How to Get along with autism children ??

Question

Hello! I need help!! I have an interview tomorrow and i have to work with autism children...the people needs to see whether can i get along with the autism children. I major in psychology but i actually don't have any idea on how to get along with autism children! I do not know how to play with them. Can some one give me some suggestioN can some one give me some method? Thank you!!

Answer 1

I have two kids with autism.  Working with an autistic child can be a significant challenge, so be sure this is really what you want to do.  Also, I've said many times that if you've met one child with autism, you've met one child with autism.  They are unique individuals, and there is no "one size fits all" approach to interacting with them.

Autism, as you may already know, consists of impairment in one or more of the following areas:

    * Social interaction

    * Language

    * Repetitive or inflexible behaviors

    * Sensory problems (noises, smells, lights, touch, etc)

When first meeting the child, observe what they are doing, what interests them.  Then gently try to join them in this activity.  If they are non-verbal, see if they use sign language.  If they are not doing anything (nothing appears to interest them), it would be helpful to have some toys of your own to try to engage them - simple toys.  Place a few toys around them and see if they select one.  Let the child be the guide, and you follow.

Many kids with autism have poor play skills.  They may throw a toy (or bang it on the floor, spin its wheels, etc.) not necessarily because they don't like it, but rather because they don't know what else to do with it.  You could model play for them - play with the toy yourself, the correct way, then let them try.  However, don't place demands, just play.  Sadly, even playing may be very difficult and frustrating for them.

Also, since many kids with autism have language difficulties, their lack of responsiveness may simply be because they don't understand what you're saying, or how to respond.  When you speak to them, get close to them, and try to get them to look at you.  If they resist looking, place a toy (or other item) they are interested in near your eyes.  Then speak, making your sentences short and simple.  If that doesn't work, try phrasing what you say in different ways.  Use lots of excitement and inflection in your voice - what I call the "Barney voice".  Not too loud, though.

Hopefully this will help, as a starter.  However, for long term, proper training is a necessity.  If the company you are interviewing with does not train specifically for autism, look elsewhere.

Good luck!

Answer 2

First of all, they aren't autism children. They are children with autism, or autistic children. Secondly, you don't *have* to work with them, you are choosing to take a job in which that will be your occupation. Semantics, perhaps, but it will improve your outlook.

If you have no experience, you might tell them now, so that they can choose to train you or hire someone more appropriate. Definitely read all you can online, at www.autism-society.org and other websites about autism.

Keep an open mind and observe more than you try to 'fix'. Kids with autism are amazing, and have so much to teach you. Remember that you have to earn their trust first, before you know the specific childs needs, to move slowly, speak softly and slowly, do not touch the child. Some kids like light touch, some like firm touch, and woe betide the person who does the wrong one.

Answer 3

You dont say what kind of job that you have however hope this helps, I have 3 autistic boys so a "little" knowledge, lol!!!!   Be yourself!  Have a look on www.nas.org  there are plenty of ideas on there to help you.  With my boys, if you went in like a bull in a china shop and was all over them they would run a mile.  Take is steady, use your skills in pschology to read the body language and take the situation from there.  Good luck.

Answer 4

Observation, observation and more observation! Watch to see how the child interacts with the environment, how they use, handle or manipulate toys/objects. Put yourself just outside the child's personal space perimeter and let the child approach you, not the other way round.If they don't, start to mirror whatever they are doing as this may engage their attention. Ask someone who knows the child well what they are interested in (or obsessional about!) and what are their fears and/or sensitivities. Take your time to get a feel of how this child is experiencing the world and then try to imagine how that would feel. Most importantly, do not judge them by normative standards! These children are not "naughty" or "obstinate" or "stupid", they are struggling to make sense of a world that makes no sense, they are trying to create some kind of order out of chaos.

If you can get to win an autistic childs trust and friendship you will find that you  become a better and more sensitive person.

They really can change your life.

Answer 5

like everyone else said every autistic child is different and special in their own way.  My 9 year old son has aspergers syndrome.  At times I wish I could put a sign on him reading "I'm not a bad kid just cause I act different I just dont understand how to act".  He does not have many friends and does not understand social interactions.  He once told the receptionist that she needed a makeover because she had a wort on her face, he is very concrete  and seems rude but does not mean to hurt someones feelings.  On the other hand my son has a near genius IQ.  He can spell and use huge word in the correct context since he was 2.  He taught himself how to play chess and all the US presidents in kindergarten.  Now he is in the 4th grade and knows almost half of the periodic table of elements.  He loves to learn and is very artistic.  His hero is Einstein and wants to be like him.  He has lots of good and bad days.

Answer 6

My son has autism. His specific diagnosis is high functioning or aspergers.  This is considered "mild autism" to some experts but in my son's case he was misdiagnosed so many times, a formal diagnosis was not made until he was 12.  Early intervention is a must!!!

He is an intelligent young man but he has behaviors that mask his intelligence and unfortunately they stifle his ability to move forward in the school system.  It is geared for neuro-typical students and misses the mark for students who need that exxtra support and understanding.

I guess the most difficult  issue for students and teachers to accept is my son doesn't LOOK like he has a disability.  If you can't see it; it doesn't exist!  I can't stress enough the importance of the correct diagnosis and services for children when they are young.  We are trying to build up his confidence in himself and to trust others in helping him forge ahead and leave his old ways of coping behind---it's a daunting process.  

The best advice I have for you is to "get to know each individual student"  by parental input.  We as parents know our children the best and if you don't respect our input you set yourself up for frustration for both parties involved.  

Don't try and "fix" our kids...they are not broken. They experience various environments in a very different way and by observing them you know immediately if you'll need to accomodate them and may have to try different approaches.  Just remember their behaviors are what they are- a mechanism to cope--do not take them personal.  They do not intuitively pick up on clues as to how to be in social settings.  It can be overwhelming to their senses--like an attack.  If you think about in those terms it's easier to understand their reactions or coping behaviors.  I think children with autism FEEL so much more and with all their senses that they retreat to protect themselves.

I also believe with the right supports and compassionate caregivers , children with autism have talents and gifts to share with the us.  Autism is considered a disability but only because it doesn't fit into society's definition of "normal or neurotypical"  Autism is the "ability" to see the world in a unique way and change "old thinking" with "refreshing new concepts."  

Most important just be yourself, be real -don't try too hard and enjoy each student's individuality. They will help guide you in the direction of areas that may be stifling them in regards to daily coping skills.  When you get it right--you'll be the first one to know!!!!  Good Luck!

Answer 7

i have a 13yr daughter w/autism.   Not all autistic children are alike.  There is such a wide range in the autism spectrum disorder.  Some are verbal some are not.  u just have to stand back and observe.  most of what u need to know just comes with experience.

Answer 8

Hi ... my son Thomas is nine he has severe autism, the best thing i can say is make things simple if your talking to a child don't make sentences to long make easy and simple to understand, i found with Thomas he understood me better, for example instead of me saying to him 'Thomas can you please take your coat off' say 'Take off your coat' Don't expect children with autism to look at you when you are talking, they will hear you and listen, you can only play with a child with autism if they let you, sometimes my son will want my to draw shapes and build bricks and other times he want to be alone, and you don't have to work you have want to work with children with autism its very challenging hard work and so rewarding

good luck

Answer 9

This is a big one - try not to ever argue with them - you won't win! If there is a problem and they want to do something that they should not, try to find a fun solution for them.  If they are supposed to be doing one thing and insist on another.....tell them the other is second.  They would usually get it - they are probably a lot smarter than most children, they just need happy and proper guidance.  They don't like conflict!

Answer 10

I have never heard of them being called "autism children". As autism is on a spectrum and every child who has an autistic spectrum disorder is very different, no two are ever the same. You would treat a child who has autism the same as some one who you had never met before and work on getting to know them. The most important thing is to treat each child as an individual.

Answer 11

Treat the children like you would a 'normal'child. give the child a little more time to process what you have said. reduce your speech, example 'shoes on' rather that 'put your shoes on now'. to many words can confuse the child.

Answer 12

You must "be" the child with autism!