How Community Support Improves Life for Autistic Children

For some children with autism, it is not unusual to forego participating in classes or interactions with children outside of school. Many miss out on organized community events like carnivals or concerts.

Some autistic children rarely participate in sports or physical activities, such as a team or a karate class. 

Community participation is often considered a basic right for all children. However, many children with autism face barriers that make it harder to take part in community activities.

Social and sensory challenges, along with a strong need for predictable routines, can limit their participation. Children with autism also engage in repetitive behavior patterns that make engaging in community events difficult. 

What affects participation rates?

Surveys of caregivers have shown that autistic children often participate less in activities such as:

• Lessons
• Clubs
• Religious events
• Structured and unstructured physical activities 
• Sleepovers, such as at a camp or a friend’s house.

Caregivers were also asked how much community support they had or how many barriers they perceived that aided or hindered their child’s participation.

Common reasons for low participation

While all the children had participated in some neighborhood event, about a third had never participated in an organized physical activity.

About 63% never attended a religious activity. A significantly higher percentage never participated in a club, organization, or any class outside of school.

Parents attributed this to inadequate equipment or supplies to support their child.

They feel that many of these events’ social, cognitive, sensory, and physical demands posed a barrier. 

Caregivers also attributed the lack of attendance at these events to issues with peer relationships, community attitudes, safety concerns, and weather conditions.

Findings showed correlations between the following:

• Child adaptive behaviors
• The severity of autism symptoms
• Cognitive demands of the various activities
• Community support

Many caregivers found supportiveness essential for children to be involved in these community activities. 

The findings showed that if the community programs and outside activities were adapted to include children with ASD, more children might participate.

These adaptations include offering predictability, lowering social and cognitive demands, and providing a suitable staff. 

Studies have also shown that parents who felt inadequate community support experienced higher stress and isolation.

They cited issues such as more barriers, less help, and fewer resources available to their child in these programs or activities.

Inclusion – what does it mean?

Inclusion comes in different levels and expectations. 

When neurotypical and autistic people participate in an activity with total inclusivity, there are no adaptations for those on the spectrum. Everyone engages in the event in the same way. 

“Peer buddy” activities are events specifically designed for the autistic population, but neurotypical people participate as peer helpers.

Some programs or events allow for integration where autistic people may participate in a program that includes typical experiences and some “special” ones.

Support is given to those on the spectrum who are participating. 

Finally, some programs or venues offer autism-friendly events. With specific days, dates, or hours, these events are meant to allow an autistic person to experience them in a modified way. 

Research “autism-friendly venues” in your area to see what might be available. Here are some ideas:

Theatre

There are autism-friendly performances of plays or movies.

Broadway shows like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Wicked” offer performances explicitly designed for the ASD population.

Check each show to see when these performances occur throughout the year.

Other US and international theaters offer accommodations on certain days or times. 

These can include:

• Adjustments to lighting 
• Turning down the sound 
• Special areas for breaks

Some theaters provide guides with the following:

• Pictures of the venue
• Details about the characters
• Information about attending the show

These are meant to help parents and children prepare for the upcoming event.

They also allow headphones or electronic devices for added comfort. In some cases, audience numbers are capped at almost half the capacity to allow for a less overwhelming environment.

Amusement or theme parks

Attending an amusement park is fun, but for a child with autism, it can be overwhelming. 

Many parks are making accommodations that include:

• Special passes to eliminate waiting in line 
• Visual or sensory supports for choosing the most appealing options 
• Trained staff and calming rooms for when times become overwhelming
• Tracking technology in wristbands for extra safety.

Museums

Some museums offer sensory-friendly sessions, social stories equipped with pictures to use as a guide, and maps of high or low-sensory spaces.

Restaurants

Some restaurants provide autism-friendly environments so families can eat without feeling judged or stressed.

Check online for any local restaurants that may provide this type of service.

Where can parents and families find community support?

Raising an autistic child can come with unique joys and challenges, and no parent should have to go through it feeling alone.

There are ways for parents, siblings, and caregivers to connect with others, find useful resources, and feel part of a supportive community.

Here are some of the most helpful options available.

Support groups

Community is essential for your autistic child. It is also crucial for parents and siblings to have a place to talk to others going through the same emotions and life experiences. Finding support groups is important. 

One study found that parents with children who “engaged in self-injurious behaviors, had sleep problems, and had severe language deficits” were likelier to attend a support group.

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Autism Support Groups for Parents

The study suggested that, outside of support from a therapist or other professionals, parents often seek advice from their peers. 

Parents were more helpful to other parents in the same situation if they had gone through the same experiences, knew where to find resources and help, and shared what they went through.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Many private, non-governmental, and non-profit agencies provide support to children and families with autism.

Check online for the many organizations available to help young people and adults with autism and their families thrive.

Autism Parenting Magazine and Summit

While our magazine provides many resources for parents, children, and their families with autism, there is another way for parents to be involved in the autism community. 

The Autism Parenting Summit allows parents, families, and even professionals working with people on the spectrum to learn from professionals and speakers who provide their expertise, guidance, and knowledge.

Inclusivity and comfort for all

Children with autism deserve to feel comfortable in all situations, whether at home or in the community. As mentioned before, it is a universal right.

Not being able to partake of that right is unfair to the child and upsetting for parents who want to see their child participate and thrive. 

When more people understand that everyone has a different threshold for noise, crowds, social expectations, and other sensory surroundings, they will be more supportive and inclusive of anyone who wants to participate in community events. 

Then, parents will be able to relax and enjoy the experiences more fully.

This article was featured in Issue 162 — Love, Home and Community

FAQs

Q: What support is available for autistic people?

A: Support for autistic people includes therapies like speech and occupational therapy, educational accommodations, social skills programs, and employment support services. Many also benefit from local autism organizations, peer support groups, and mental health resources.

A: An autism-friendly community is a place where people understand autism and make adjustments to be more welcoming, such as offering sensory-friendly environments and autism awareness training. It promotes inclusion, accessibility, and acceptance for autistic individuals.

Q: How can society help autistic people?

A: Society can help autistic people by increasing awareness, providing inclusive education and employment opportunities, and creating sensory-friendly spaces. Listening to autistic voices and reducing stigma are also key to building a more supportive environment.

A: Community skills for autism refer to practical abilities that help autistic individuals navigate everyday situations, like grocery shopping, using public transport, or engaging in social activities. These skills are often taught through life skills programs or therapy to promote independence.