Every case of Autism is different. The constant approach to helping your child or ward on the spectrum is adaptability. Despite this, there are certain guidelines to follow in helping him/her be the best of himself.
Expectations
What expectations do you have of your child? Can you have the same expectations that you do of your child not on the spectrum? Many times, we assume that our child/ward cannot do something just because he has Autism. It is important that we have expectations within the boundaries of what your child understands. Do not attribute bad behaviour to being Autistic. Treat him as normal as possible, setting goals and helping towards the attainment of the goals. People with Autism are people with potentials. They will respond to all the things we experience also only in different ways. We mustn’t help limit their belief in themselves.
Positive Reinforcement
Stay positive all the time. Reward good behaviour with verbal affirmations and actions that reinforces the behaviour. It is very important to find strong reinforcers (a reinforcer is anything that, when given after a behavior, strengthens the behavior). Once you find a strong reinforcer, control it and do not allow the child access to it until the he/she has performed the behavior you are looking to strengthen.
Ignore
Ignore bad behaviour. Ignore irrelevant speech, giggling, vocalizations etc. Destructive and abusive behaviours should have consequences. Explain rules in a positive tone in order to reinforce the behaviour expected. For example, Tell the child, ‘Sit down’ instead of ‘Don’t stand up’ to reinforce the act of sitting down. When inappropriate behaviours occur, if you see no clear connection with what has just happened or is happening, then ignore it. There is a need to teach the child what is relevant speech and actions and what is irrelevant especially concerning self stimulating behaviours, out-of-context words and phrases, screaming, odd actions, and any other behavior that is not related to what is going on.
Require a Response
Getting a response means your child/ward on the spectum understands what you are asking of him/her. Don’t ask your child to do something. Tell him/her to do it and be ready to offer assistance but it is important to wait to for a response. Give some time for this. if no response, repeat yourself and add aids to assist him to understand what is required of him.
There are so many other ways to teach your child. The key ingredient is to be able to adapt what we read and learn to skills that can help our Children.
