Printable View
I have just started taking care of a "High functioning" autistic boy. He is 7 years old. Lovely boy in so many ways. I need some advice with how to deal with his behavioral issues and tendency to not listen and other issues he has. I have been searching the internet all evening trying to find information for caregivers/daycare providers with children with autism, have had little to no luck. Anyone know of any good sources of information?
Not sure of his history & or what kind of Autism he has but if he's in a daycare setting then I supose it's mild? Is he full time in your care? Does he go to school? Did his parents leave you with a list of his daily routine? All I know is that these kids need major routine.
http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/f/whatishfa.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2319308_care...tic-child.html
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_help.htm
http://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-an-Autistic-Child
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw9gopGTE7s
http://www.onlyautism.com/?p=194
http://www.angelfire.com/ky/touristinfo/index4.html
http://www.jamesmw.com/sixrules.htm
http://www.autisminspiration.com/?gc...FY8DQAodaVb2jQ
I am surprised that mom and dad have not given you any resources to deal with these issues???
Those are some great websites that Skysue posted, definitely check them out.
The most important thing I have seen in dealing with kids on the autism spectrum is PATIENCE. They process information differently and express thier own feelings, etc in some different ways. The one thing I will caution is that you learn what you can and cannot expect from him in terms of behaviour. Do not allow this aspect of him to be the ruling factor in how you treat him, simply a thing to consider. Do not allow it to be a crutch for bad or inexcusable behaviour (ie; aggression is not tolerated... period! regardless of the fact that you are "autistic"). I have seen this happen so very often, that a diagnosis of autism becomes a reason to no longer parent and then the child begins to control the relationship. Not good.
I would for sure have a discussion with mom and dad to find out where they stand on it all.
I am the mother of a 15 year old girl with Asperger's Syndrome (also known as high functioning Autism). As "mom in alberta" said, dealing with the issues your little friend has does take a lot of patience, but it is very possible. Patience and consistancy are key! Because he does process information differently, find out what works for him. The first thing we were told after finding out about her autism was, WE were the ones that were going to have to change because they can't! Change is one of the most difficult things they can deal with. If he is a visual learner, writing down expectations or using social stories could be helpful. My daughter responded well to the phrase "we expect", with eye contact and at her level, it was like an unwritten rule, and rules are very important to her. Praise the positive, and try not to focus on the negative, they have so much of that in their lives already. Reward positive behavior with something he likes. Not knowing his behavioral issues or the child, makes it difficult to offer good advice. When my daughter has had a "bad day" or a meltdown, we redirect her to something she finds comforting (reading/writing or drawing), then deal with the difficulty when she is more able to listen. The parents should have ways of calming/redirecting and dealing with difficult behavior. Hope any of this helps, good luck, and don't give up, they are really special people when you really get to know them!
Thank you for all your replies, they have been most helpful. I have had this child for about 2 full weeks now and have had many frustrating moments but a lot of very enjoyable moments in learning to interact with him. I am learning that patience and consistency are key as well as using very short, simple and direct statement in order to get my point across. So far we have developed a very good relationship and he really enjoys coming to my home every day. I have asked the mum to fill out a questionairre that I have filled out in order to understand her son's level of autism a bit more. Hopefully I will receive it next week. Thanks again for all of your much valued advice.