I worked with children with autism for a while in treatment centres, it's what I went to school for and did before I opened my daycare. Like the ladies said it is a VERY big spectrum. After you meet him, PM me and I'd be able to give you more information based on what you tell me.
When interviewing look for a few things
Is he able to be engaged? Interested in doing activities?
Does he interact with other children? How?
Is he shy with you? excited about you?
How does he react to touch?
Ask about how he shows anger and frustration. How is it handled?
Ask about his reaction to public places: at ease? overwhelmed?
Ask for his triggers (things that produce instant negative reactions)
What are his coping mechanisms (rocking, picking, rubbing, shutting down? etc.)
Ask for the story of how he was diagnosed. When did they notice changes, what were they?
These things will help you get a handle on whether he would fit into your program and help me give you any tips I have
You might not even be able to tell that he is different or you may see it right away
Anything you try to teach him could take a bit (or a lot) longer than other children. You need to be prepared to have A Lot of patience.
Your not silly for being excited but I would do a VERY good screening and make sure that taking him on will not affect the other children negatively.
Thanks, lady! I am going to have all your questions/lists of observations on paper for when they come. VERY VERY helpful. I will deffo pm you and michelle both after we've interviewed.
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