3 MIN READ

Tips For Successful Community Outings

How to help people with autism or other complex needs be successful

By: Shelby Forrest and Keith Robinson — Heartspring Residential Leadership

As we are getting into the community more and more after the Covid pandemic, we are faced with more challenges for children and adults impacted by autism. Some of the skills they gained before might have been lost or forgotten when it was not safe to go into public places.

At Heartspring our students also build routines based on their expectations and schedules during the day, changing that routine by adding a trip into the community can be a big adjustment. It could also be an adjustment for families, direct care providers, and people who are returning to public spaces after not having as many social interactions over the last two years.

To help students, children, and adults be as successful as possible when venturing into the community, here are some helpful tips:

• Prepare by gathering items that might be necessary to help keep everyone safe in the community before you even leave. This can include extra changes of clothes, snacks for the vehicle, social stories of community expectations, or safety devices that need to go in the vehicle beforehand. Waiting can be very stressful for people impacted by autism. Before you even give them a cue to leave, make sure you have prepared.
• Prepare the person you are with for the transition into the community. Give them expectations for their community behavior. If they will be earning a treat during or at the end of the outing, let them know what the expectations of their behavior will be and when/where to expect the treat. While on the outing, celebrate good behavior. Some helpful positive phrases could be:
  • “I like the way you are sitting in the car”
  • “You are being very safe with your body, and I am proud of you”
  • “You did so well”
  • “Thank you for walking in the store”
• When you are planning an outing, first think about places that would be appropriate for those you are taking with you. Know the person you are with so you know what places are a good choice and what places you should avoid. Put a limit on the amount of time you will be out if the person gets overwhelmed easily. Being in the community a short time and having that outing be successful will build skills for the person to go into the community longer.
• Sensory overload can occur with many people when in the community. Be aware of those triggers and if you see signs that the person you are with is struggling with a crowded area, move to a different space to avoid further escalation. Again, it is important to know the person you are with well so you can avoid major triggers or help them cope with those triggers in the community.
• Social stories can reduce anxiety and help people impacted by autism know what to expect when they are in the community.
• Verbal priming and cues are also very important, it matters how you are presenting this information. Priming is giving a “heads up” to a person before you do an activity whether you are starting one or transitioning to a new one. Using priming with people impacted by autism can be incredibly helpful when on a community outing.
  • Avoid using questions when preparing them to leave instead of “are you ready to get your shoes on and go,” use the phrase “it’s time to put our shoes on so we can go.”
  • If social stories are effective for the person you will be going into the community with, take one with you during the outing to refer to along the way.

The ability to go on community outings are an essential skill for all people to have. They enrich people’s lives and build important social and independent skills. If an outing does not go well, please do not give up. Go back to the drawing board and think about how to help the person succeed. Start small and work your way up, if you just take someone for a ride in a vehicle that is a huge win!

And remember, when you are consistent with expectations in the community every time this helps reinforce expectations for the person.