How to Deal With Autistic Children

It is estimated that one in every 110 children born today will be diagnosed with the developmental brain disorder commonly known as autism. Autism is part of a group of disorders commonly called autism spectrum disorders, which also include Asperger̵7;s syndrome, Rett syndrome, and childhood disintegrative disorder. Autism is characterized by impairments in social skills and language development and by repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping or snapping. While caring for or interacting with an autistic child can be challenging, there are some strategies that you can use to help handle his unique needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Journal
  • Calendar
  • Pictures of daily activities

Instructions

  1. Strategies for Helping Autistic Children

    • 1

      Develop and maintain a daily and weekly routine. Autistic children need consistent routines each day. They want to know what to expect. Developing and maintaining a routine can help avoid meltdowns.

    • 2

      Adjust the environment. Children with autism are often hyper-sensitive to the world around them. Smells, sounds, colors, and bright lights can overwhelm their senses and cause an autistic child to get very upset and either withdraw or act out. Make the environment as calming as possible, by removing over-stimulating items.

    • 3

      Identify patterns of behavior by keeping a journal of patterns that triggers ̶0;meltdowns.̶1; When an autistic child̵7;s senses are overwhelmed, they often react by having tantrums. By writing down what was going on when each tantrum occurs̵2;Was there a loud and unexpected sound? Was there a break in routine?̵2;you can identify patterns in the causes and work to avoid those triggers. You may not be able to avoid every breakdown, but knowing the causes can keep them to a minimum.

    • 4

      Use specific and literal language. Autistic children often do not understand instructions unless they are expressed directly. Instead of calling an autistic child to lunch from the kitchen, go to the child and say something like ̶0;John, you need to stop and put the ball away. It is time for lunch.̶1; According to Autism Speaks, many autistic children have trouble handling expressive and receptive language, and need those direct instructions. At the same time, remember that many autistic children think very literally, so try to avoid sarcasm, idioms, metaphors, allusions, puns, and other expressions that can be confusing.

    • 5

      Use visual aids. Because autistic children tend to be very visual thinkers and learners, it can be helpful to them if you demonstrate how to do things rather than just describe them. Repetition is very helpful. For very young children, a visual schedule of the day can be very helpful in helping make smooth transitions between activities. Try making a calendar with pictures demonstrating each activity in the order it will be completed. Older children that can read may still need some sort of pictorial representation of their activities along with the words.

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