A child with autism

I decided to enroll a 6 year old boy with autism.

Picture cues and social stories! Google it and you will find a lot of information on this for children with autism or other special needs. I used these extensively in my classroom. All the kids like to look at them too as they are simple to follow and help with transitions from activities.

He likely uses pictures at school. You can try printing off some pictures of keys parts of the day. bathroom, snack, drink, certain toys etc. then he can point to the picture of what he wants/needs.

You should be able to google some great pictures... try googling PECS

Kuddos to you for giving him a chance...hope it works out.

Virtual high five to you for taking on this challenge! What a lucky little guy.

Pictures are definitely helpful but I would also suggest asking the parents to sign consents so you can speak with the school re: what strategies they already know works for him. Why start from scratch when they have done a lot of the work for you. He might have certain materials (social stories, computer) that he uses at school that he can utilize with you as well.

Good for you to taking this on!! I wish you all the best!

IME with children who have had autism, they were very interested in the texture of things. I would make or buy a busy book with lots of different material and textures. This has helped relax the ones I have worked with (and is just a really cool sensory item to have for everyone as all kids enjoyed it) I would also ask if you could speak with the school and learn what they do so that you can mimic some of the stuff at your daycare. This will allow some familiarity and comfortableness for the child.

When was the boy diagnosed? Most likely he has been through an early intervention program of some sort. While there the specialists would have set goals and found teaching techniques that work for him. Mom and dad should pass this information on to you. If the have not, ask them. They don't have to give you the reports, but a verbal explanation as to what he was working on and what his needs are will help you.

They may have pics or he may use an iPod or iPad, to help with communication. Giving him a means to communicate will help reduce stress and anxiety he may encounter.

Sensory activities are also important, they can be tactile, but also gross motor activities like spinning, and swinging can help centre the child. As with anyone, this child may have preferences, he may not like spinning, but loves swinging or maybe neither are an activity he enjoys. This is information that the parents can share to help you out.

Children with autism tend to be highly visual. Cue cards which have pictures on are great for severely autistic children.

Generally speaking (because of course they are all individuals), autistic children love music so this is a great reward system. They are often sensitive to loud noise so a pair of ear protectors when out walking on a busy street are often appreciated.

They are also highly intelligent and great problem solvers. Puzzles, not just jigsaw puzzles but those metal shapes which need untangling, rubix cubes, anything like this, are well received. Sorting problems are also great too - If you have a load of dinky cars, use an old pizza box to draw out simply numbered or coloured "parking places" and then label the cars (use painters tape or post its) to correspond and watch how quicky an autistic child will sort the cars into the appropriate space.

Coloured building supplies are great - Lego, Duplo, anything which interconnection to build work well.

Autistic children also like routine and don't do well with change. So try and ensure that snack time, story time, free play, all occur on the same schedule each day. Expect a sudden decision to go to the park as a treat to be potentially problematic, they don't do well with spur of the moment changes.

Many autistic children are highly sensitive to touch. Depending on the severity of the autism, try and allow the child to have their personal space, don't be too touchy/feely/huggy unless they instigate it, don't use restraints in a high chair or stroller - unwanted physical touch can be very upsetting to them.

Be ready for some great challenges and be ready to be amazed. Lots of activities needed to channel their intelligence.