When people who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD), receive the right interaction from others, it makes a huge difference in their lives. Professionals such as Lindsey Stone are working to promote awareness of ASD, so more people will understand how they can help people who live with ASD receive the respect and quality of life they deserve.
The Most Challenging Behaviors
When their sleep is disrupted, parents may think their child needs to get up, eat, and watch TV. The opposite is required. Parents should make the child’s room as comfortable for sleeping as possible. This may include darkening shades, white noise or low music and heavier blankets. If the room seems too hot, the temperature should be lowered if possible.
When the child seems too picky about what they’ll eat, it is not recommended to force them to eat something they reject. The best thing to do is gradually introduce them to other foods by simply putting the food on the table. Slowly, they may allow the food to be put on their plate, and they may even touch it. It’s important to be relaxed and happy when you eat. This may mean letting your six-year-old eat only what he or she wants. When they reach 10 years old, you can start widening their palate.
When an ASD child throws a tantrum, the first thing the parent should try to do is calm him or her down before trying to adjust the cause of the tantrum. Parents need to realize that there are some situations that are overwhelming for their child and not put them in those situations.
When the child becomes aggressive, it may be to sensory overload or frustration because he or she can’t communicate their needs. Once the parent understands the causes of aggressive behavior, the number of times it happens drops dramatically.
How Teachers Can Help
Some tips for teachers who have children with ASD in their class are:
• Use visual aids. Many ASD children find visual aids much easier to understand. Visual support includes:
o Written lists
o Objectives clearly marked on calendars
o Timetables
o Simple drawings of planned activities
• Stick figures with comic-strip balloons to illustrate conversations are another visual aid. This may help the child understand the abstract aspects of conversation such as the feelings and intentions of others.
• If a child with ASD can read, they may be able to learn how to cope with different situations through stories. The stories explain what will happen in a given situation and how the child can cope. For example, they may explain how to take the bus home or what to do when they hear a fire alarm.
The Latest Techniques
New breakthrough possibilities may help an ASD child reduce the brain’s compulsivity. Some of these techniques include:
• Help the child move slowly and draw his or her attention to what their body is doing.
• Put the brakes on any activity if the child looks like he or she does not understand. Moving much more slowly can transform the situation for the better.
• Allow the child to do everyday activities in innovative ways. It’s not always necessary to teach them to do things the ‘right’ way.
These small suggestions can have a big, positive impact on the life of a child who has ASD.
