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Helping Autistic friend be age appropriate

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Summer_Twilight
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26 May 2020, 8:45 am

Hi:
I have an autistic friend who owns a condo in my complex is in his early 40s and otherwise can do so. I love him dearly, but his conversations often match that of a 9-year-old next to being repetitive. On top of that, his topics are not appropriate.

He will ask questions like
"What would happen if I get into the swimming pool with my cat?"
"What would happen if I put cat sh&&% into the pool?"
"What would happen if I knocked down a hornets nest?

How do I help him? I know of an adult program at an autism center that may be able to help him expand his conversations. Any tips?



CarlM
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26 May 2020, 9:03 am

Sounds like the adult program might be right for him. How does he react when if you explain to him why his questions are inappropriate?


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Borromeo
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26 May 2020, 10:56 am

Let's hope he never decides to try practical experimentation!


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Summer_Twilight
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26 May 2020, 12:51 pm

CarlM wrote:
Sounds like the adult program might be right for him. How does he react when if you explain to him why his questions are inappropriate?


If I correct him on any of his ideas, he laughs and says "And why not?"

I have to explain to him on multiple times that his ideas are not appropriate and dangerous which I get tired of.

How do I approach him about this group?



Fireblossom
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27 May 2020, 8:09 am

Hmm well repeating stuff is how children are taught, but if he's 40 and it hasn't worked for him so far, I wouldn't count on it.

Would it be possible for you to explain about all the trouble this kind of behaviour can cause him and suggest that he'd go to some kind of therapy or social skills counceling before he says something that'll really land him in to trouble?



Summer_Twilight
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27 May 2020, 9:55 am

I suggested that he join the life coaching program for adults at an autism center in my city as there are some good therapists there who I believe can counsel him.

Last night, I stretched the conversation based on his interests as he
1. He loves bees
A. I talk about him looking into beekeeping and maybe selling honey and bee's wax soap at a local farmers market (He is good at selling things)
B. I also talked to him about different bees

As for the swimming pool comment with the cat, I told him last night "That's getting old." I asked him "He said, I still think it's funny." I said "Other people may not see it that way"