How people with autism can get a greater quality in life

Autism - or autism spectrum disorder - refers to a broad range of conditions. Some of the most wellknown are the lack of - or less evolved - social skills, and problems with verbal and nonverbal communication. It its very different from person to person whether you need help or not. Some people only have a hint of autism while other need help to structure and get through the day. Habitushuset is an example of a residence, where people with autism have the possibility to live and get professionel help. The goal is to create a higher life quality by ensuring that the surroundings are right.

Persons with autism may react different than other people in certain situations - for example in social situations. What other people percieve as natural, obvious and unwritten rules, people with autism may not. Hence, in some situations they may not know how to react, which can cause frustration.

In general, people with a pervasive developmental disorder perceive and experience the world differently than others. One perceives things differently and in a way that differs from the normal. For this reason, a pervasive developmental disorder can often lead to a social disability, as the interaction and communication with other people can be challenging and confusing. When you live with the disorder, it can be harder to read other people's feelings and to reconcile your own. All the unwritten social norms do not lend themselves, and navigating daily social life can often seem confusing and challenging. In addition to this, persons on the spectrum often have one or more very intense or narrow interests.

At HabitusHusene they work with people with pervasive developmental disorders. It is their noblest and most important task to help these people minimize their problematic behaviors as well as maximize their quality of life. In order for them to do that, it is absolutely essential that they understand the people living in the residence, as well as their behaviors. The goal is to make sure, that they get a structure in their everyday life. This entail a certain planning, whichAutism - or autism spectrum disorder - refers to a broad range of conditions. Some of the most well-known are the lack of - or less evolved - social skills, and problems with verbal and nonverbal communication. It its very different from person to person whether you need help or not. Some people only have a hint of autism while other need help to structure and get through the day. Habitushuset is an example of a residence, where people with autism have the possibility to live and get professional help. The goal is to create a higher life quality by ensuring that the surroundings are right.

Persons with autism may react different from other people in certain situations - for example in social situations. What other people perceive as natural, obvious and unwritten rules, people with autism may not. Hence, in some situations they may not know how to react, which can cause frustration.

In general, people with a pervasive developmental disorder perceive and experience the world differently than others. One perceives things differently and in a way that differs from the normal. For this reason, a pervasive developmental disorder can often lead to a social disability, as the interaction and communication with other people can be challenging and confusing. When you live with the disorder, it can be harder to read other people's feelings and to reconcile your own. Most of us take social norms for granted because, well, they are norms. However, for people living with autism social life can often seem confusing and challenging.

At HabitusHusene they work with people with pervasive developmental disorders. It is their noblest and most important task to help these people minimize their problematic behaviors as well as maximize their quality of life. In order for them to do that, it is essential that they understand the people living in the residence, as well as their behaviors. The goal is to make sure, that they get a structure in their everyday life. This entail a certain planning, which for other people might seem very controllable. However, for people with autism it works as a comfort and a safety. With the right help, they get practical tools, they can use when leaving the residence.

Planning and structuring a day

What does it entail to structure a day for a person with autism spectrum disorder? Surely, this is a activity where professionals at HabitusHuset involve the citizen. Often the focus is to get almost all activities structured and sometimes even noted in a scheme. For example getting out of bed at 07.00, getting dressed and brushing your teeth before 8.00. Eating breakfast at 8.15, preparing for school/work/other activities at 9.00. Etc. etc. You get the point, I assume. Even small things that might seem obvious for other people can give a person with autism a degree of comfort. For example a thing as knowing exactly when to brush your teeth. For other people it would probably serve as an even greater stress factor, if everything were scheduled and planned. However, this is something that people with autism finds comfort in. They do not have to make decisions in the moment; they have already made them and are therefore prepared.

How a day is structured the best way is very individual. At HabitusHusene we always discuss the approach together with the citizen. It is important that they have a saying, since all people are different. What may work for one person is not necessarily the right approach for another person. In addition, it is important that the people diagnosed with autism experience a high degree of autonomy.

Read more about our work approach here.