Autism, though a life-long disorder, can be managed by behavioral, environmental, and educational techniques and moreso by unconventional therapies.
Learning to handle children with autism can make it less depressing on their parents or guardians. Here are some guidelines that would help you in dealing with them.
1. Most common negative behavior among persons with autism is tantrums.
To calm down the child during tantrums, you can take the child for a walk, place him in a room with less distractions, or you may engage the child in his favorite activity. Punishment may worsen the child’s self aggressive behavior. Be consistent with discipline, as the child can adapt to discipline as long as consistency is maintained.
For food intake, you may lessen the following food: chocolates, ice cream, cakes, bars, candies, soft drinks, or anything with high sugar content.
You may also monitor the time spent on watching t.v. and playing computer games.
2. In communicating with highly functioning children with autism, choose your words carefully, for they sometimes interpret words literally. For example, if you say, “Give me your hand”, they may think you mean “chop your hand and give it to me.”
You may use pictures or letter boards showing activities that will occur during the day. Participating in the child’s activity promotes trust and confidence.
3. Prioritize child care and safety. Autistic kids may not recognize dangers due to impaired intellectual development. You have to lock the gates if the child often awakens and wanders during the night. Wrap arm with towel if child bites self. Use helmet if child engages in head banging. Pad corners of furniture if child is clumsy. The home environment should be altered to ensure safety of the child.
4. Help child establish self-boundaries.
Always address the child by name. Always use child’s name in identifying his belongings. Always correct the child when referring to himself in third person.
