CHOOSE TOGETHER · ONE NEXT STEP AT A TIME
Treatment questions, everyday activities, caregiver help and local programs. Save the ideas that fit, discuss them with the person and care team, then build a plan you can print.
Sources checked October 8, 2026 · Educational editorial draft; clinical review pending. Saving an option is a request to consider it, not a clinical recommendation or booking.
SAVE WHAT IS USEFUL
Clarify what drives the distress before choosing a therapy: pain, sleep, medication effects, sensory load, anxiety/OCD, trauma and psychosis can require different responses.
Next step: Arrange a coordinated review and bring a brief record of triggers, changes and what helps.
Before choosing: Describe observations without assigning a cause. Ask for a shared plan for early warning signs and when to seek urgent help.
ERP is an established OCD treatment. Autism-informed delivery can use concrete language, visual steps, breaks and agreed caregiver involvement.
Next step: Find an OCD/ERP clinician and ask how they assess obsessions, compulsions, social fears and co-occurring conditions.
Before choosing: Build any exposure plan collaboratively with the clinician. Do not assume every fear is OCD or create surprise exposures.
Some TMS devices and protocols are FDA-cleared for adult OCD. The exact device, protocol and indication matter.
Next step: Ask a psychiatrist whether an OCD-specific TMS consultation is appropriate after reviewing prior care.
Before choosing: Request the device clearance and protocol, assessment of seizure/implant risks and psychiatric history, expected course, cost and insurance requirements.
OCD studies of intermittent, continuous and accelerated theta-burst protocols have mixed results. Depression clearance does not establish OCD benefit for a proposed protocol.
Next step: Ask the TMS specialist to compare the proposed theta-burst protocol with OCD-cleared TMS and established OCD care.
Before choosing: Ask whether this exact use is cleared, off-label or research; how OCD symptoms will be measured; and how the treating psychiatrist will coordinate care.
A sham-controlled trial of wrist median nerve stimulation showed a tic-reduction signal. The manufacturer currently describes a wellness release while medical-device regulatory work continues.
Next step: Ask a tic specialist about the evidence, current US access and whether any legitimate study is relevant.
Before choosing: Do not treat a wellness product, overseas launch or preorder as FDA clearance for Tourette syndrome. Recheck availability before spending money; do not substitute a generic electrical stimulator.
CBIT is an established behavioral option for bothersome tics, tailored to the person's goals and ability to engage.
Next step: Ask the neurologist or Tourette specialist for a CBIT-trained clinician and any needed adaptations.
Before choosing: Focus on distress or functional impact; do not punish tics or require suppression to earn activities.
EMDR is a PTSD treatment, not a treatment for autism itself. Small autism-specific studies suggest feasibility, but do not establish that it fits every autistic person or every fear.
Next step: Ask a trauma-trained clinician whether PTSD or trauma-related symptoms are present and whether EMDR is appropriate.
Before choosing: Coordinate with the treating psychiatrist when psychosis is part of the history. Agree on readiness, pacing, communication, sensory preferences and a plan for distress.
An occupational therapist can help assess practical barriers to routines and participation and identify individualized supports.
Next step: Ask for an adult OT assessment focused on meaningful daily tasks and sensory preferences.
Before choosing: Set functional goals such as preparing a snack or tolerating a chosen outing. Review whether changes help; avoid cure claims.
SAVE WHAT IS USEFUL
A simple, predictable plan can begin with the person's own preferences: one enjoyable activity, one everyday task and room for rest.
Next step: Choose together and write a short first–then plan with an agreed break or stop signal.
Before choosing: Start when the person is willing and settled. Adjust demands when distress rises; participation is not a test of compliance.
Try a familiar, manageable route, nature photography or time sitting outdoors with a chosen support person.
Next step: Pick the place, quieter time, length, transport and a comfortable exit plan together.
Before choosing: Check weather, energy and walking needs. A public place may include women and children; it is not a controlled therapy setting.
A preferred creative activity can be enjoyed alone or alongside a trusted person without requiring conversation.
Next step: Offer two familiar choices and a clear start and finish.
Before choosing: Choose comfortable sound, lighting and materials. Stop or change the activity if it increases distress.
Consider a familiar walk, stretching, a simple exercise routine or an individual fitness session that matches interests and physical ability.
Next step: Choose one manageable movement option; ask a clinician about physical restrictions if relevant.
Before choosing: Use predictable instructions and breaks. Avoid crowded competitive settings until the person wants them and support is appropriate.
Making a snack, watering plants or sorting familiar materials can provide a clear, useful role.
Next step: Choose one task with a visible finish and the right level of help.
Before choosing: Agree on supervision for heat, sharp tools or other hazards. Make participation optional and celebrate the person's contribution.
A booked technology-help session or short visit around a specific interest may offer more predictability than an open social event.
Next step: Ask about a quiet appointment, a consistent staff contact and whether a support person can attend.
Before choosing: Confirm adult eligibility and support arrangements. This is an ordinary outing, not an exposure assignment.
SAVE WHAT IS USEFUL
FAU CARD provides no-cost consultation, resources and training for eligible people and their families in Palm Beach and surrounding counties.
Next step: Request a consultation about adult supports, program fit and caregiver training.
Before choosing: CARD provides consultation and navigation; confirm what direct services are available rather than assuming therapy or daily staffing.
For an adult, explore trained in-home personal supports, one-to-one companion services or paid relief coverage matched to actual support needs.
Next step: Ask APD or the support coordinator which adult services and funding pathways apply; compare providers.
Before choosing: APD's listed respite service is for under-21s. Adults should ask about personal supports and companion services; eligibility, authorization and availability are individual.
Use the APD provider directory and referrals to identify staff with relevant adult disability and mental-health experience.
Next step: Compare three providers on skills, staffing continuity, references, availability, cost and backup coverage.
Before choosing: Verify credentials and screening; ask about de-escalation, transport, medication boundaries and emergency procedures. A directory listing alone does not establish fit.
A familiar introduction, a written support profile and a planned trial shift can help everyone identify what works.
Next step: Write communication preferences, early signs of distress, useful responses and who to contact; agree on a trial with the person.
Before choosing: Respect the person's choice and privacy. Confirm staff can meet needs before relying on independent coverage; document an alternative if they cancel.
Peer-led family groups offer connection for adults supporting someone with a mental-health condition.
Next step: Choose a current family support group or ask about family education.
Before choosing: Check registration and meeting times. Peer support complements professional care and is not an emergency service.
211 can help locate community resources and clarify which local services to contact.
Next step: Ask specifically for support and caregiver relief options serving a working-age adult with developmental and mental-health needs.
Before choosing: Ask about age limits, eligibility, current openings and costs; programs listed under seniors may not serve a younger adult.
Record who can help, which clinician to call, preferred calming approaches and how to get urgent support.
Next step: Complete the backup plan with the person, family and treating team, and identify one backup contact.
Before choosing: Do not invent medication instructions. In the US, call 988 for crisis support; call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency.
SAVE WHAT IS USEFUL
Community-based learning and life-skills activities for autistic adults aged 21+ in Palm Beach County.
Next step: Call 561-377-2099 to discuss participation criteria, current location, openings and a visit.
Before choosing: The organizer lists weekday hours 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Discuss current distress and support needs honestly; confirm behavioral criteria, staffing, transport and fees.
Adult services include life-skills, recreation and employment pathways in Jupiter. ADT serves adults 18+ who have exited school.
Next step: Ask which adult offerings currently accept inquiries and fit the person's interests and support needs.
Before choosing: The ADT page currently says the program is full and its interest list is closed. Keep this as a future possibility; ask separately about other services.
Access lists vocational adult day training for ages 18+, independent-living and personal-support services in the West Palm Beach area.
Next step: Contact 1-866-260-5027 to verify the current program, location, schedule and admissions.
Before choosing: Confirm information directly: the website includes older/example content. Ask about staffing, co-occurring mental-health needs, fees, funding and transport.
Vocational Rehabilitation can assess eligibility and help develop an employment plan around the person's interests and abilities.
Next step: If work is a chosen goal, ask for orientation and an eligibility assessment; discuss supported employment providers.
Before choosing: This is a future option, not a requirement to work. Ask about supports, waitlists and any cost contribution before committing.
Adult social events provide another possible route to shared-interest connection for eligible people aged 18+.
Next step: Ask CARD about the current Palm Beach schedule, format and support requirements.
Before choosing: The published program expects participants to navigate community settings with little support. Confirm fit before attendance; it may not suit periods of high distress.
In your Care Plan, choose “Caregiver report.” Select the items and sections to include, add next steps and responsibilities, and print or save as PDF. Your private notes are optional. The report reflects your saved plan; it does not certify treatment suitability.
Build and print my planSources checked October 8, 2026. Clinical review pending; provider details and availability must be reconfirmed.
When social situations feel frightening
Fear around women or girls deserves a respectful assessment, without assuming its cause. Describe what happens and what the person says they fear. A clinician can help distinguish intrusive fears, trauma, social anxiety, sensory distress or beliefs linked to psychosis.
Choose ordinary activities around interests and comfort. A familiar walk, making a snack, drawing or a booked learning session can be starting ideas. The options below are invitations to adapt, not a prescribed daily regimen.
Keep participation collaborative
If distress is new or worsening, contact the treating team. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911; in the US, 988 provides crisis support.
Assessment guidance: NICE autism in adults · NICE psychosis guidance. The activity examples are practical planning suggestions.