| Strategies For Teaching Autistic Children | | | | misunderstandings. |
| Managing an autistic child can be difficult at times, | | | | 7. When instructions are given, you need to allow |
| that is why invested in autism strategies in place | | | | enough time for your child to process them. |
| can make the difference between coping and | | | | Autism strategies require patience – don’t |
| feeling overwhelmed. The strategies don’t | | | | rush your child. Strategies For Teaching Autistic |
| have to be difficult or complex, it’s so much | | | | Children |
| simply a matter of ensuring the present your child | | | | 8. Try using visual aids like flash cards or picture |
| feels secure, comfortable, and calm, so that | | | | books when communicating as these can help get |
| properties can grow and develop in a positive | | | | your message across and cement understanding. |
| environment. Strategies For Teaching Autistic | | | | 9. Try to be as consistent as possible with |
| Children | | | | everything you do involving your autistic child. This |
| It’s important to remember that a number of | | | | includes punishments. |
| the behaviors autistics display are those that they | | | | 10. If an autistic individual is not coping, he/she |
| have developed in order to provide security and | | | | requires a “safe” place where they can |
| certainty to the world that surrounds them. Some | | | | retreat in order to calm down and de-stress. |
| of the behaviors that an autistic child naturally | | | | 11. If your child is not coping with a situation, |
| develops are designed to shut out situations they | | | | consider if underlying causes (I.E. confusion, stress, |
| find too difficult to cope with. Thus applying the | | | | fear, pain or over-stimulation) could be a factor |
| right approach can help a parent reach their | | | | and try to remove that cause. |
| autistic child instead of being shut out. | | | | 12. When the stress levels of an autistic have |
| The following is a list of 15 different autism | | | | reduced, encourage them to return to group |
| strategy suggestions parents can utilize to help | | | | activities or situations. |
| them manage their children with autism spectrum | | | | 13. Speak to the school to see if a buddy system |
| disorders: | | | | could be introduced to help provide academic and |
| 1. Provide a predictable environment and daily | | | | social support. This involves pairing autistic kids |
| routine | | | | with non-autistic peers. |
| 2. Prepare your child in advance for any changes | | | | 14. Before attempting to alter or discourage a |
| that need to occur to the routine, don’t | | | | behavior that you think is inappropriate, carefully |
| spring surprises on them. Keep in mind changes | | | | consider if this is necessary, as the behavior you |
| should only be made when absolutely necessary. | | | | are trying to diminish may be replaced by |
| 3. Activities should have structure. | | | | something worse. Strategies For Teaching Autistic |
| 4. Distractions should be kept to a minimum, | | | | Children |
| especially when communicating, so don’t try | | | | 15. Don’t take autism behaviors personally, |
| competing with the TV or lots of background | | | | find ways to de-stress yourself and remember |
| noise when giving instructions. | | | | that laughter is often the best medicine when |
| 5. Ensure you have your child’s full attention | | | | you’re at your wits end. Don't let your love |
| when trying to communicate with them. | | | | ones suffer anymore! Lead them out through |
| 6. When giving instructions they should be simple | | | | Strategies For Teaching Autistic Children program |
| and direct so there is no room for | | | | now! |