How to Work With Autistic Children

The Autism Society defines autism as a complex developmental disability that comes from a neurological disorder in the brain. It typically appears in children around age 2. Autism is growing in our society at a rate of 10 to 17 percent, the Center for Disease Control reported in 2007. As autism continues to become more prevalent, working with children in the home and at school is becoming a pressing need. Autistic children respond differently to stimuli as opposed to children without autism. Children with autism benefit from family members and educators who know how to work and teach them.

Instructions

• 1

  Intervene as early as possible in an autistic child's life. Early intervention involves diagnosing and assisting a child with an autism disorder from birth until around age 3. The brains of very young children are most amenable to change and will more readily acceptable behaviors and new knowledge.

• 2

  Teach autistic children in a structured setting. Temple Grandin, a professor at Colorado State University who is autistic herself, believes that children, even at a very young age, need to have the larger part of a week structured. She suggests that structured teaching helps a child with autism stay "connected' with the world.

  Structured teaching involves a physical environment, visual training and stimulation and a rigid teaching schedule. This type of teaching helps autistic children focus on the world around them and to comprehend and process various stimulation given to them.

• 3

  Simplify instructions for an autistic child. Watching an adult do perform a simple activity such as brushing teeth and then copying that same skill requires comes somewhat naturally to a child without a disability. Autistic children need instructions broken down further to encourage comprehension. Break down basic tasks into managable instructions. For instance, opening the drawer and finding the toothbrush would be the first step. Getting the toothpaste is the second. Continue on with a breakdown, and repeat instructions often until the child grasps the concept or skill.

• 4

  Limit distractions. Autistic children frequently react negatively to loud or harsh noises. Part of a structured teaching environment limits the distractions of noise or too many visuals. Slowly help autistic children cooe with harsh stimulation by recording loud noises on a tape player and playing them back repeatedly during certain times of the day. Do not force harsh stimulation on an upset child. Bring it on gradually.