[senco-forum] How to respond to apparently autistic adults

What an interesting problem. I suppose the thing is that the most helpful
response for him and the most helpful for you are two completely different
things! You want silence and he wants to hum. Irreconcilable!
I suppose (IF you get a quiet word with him) you might have tried something
like "I realise that you like to hum to the music and it spoils the music
for me - could you either stop humming or go and stand at the back away from
other people to do it?"
But really, whoever supported him to get this far let him down by not
getting him to understand this earlier!
That's my take anyway...
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Kate Barnes
Sent: 03 November 2007 17:26
To: 'senco forum'
Subject: [senco-forum] How to respond to apparently autistic adults

I would appreciate the comments of those on the forum with experience of
working autistic adults.
At a recent classical concert I went to, the youg man behind me started to
hum along loudly, during one of the quietest parts of the violin solo. This
is not usual behaviour at classical music concerts, where even a slight
rustle can bring glares from those around you!
I had already noticed this young man during the interval as his behaviour
was slightly "different" and wondered if he was autistic. 
I was unsure how to respond to his humming. Which to be honest, I found
absolutely ruined that part of the concert for me. Is the problem my lack of
tolerance - should everyone be free to enjoy the concert in their own way? 
Or should I make allowances in case he's disabled by autism and not able to
understand or see the need to conform? 
Perhaps I should have clearly and firmly signalled to him to be quiet - was
it unfair to expect him to pick up the subtle social signals of glances and
frowns from those around him?
Or then again maybe I should complain the concerts organisers for allowing
him in to the concert at all...
Obviously I am trying to open up debate here; but I genuinly wasnt sure what
response would be most helpful to him.
Kate