Teaching A Child With Autism: Tips For Parents And Caregivers
June 23, 2007
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An autistic disorder diagnosis is not the end of the world for parents or their child. It used to be that an institution was the only recourse for parents with autistic children. Treatment options include parent-led training sessions designed to give an autistic child every advantage possible.
There are three common behaviors associated with autism. One, autistic children are ill-equipped to deal with social situations with others. Two, autistic children often develop repetitive behaviors. Lastly, autistic children have trouble communicating. Some can speak, but others cannot speak at all.
Children with autism will not survive without the support of their parents and other caregivers. It takes a group effort to prepare an autistic child for the world around them. Patience is the key as you seek to unlock the hidden world that is the mind of an autistic child.
Mildly autistic children, like those who suffer from Asperger syndrome, can go to a regular school. These children can talk, but need help to master social interaction. Children with Asperger’s are usually very intelligent as well.
If the support is there from the school system, Asperger children can be mainstreamed in school instead of taking special classes. Skilled teachers are needed to help autistic children feel comfortable in the classroom. Extra support needs include: occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Occupational therapy teaches social graces through role playing and improvisation. Speech therapy adds inflection and emotion to a child’s voice in the appropriate places and dispenses with the monotone sound. Physical therapy teaches a child how to jump, skip, hop, catch, balance on one foot, and multitask.
Parents need to be involved from the beginning. Whatever exercises are prescribed by therapists and doctors need to be followed at home also. Continuity is important. For these children, the most crucial point is finding a way to communicate with them.
Children are visual learners. A combination of showing and speaking words seems to work best. Some autistic children are able to learn sign language as a form of communication if they cannot speak. The important thing to remember is that these children want to communicate, but their brains will not let them. At first, frustration will set in because you’ll feel like you are getting nowhere, but each session builds on another.
Repetition and routine are important in the teaching of autistic children. The more you do a certain task, the greater the chances that they will pick it up. You will also need to teach autistic children how to communicate their feelings and control their behavior.
There is no cure, but autism is treatable. The earlier the intervention begins, the easier it is for the family. Counseling can deal with issues and help everyone to cope with the autistic family member. The future is brighter if everyone pitches in.
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.
Posted by admin | Filed Under Parenting
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