Autism is one of several developmental disorders that form the autism spectrum. Other disorders on the spectrum include Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder -- not otherwise specified, or PDD-NOS. Autism's symptoms manifest during early childhood, typically appearing before a child is 3 years old. Difficulty communicating and interacting with others is a hallmark of all autism spectrum disorders. You can help your child with these difficulties.
Clarify Language
Use clear, concise language when communicating with your child. Our language is full of idioms, synonyms and sayings confusing to a child with delayed language. For example, a child with autism is more likely to comprehend a specific request like, "Please put your banana skin in the trash can" as opposed to a vague question like, "Would you mind clearing up after yourself?" Make requests and instructions clear and finite, and anticipate that your words may be taken literally. If your child has some verbal skills, ask questions with a definite answer; avoid open-ended or rhetorical questions. When you ask a question or give instructions, wait a little while for your child to process your request before repeating your words.
Clarify Expectations
Communication problems can create anxiety for a child with autism. Children with autism spectrum disorders may be very routine-oriented and unexpected changes to a schedule or routine can be frightening or upsetting. You can help ease this anxiety by being very clear with scheduling expectations. A picture schedule may help. A child can see the day's events as locations represented visually -- for instance, use images for the bathroom, school bus, classroom, playground, meal table and bedroom -- and use this instrument to anticipate what happens next in his day.
Provide Positive Feedback
Reward your child for every small success with something that reinforces behavior that made him successful. Examples of rewards include favorite foods or sensory feedback like tickles or hugs, if your child enjoys these. Provide opportunities for your child to practice communication and interaction; these include turn-taking games, imitative speech or picture communication cards like those used in the picture-exchange communication system, or PECS. Children with autism often master new skills with patient practice and positive reinforcement.
Deal with Tantrums
If your child has autism, she will likely misbehave more often than a typical child will. For children with autism, tantrums are not confined to the "terrible twos" or the toddler years -- they can happen at any age. Sometimes, tantrum behaviors function as a form of seeking attention; if this is the case with your child, you can reduce tantrums' frequency and severity by providing no reinforcing feedback whatsoever. This technique -- known as "extinction" -- involves ensuring your child is physically safe before completely ignoring her. Using extinction for attention-seeking tantrums avoids reinforcing this behavior through either positive or negative reinforcement.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Autism
- "Child Language Teaching and Therapy"; A Comparative Study of Figurative Language in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders; G. MacKay and A. Shaw; February 2004
- Child-Autism-Parent-Cafe.com: Visual Schedules
- Polyxo.com; Visual Supports; Jason M. Wallin
- "Applied Behavior Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"; Johnny L. Matson; 2009
