Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Living With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmental disorders that affect communication, social interactions, and behavior. ASD starts during early childhood and continues throughout life. If you have been diagnosed with ASD, you may be relieved that you now know why you have felt different or behaved a certain way. Still, you may have questions about the treatment ahead, how to get the support you need, and how to deal with the condition day-to-day.

If you are living with ASD, read more here to learn about ways to cope with lifestyle changes, take care of yourself at home, and get support from friends and family.

How to manage lifestyle changes

Managing stress

Stress is your body’s reaction to life changes and events, both good and bad. Stress can last just a few hours or it can be ongoing. Talk with your health care provider or therapist if you would like to learn more about techniques to reduce your stress. Choose a stress reduction technique that fits your lifestyle and personality, such as:

  • Positive thinking. The things you say to yourself (self-talk) can be positive or negative. Positive self-talk can help you feel better.
  • Deep breathing. To do this:
    • Slowly breathe in (inhale) through your nose and expand your belly.
    • Hold your breath for 3–5 seconds.
    • Slowly breathe out (exhale), allowing your belly muscles to relax.
  • Muscle relaxation. This involves tensing your muscles on purpose, then relaxing them.
  • Keeping a stress diary. This can help you learn what causes your stress to start (identify your triggers) and how to control your response to those triggers.
  • Adding humor to your life by watching funny films or TV shows.
  • Getting plenty of sleep.
  • Making time for activities that help you relax, such as exercise, music, or art.

Medicines

In addition to therapy, your health care provider may prescribe medicine to treat other conditions you have, such as:

  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Aggression or irritability.
  • Being unable to pay attention (inattention).
  • Being overly active (hyperactivity).
  • Sleep problems.
  • Compulsive behavior.

Talk with your pharmacist or health care provider about all medicines that you take, their possible side effects, and which medicines are safe to take together.

Avoid using alcohol and other substances that may prevent your medicines from working properly (may interact).

Make it your goal to take part in all treatment decisions (shared decision-making). Ask about possible side effects of medicines that your health care provider recommends, and tell him or her how you feel about having those side effects. It is best if shared decision-making with your health care provider is part of your total treatment plan.

Relationships

Your health care provider may suggest social skills therapy along with individual therapy or medicine. With social skills training, you can:

  • Learn about social cues and how to watch for them.
  • Better understand nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language.
  • Learn appropriate responses in social situations.
  • Improve your friendships.

Therapy

Your health care provider may recommend behavioral, educational, or social skills therapies. These therapies involve working with a psychologist, social worker, behavioral teacher, or other mental health professional. Therapy may help you reduce the severity of your ASD symptoms or may address symptoms of other emotional or behavioral problems that you are facing.

How to recognize changes in your condition

Everyone has a different experience living with ASD. You and your health care provider will continue to work together to decide next steps as you move forward in your treatment plan. However, it is important to watch for any symptoms of ASD that are getting worse. Talk with your health care provider if you feel that your symptoms are getting worse.

Where to find support

Talking to others

Talking to friends and family about your condition can give you support and guidance. Reach out to trusted family members or friends, explain your condition and how you are feeling, and tell them that you are working with your health care provider. Start by telling them about any of your behaviors that are symptoms of ASD. Your diagnosis could help them understand why you sometimes have a hard time connecting with friends or family.

It is important for your family and close friends to learn as much as they can about your condition so they can understand your behavior and help you when needed.

Finances

When addressing the costs of living with ASD, you can find financial assistance through not-for-profit organizations or with local government-based resources. It is also important to check with your insurance carrier to find out what ASD treatment is covered by your plan.

If you are taking medicines, you may be able to get the generic form, which may be less expensive than brand-name medicine. Some makers of prescription medicines also offer help to people who cannot afford the medicines that they need.

Organizations

You can find local resources, more information, and support from:

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Learn as much as you can about ASD. Make sure you understand your condition.
  • Follow your treatment plan as directed. Work closely with your health care providers and family to get educational, behavioral, and social therapies.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Check with your health care provider before taking any new medicines.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care providers or therapists. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You develop new symptoms.
  • Your symptoms get worse or they do not get better with treatment.
  • You are behaving in ways that harm yourself or others.

Get help right away if:

  • You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

If you ever feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:

  • Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24-hours a day.

Summary

  • You can live a fulfilling life with a diagnosis of ASD.
  • A treatment plan including therapy (especially behavior therapy and social skills training) and medicines may help you improve your symptoms and manage any stress you are experiencing.
  • Your health care provider, friends, and family can be supportive resources for you, and there are many national and local agencies that help people with ASD.
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