The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

A fresh perspective on what makes certain strategies effective for individuals with ASD is presented. It is kindness that is the critical component. Quality programming for ASD must include five levels of intervention: Sensory Differences and Biological Needs, Reinforcement, Structure and Visual/Tactile Supports, Obstacle Removal/Task Demands, and Skills to Teach. Embedded in each of these levels is kindness. A program that omits any given level is less kind and less effective. For example, failing to address an individual’s need for structure and routine increases anxiety and decreases the ability to participate. Unfortunately, strategies, such as a “sink or swim,” punishment, or blaming persist in spite of their ineffectiveness and fundamental unkind nature.

The perspective of kindness as the core element of effective intervention is consistent with the current conceptualization of ASD as diversity rather than disability. Kindness is a bridge between diverse populations. As Wilson (in press) says, “Institutions will only be transformed when autism ‘acceptance’ comes to mean the personal, cultural, and political act of acknowledging and receiving persons on the autism spectrum as people who possess another form of human diversity.”

When those who wish to offer support to individuals with ASD become familiar with the underlying strengths skills and needs they are more able to provide strategies that address those needs. When programs that address all five levels of intervention are developed, individuals with ASD receive the supports that they need in a positive environment and are assisted in gaining skills that increase their likelihood of success in further education, employment, and independent living. This effort to understand and to offer a comprehensive program is actually an expression of kindness.

This presentation emphasizes the importance of kindness in program development and implementation. Systems must recognize the role kindness has in development and implementation of a program. When a program is not working, there may be critical pieces missing or staff members may require additional training in order to better understand the needs and strengths associated with ASD. The Golden Rule is a valuable guide when responding to the strengths and needs of those with ASD. Kindness is not an EXTRA.

The neurodiversity movement within the field of ASD provides the perspective of difference and natural variation and a step away from a disability perspective. It is a step towards the Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This approach allows us to step into the perspective of another and respond with kindness. In the end, the evidence will show that all along kindness has been the key ingredient to effective practices.