7 keys to help children with autism

Children with autism are very susceptible to changes in their routine, so when they change – for whatever reason – it is necessary to help them. Do you know how you could do it? Don’t worry, below we will tell you some keys to help children with autism.

Anyone who does not know closely what the life of a father, mother or even an educator who works with people on the autism spectrum is like will not understand what a change in routine means for them. However, inside multiple homes you can hear the frustration of these children, adolescents or adults with ASD.

When something changes their routine, some persistently return to repetitive movements and behaviors. Others may break out into aggressive behavior. Although the vast majority resort to silence or even crying. If before they communicated little, now, they express much less because they are lost, diluted in new routines that they do not understand and in which they get lost.

It is necessary to raise awareness of the reality of this very vulnerable group and their families and support them. Besides, It is good to know some keys to help children with autism.

Helping children with autism: 7 strategies

Daily walks are breaths of well-being for them and that is something that must be respected. They do not completely cover their needs, but they do contribute to their well-being because it helps them self-regulate.

When they cannot go out for a walk, emotions and frustration accumulate like a time bomb and when it explodes, the issue translates into very problematic behaviors. They may attack or self-harm.

Although most children and people with autism spectrum disorder engage in disruptive and repetitive behaviors, they also engage in echolalia, that is, repeating the same phrases over and over again.

1. Clarify routines through drawings and cards

Children and adolescents with ASD must adapt to new routines. To understand them, we can use drawings, which will specify what activity is involved at each moment. We will give them clear, simple and positive instructions from the moment they wake up. We can create a visual schedule and post it on the wall so they keep it in mind.

2. We dress as if we were going to class and do our homework

One way to maintain “normality” is by allowing the child to dress as if they were going to class. We will avoid being in pajamas all day. Likewise, it is essential that they follow the same schedule when doing school tasks.

3. We will dedicate time to the child’s particular interests

Most children, whether autistic or neurotypical, usually have a special interest that is not always related to a specific school subject. Many love drawing, animals, music, space, cinema…

We must be creative when creating games or projects that keep them focused on that particular hobby.

4. Simple and motivating daily exercise

One of the keys to helping children with autism is also to encourage their movement, physical exercise. It is true that these boys and girls present motor incoordination and are usually arrhythmic, but as much as possible, they should move, stay active.

We can find fun dances on YouTube as well as simple exercises that promote not only movement, but positive emotions.

5. Emotional cards where you can communicate how you feel

Another exceptional resource in this context is having emotional cards. It is just about creating drawings in which different faces express states such as sadness, anger, happiness, boredom, etc.

Throughout the day, people with autism spectrum disorder may experience sensations and feelings that they do not know how to communicate. It is recommended that they have the resources to be able to do so, to show their families how they feel.

6. Reduce exposure to images and information

As far as possible, it is advisable that they are not constantly exposed to breaking news. For their well-being, we should try to reduce the time spent watching the news and instead choose to watch movies or spend time doing recreational activities.

In your mind, the idea may settle that your grandparents are going to die, that mom and dad are going to get sick… Let’s therefore try to control what they see at all times.

7. Maintain support remotely

To help children with autism, families cannot be alone. They must have support from a distance, either with psychologists through video calls or with therapists who come home to accompany the little ones on walks.

Likewise, families must be in contact with other families under the same conditions. The support network between parents with children with ASD is always of great help. Ideas and spirit flow, emotions, doubts and hopes are shared.

Let’s keep it in mind, Let us be more sensitive to this group and create bridges of help, ties of consideration and affection.

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