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 uses their work with Michael and with 17-year-old Dan to show how support depends on understanding the individual, observing anxiety, and adapting the approach to the person on the day.

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

Dominic’s work with Michael shows practical communication support in a day-service setting. He gives time to settle between environments, provides a clear plan of the day, uses short sentences and visual prompts, waits patiently for responses, and uses praise to build confidence. Challenging behaviour is framed as communication: the task is to understand what the person may be distressed about, not just react to the behaviour itself.

Sensory and physical environments are also important. Low-arousal methods, one person speaking at a time, tidy rooms, reduced clutter, and predictable routines can help autistic people concentrate, understand what is expected, and feel less anxious.