Tips for watching after a child with autism?

Question

Tomorrow I'm going to be the camp counselor for a 11 year old non-verbal boy with Autism. Does anyone have any advice on how I can best watch out for him and let him have as much fun as possible?

Answer 1

The most important thing to remember is to stay with him always. His safety has to be your 1st priority.

Please add more detail regarding what this child is like and I will be better able to help.

Can he participate in group activities?

Does he have sensory issues as well?

The more you can tell me the more I can help

Thanks!

Answer 2

Aw, my little brother is nonverbal autistic (he is 19 now) and also loves basketball and swimming. my brother is very low functioning tho, and is very cautious. he doesn't like being passed the ball (it moves too quickly) but loves to watch people play. find some friendly curious other kids and be the liaison between the child and the small group of manageable quiet friendly kids. anyone too boisterous might make the autistic child nervous. as they become more comfortable with their environment introduce more interesting stimuli, like slowly bouncing the ball closer to them, introducing them to play a group game in the pool, etc.  be careful to watch the body language and facial expressions, ask his parents or whomever if he gives off any signals for when he is hungry, upset, needs to go potty, etc that you might be able to pick up on. Just be upbeat but not TOO high energy, if presented with too much action or activity at once it could have a bad affect. it really depends on the child and their temperament. worst case scenario, keep some crayons and paper or a pinwheel handy so depending on their functioning level they can occupy themselves without having to participate in a group thing until they calm down. good luck! If you are open minded and open hearted, don't be discouraged if they have an episode of crying and screaming, just stay calm and happy and they will feed off from that.. good luck, i think it's great you decided to take their good time to heart!

Answer 3

I think you will quickly learn how he communicates and what he enjoys.  To give you head start, I hope you get to seem him interact with others or have the opportunity for them to train you as needed throughout the day.  

He will probably rely more on simple commands "Sit down" rather than "Let's go to the craft table."  He may not see the connection between going to the craft table and sitting with the group at the craft table.  He may need gestures for come here when you ask him to come here.  

Warning, he probably will not communicate that he needs to go to the bathroom until two seconds before he REALLY has to go.  Take him to the bathroom more often than most.  A trip may take him two seconds or ten minutes - that sort of thing is the beauty of autism.  Eating lunch may take all of three minutes.  

Also, he is eleven.  Despite his disability, his eleven year old curiousity about females is probably still very present.  Just be mindful of that. Telling him no quickly and firmly may be necessary. He may be physically a little young for that ... but some are not.  Just giving you the head's up.  :)

Also reinforce him with high 5's, pats on the bag, kind words, etc as he responds to you.  Smiles are more than welcome.  He will quickly let you know how he works best. Just kind of go with the flow and I'm sure you will do well!