Autism Do's and Don'ts by Jennifer Holt
It was Thursday afternoon, and I was checking last-minute e-mails before taking Sam over to a friend’s neighborhood pool. Always the water bug, my little guy was so excited about the chance to swim at a new pool, with two adoring older girls who treat him like a prince.
As I opened Jenna’s last-minute reminders, she noted, “You may want to prepare Sam that the lifeguards take a 10-minute break every hour. The whistle will blow, and everyone will have to exit the pool.”
As I read her message, I knew she had just saved me a lot of headaches for the afternoon. My son, Sam, has autism. He has difficulty with transitions, needs to know what to expect, and hates loud, shrill noises. Her casual e-mail helped me prepare Sam for the experience, so we could all enjoy the trip to the pool.
If you know a child with autism, here is a list of do’s and don’t’s to show you how you can help:
DO:
- Give him a heads up on anything out of the sensory “norm”: loud noises, something particular he might have to wear, etc.
- Let him know the schedule ahead of time, especially if there are big transitions. My son uses a visual schedule with pictures that show him what is coming next and what his choices are. These are invaluable in new situations.
- Be very specific in your instructions and give positive feedback when the child does a good job.
- Provide two choices: “Do you want to swing or slide?” Too many options can be confusing.
- Use simple language. Be direct without using too many words.
DON’T:
- Expect him to read your facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language -- many children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) can not.
- Speak loudly like you’re talking to a deaf person. Volume does not increase understanding!
- Change plans mid-stream. Children with autism often are resistant to change in routine and expectations.
- Underestimate their ability to be social, have a great time, and play hard!
- Exempt him from the rules of sharing, caring, and treating others with respect. As a parent, I want my son to learn those things as well. Practicing in social situations is the only way he will learn that.
Jennifer J. Holt and her husband, Brian, are walking through each day, casting their cares on the Lord, and praying for strength and wisdom as they raise their hilarious, musical, artistic, outdoorsy, miraculous son, Sam, who is now four years old.
Don't miss Jennifer's article "A Hope and a Future" in the February 2011 issue of ParentLife, as well as her previous guest post, "Encouragement for the Weary."
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
