Question about autism?

Question

We just found out that my friends 4 year old son as autism. He doesn't see me very often (maybe once a month?) but he does like me when he can visit with me.

My question is, is there a way that I should approch him differantly now that we know that he has this disability? I don't know very much about autism so any pointers would be great! Thanks in advance for yur help!

Answer 1

Long before autism was designer "oh help me condition -before Rain Man ,many of us did our odd strange lives "our way" the best we could and it worked!  Thankfully despite being a bit strange odd and different no one was there to call us autistic and as such we were able to do so much more than modern autistic kids are.  People in fact loved our oddness and I fondly remember the people in my life that treated me as normal as possible. Please just treat this guy the same as before and you might go one step futher and don't finish his sentances for him.   Years from now he will thank you for that as that chance for him to complete his thoughts is a great education booster in autism.  

Rich Shull Author Autism Pre Rain Man Autism- autisms most hated book.  Host of the Blog Pre Rain Man Autism- inventor of The Truing Motor, named for Autisitc hero Alan Turing father of the computer.

Answer 2

He already likes you, so I'd say to just keep doing what you've been doing.   I have a nephew with autism, and I usually let him decide when he wants to approach ME...especially if there are a lot of other people around.  Autistic children have a difficult time with "sensory overload" and get irritable if there's too much going on around them.  I always remember not to be too excited or "emotional" when I talk to him.

Answer 3

Autism is a communication disorder in that the child has extreme difficulty understanding language and social situations.  While I would treat him the same as usual, you might offer some visuals for allowing him to pick things to play with or to eat, if he can't express his needs.

Another thing is for you to attempt to communicate with him as clearly as possible and in language that he can understand. You might want to go out of your way to talk with him so that he develops language while he is around you.

Children with ASD often have extreme social anxiety, especially when they have to be in noisy, crowded environments. If this child shows fear when you take him to a playground or store, you might want to gradually introduce him to an environment like this.

Another thing to consider is that many ASD kids do not like to be touched, so if he shrinks away when you touch him, try not to do this. Also, kids with ASD usually love to swing and play with toys that have sounds and lights, so you might go for activities like these. If you find that he has trouble with noisy places, it is good to take a toy like this with him. It will help him screen out some of the bustle.

Most interventions really depend on the level of autism. High functioning ASD kids will behave much differently than lower functioning children. A high functioning child frequently has some language but will have sensory and social issues. A lower functioning child will not have language and may have severe sensory issues. You treatment of this child will depend on his functioning level.

If you have children and the child has unusual behaviors, teach your own children to accept him as he is and to treat him like just another kid.

Answer 4

I think you should treat him the way you always did BEFORE he was diagnosed as being autistic. Did it ever occur to you that maybe the reason he likes you is that you treat him like any other kid? If you are truly concerned about what will affect him in some manner, I would consult his parents, otherwise, just treat him like you always had ;-)

Answer 5

Children with autism tend to dislike change, so just behave the same way as you always do towards him. Don't overload him with ideas and loads of questions when you meet with him, just try to be calm and perhaps a bit reserved. Let him take the lead and show an interest in what he likes. Autistic children are very different at times but most of the time they want to be treated much the same as every one else. Try to read some books on the subject to learn more.