Working with Autistic children??

Question

I am going to be working with autistic children and I have never worked with them before. I wanted to know what to expect. And any different things that I should know when working with them. Thank you for your time!

Answer 1

You are in for a real big shock if you've never come across any one with autism before. Because it is such a large spectrum of disorders all autistic people vary greatly but do have certain traits in common. Usually people with autism are very direct if you are over weight they will tell you to your face that you are fat. If they think that what they are telling you is right it is very difficult to get them to change their point of view. They all like routine and usually get very upset if this is changed in any way. Obsessions play a big part in their lives as well and many of them will talk constantly about what interests them and will not be interested in what you have to say. Some people with autism find eye contact very difficult and can some times feel rather threatened by it. To work with autism you have to understand how to treat these people and avoid certain triggers that could upset them. Working with people with autism can be hugely rewarding, they always have a different perspective on life and to gain their trust is great, some of the most interesting and funny people I know have autism and I wouldn't change them. Good luck.

Answer 2

In my opinion they are the best kids to work with and I hope you enjoy them. There is sooooooooooooooo much you need to know but each child as with ordinary children they are all different individuals. You must for their sake and yours get some training. It is unfortunately the case however that many support staff and teachers are attempting to teach these children without training or experience. When this is the case, it is the worst job for all concerned I cannot stress that enough. Good luck.

Answer 3

The first thing to do is learn about each individual child as much as you can. Autism can create some very erratic behavior. What I like to say about autism is that it locks away a certain amount of "you" and your ability to relate to the world around you, in a "box" in your mind. The toughest thing about this for an autistic person is that they absorb everything around them 100%, but can't relay it back that way. I would head to your local bookstore and seek out some publications, read up on them. Don't be surprised if you get bit, hit or kicked, it is possible depending on the level of function they have. They are struggling to communicate with you and the frustration is overwhelming. I have autism and am lucky enough to be high functioning. You may contact me if you wish.

Oh, and my wife just reminded me, check out AutismSpeaks.org

Answer 4

I think one of the most impoartant things to know is that no 2 people with autism are alike. They are individuals and what you may find to work with one person may not always work with another even if their characteristics are exactly the same.

One of the best things you can do is educate yourself as much as you can about autism. The more you know about it,  the different treatments/therapies, etc. ; the more you can help.

I recommend reading Ten Things Every Child With Autism Wishes You Knew & Ten Things Your Student With Autism Wishes You Knew by Ellen Notbohm. It will give a prespective from their point of view, for example idioms, puns, nuances, double entendres, inference, metaphors, allusions and sarcasm confuse them. Also behaviorial issues, such as senory issues which can cause behaviorial issues, how to detect and deal with.  I have left links to an excerpt from each book.

I find the Autism Society of America to be a great source for learning about autism, they have tons and tons of useful information. They also have a search engine for local chapters, support groups, and other autism resources.

If you are a teacher or an assistant, you may also want to look into a local Center for Autsim and Related Diseases (CARD)(you can search for one through the Austim Society's search engine). They offer services not only for the parents/children but also services for teachers. They will work with you and  teach you different techniques to use in teaching the child and in dealing with his behavior. They will work with anybody within the school that works with the child. They do provide the services at no charge. They offer several classes for parents/teachers outside the home and school as well. I have left a link about  accommadations that may help in case you are a teacher or an assistant. They can be useful in a classroom enviroment or in the home.

Answer 5

Go to some of the autistic sites and read up on all the info

you can.  Their likes and dislikes especially.  I have an

autistic daughter and I have learned a lot and been told

a lot by other parents and people who know autistic

children.  I am lucky in a way my daughter is very loving

and good natured.  I have heard that a lot of the autistic

children have tantrums, bad tempers, or don't communicate

at all.  Even though my daughter is non-verbal she lets

us know what she likes/wants or doesn't like or want.

Good luck and I hope it is a good experience for you.

Answer 6

There should be other people there to help with what you are going to do. As long as your heart is in the right place, and you have patience, it will all work out. Some really great kids.

Answer 7

I would recomend that you spend some time talking with their parents so they can tell you about each childs trigger, and different issues they may have. I also would suggest checking a book out or talking with an adult who has Autism. It can really elnd a lot of insight into the way a child might be thinking.

Answer 8

With all respect, what kind of a job would hire somebody with 0 experience to work with autistic children?  I am a teacher and they are very challenging to work with ......I suggest getting at least a class or two in before working with them.  There are strategies and certain things you need to use in order to reach them.  Not just any JoeShmoe from the streets should handle this job.

Answer 9

Unfortunately, many times individuals with no experience are hired to work with children with autism (particularly in private schools and programs), and they do not care to seek outside training or information. So, thank you for caring about the kids you'll work with!

I'm assuming that you'll be working under a supervisor of some sort who does have experience with autism, so this would be a good place to start with your specific questions, as well as obtaining some general information.

I also agree with the person who pointed out that no two kids with autism are alike. Some kids may have difficult behaviors, some may be very compliant, some may appear to be "in their own world," and some may be very social, etc. Something that I always like to point out is that just because they may appear to not be listening, does not mean that they are not! Over and over again, I have found that "professionals" will talk negatively about the kids right in front of them like they're not even there.

Back to suggestions, since I don't know the ages of the kids or what type of setting you'll be working in, I would recommend that you look at the following websites, and use whatever information applies to you. Thanks again for caring and good luck with your new job!

"Twelve Tips for Setting Up An Autism Classroom" - http://www.nlconcepts.com/autism-class.h...

"Positively Autism" (Free newsletter and printable lessons/activities) - http://www.positivelyautism.com/

"Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew" by Ellen Notbohm - http://www.ellennotbohm.com/ten_things_a...

Website of Paula Kluth, Ph.D. - http://www.paulakluth.com/autism.html

Teaching Tips for Children and Adults with Autism by Temple Grandin, Ph.D. - http://www.autism.org/temple/tips.html

Websites for Visually-Structured Learning Activities (as most children with autism are visual learners):

http://www.tasksgalore.com/ (see the "Task of the Month" section for free ideas),

http://www.hot-ideas.org/

http://www.preschoolfun.com/pages/teacch...

http://www.autismtasks.com/