What R.A.s Can Do

• Frequently checking in with all residents can provide insight into their daily habits and how well they are doing. Do not be afraid to ask what may seem like an intrusive question to get more information from your residents on their experience.

• When speaking with residents with ASD who are struggling with particular personal care or independent living skills, it is imperative that you communicate explicitly and directly, not making subtle hints or using figurative language. 

• Ask the resident what they think would help them perform the skill they are struggling with or ask the resident how you can help them. The student may suggest a strategy that they know has worked well for them in the past. 

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Addressing Hygiene Issues:​

• It is not your job to tell them everyday when they have to shower. As an R.A. you should be promoting independence for all of your residents, including your residents with ASD.

• What you can do is tell them directly that they need to shower regularly, because when people our age do not shower, we can start to smell and can repulse other people. 

• If you think the resident will need a cue to remind them to engage in proper hygiene behaviors, you can talk with the resident about devising a plan of action. Visual cues and reminders can be especially helpful (Wolf, Brown, & Bork, 2009).

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Addressing Time Management and Organization Issues:

• It is important to remember that you are not an academic advisor or disability services professional- You are an R.A., and there are experts that you can collaborate with and/or refer the resident to. 

• One of the most powerful tools in assisting residents with ASD with time management is helping them develop a visual schedule. The schedule should be very packed, leaving limited free time, instead labeling time slots specifically for Clubs & Activities/ Socializing and marking out time slots for work outside of class such as "study Statistics" (Wolf et al., 2009). Click on the following link for a sample schedule template that you can use.

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Addressing Sleep Issues:

• Help resiudents talk about their sleep needs with their roommates

• Make a roommate contract that addresses noise, lights out, and overnight guests. Click on the following link to view a  sample roommate contract.