World Autism Day and Relational Approaches

I am proud to be offering consultation and advocacy based on a relational/existential approach to autism in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This is different from many approaches as it does not involve forcing the person to enter my world but rather me respectfully seeking to join them where they are. It is my role to make forge a connection, to relate to the person as a fellow human being worthy of dignity and respect. Once this connection has been made, I can support the person in being able to navigate through the mainstream. This is the key, support, not force or coercion. I must always presume the intellect of the person, respect their self-autonomy, encourage their independence, and to realize that behavior is a form of communication. Often when we see behaviors that we dislike the reaction is to see to suppress it, but by doing this we are making a grave mistake. The behavior may be one of the only ways one can communicate their needs or distress. We need to not suppress but learn to ‘listen’ to the behavior, to be aware. When we can come together in a common healing space, there can be an amazing journey of learning for both persons.