This SCIE video follows two professionals working with autistic people: Dominic Cole, a care worker at St. Mark’s Day Services in north London, and Emma Boswell, an Oxfordshire social worker supporting teenagers moving into adult services. It shows how observing anxiety and adapting approaches to the individual guides practical support.

Emma’s work with 17-year-old Dan, who lives at The Squirrels residential home and has severe learning disabilities, looks at whether he is happy, healthy, stimulated and being prepared for adulthood. The placement has helped him use pictures and symbols to communicate needs that previously had to be inferred from behaviour. The account highlights listening to residential staff, involving parents and starting transition planning early so future choices are realistic and carefully considered.

Dominic’s work with Michael demonstrates communication techniques used in a day-service setting. He allows time to settle between environments, provides a clear plan of the day, uses short sentences and visual prompts, waits for responses and uses praise to build confidence. Challenging behaviour is treated as a form of communication - the task is to work out what is causing distress rather than only responding to the behaviour.

Sensory and physical environments matter. Low-arousal methods, one person speaking at a time, tidy rooms, reduced clutter and predictable routines help autistic people concentrate, understand expectations and feel less anxious.