Anyone who has Autism about?

[colditz]

I have an adult who has Autism coming to my house soon, to talk to me about Ds1. How can I make the house pleasant for her? I'm aware that Ds1 struggles in strange houses and I don't want my guest to feel uncomfortable.

Cup of tea/coffee and biscuit ready. Annoying noises switched off.

Speak calmly, not 19 to the dozen. Nice clear kitchen table or other little oasis of calm to sit in.

Just guessing really. Have a good time.

Um - I'd disagree with having the tea/coffee ready as I'd like to be asked which one I'd like, rather than worry about feeling obliged to drink one I don't! :)

I do agree with everything else though.
Don't have the radio or TV on when she arrives, put your phone on silent if you can and be aware of using figures of speech or slang meaning which isn't always immediately obvious.

If you have other people in the house and/or pets, let her know as soon as she has arrived and restrain pets if necessary.
Also let her know where the loo is straightaway.
If she accepts your offer to take her coat, put it somewhere she will be able to see it.

It really depends on how it affects her so it's difficult to say.

Don't ask her to take her shoes off if you have that rule in your house. I thought about this one for a while but I think the stress it could cause for her could far outweigh the vacuuming for you.

is htere any way you could ask her?

I think that would be the simplest approach - even offering tea or coffee could be a minefield (I would feel obliged to accept one, so as not to seem rude, but in reality drink neither. coffee is downrigth disgusting, tea is just about ok most of the time )

She's been and gone, she's such a nice woman.

I offered "a drink" - then narrowed it down to tea, coffee or hot chocolate (she chose tea, strong, no sugar). I got the biscuit tin out (as I would anyway)

I had isolated my sofa as a calm area. TV/Radio off (I'd do this anyway) and cat put outside as she mentioned she has allergies. My house isn't a no-shoe-zone for adults (and sexistly, girls over 8) anyway, as adults and older girls don't tend to roll around on the floor waving their feet in the air, risking kicks to the face, or climb on the sofa whereas younger girls and boys do (I have small boys).

We had a long chat about Ds1, and she asked me to consider helping her to set up an Autism group within the school as she thinks I have the skill set appropriate for this.

She seemed comfortable, although from what I have read here, adults with autism become very good at seeming, but she didn't rush to be gone so I hope I did well.

Hosting sends me into a flurry

Glad it went well :)

and aren't you lovely!