to keep social care settings friendly, and productive.

1. Regular Tea & Coffee Breaks

Make it a point to facilitate tea and coffee time within the social care setting.

Set out some biscuits, sit down with the residents, and start a conversation. These informal meetings don’t need to be scheduled for specific times in the day or week, but making a habit of a tea break can really help build friendships within the living environment.

2. Play Games

Board games, card games, Chess, and all other similar activities are brilliant for creating a pleasant environment.

Ask the residents which games they would like to play, and try to get everybody involved. A simple game can turn into some good, productive fun, where residents can get to know each other a little better.

3. Group Outings

If the residents regularly take it upon themselves to go shopping or visit events, it may be a good idea to go as a group.

Supervised group outings to museums, sporting events, the cinema, and so on, will all work wonders when it comes to building friendships.

4. Movie Nights

Everybody loves a movie, but you don’t need to venture out in order to enjoy them.

Renting or buying some DVDs for the social care setting will enable you to sit everybody down to enjoy something – together. Ensure you buy or rent movies which everybody can enjoy. Asking about the resident’s favourite films beforehand will undoubtedly make this activity more worthwhile.

5. Take a Step Back

As a care worker, you may have the urge to oversee and supervise every aspect of the residents life. But that can be counter-productive when it comes to building friendships.

Allow residents to converse freely, make up their own activities, and enjoy each others company in a healthy manner. Don’t lose track of what they’re up to, but don’t become over-bearing either.

So there you have it, five great ways to help establish a friendly, positive atmosphere within almost any social care setting.

Do you have any tactics of your own? Share them in the comments secton below.