When supporting Autistic children, we can talk about viewing life through the ASD or Autistic lens. What does this mean? It means, always consider the Autism. If you are supporting a child’s communication, think about the communication preferences of Autistic young people. If you are supporting play and interests, think about what an Autistic play experience looks like. If you are supporting behaviour, think about the underlying causes of the behaviour from an ASD perspective.
When we consider what we know about Autism, we can think about differences in communication and social interaction, and also play, interests and the way a young person processes sensory experiences. So how can we use what we know about Autism to create a supportive environment?
Creating a supportive environment
- Use clear and simple language and be mindful of ambiguous language. Even with very verbally fluent young people, consider your use of language. This is especially important when they are struggling to manage their emotions.
- Allow extra time for processing information.
- Supporting understanding and expression using visual supports such as timetables and social stories (most Autistic young people have strengths with visual learning). We all use visual supports to organise our life, make a choice or accomplish a task. For Autistic children, they are a vital tool.
- Create a structured, organised and predictable environment. Autistic children have a preference for predictability so creating clear routines and minimising disruptions can be beneficial. Plan any changes and discuss these with your child. You can also support understanding of changes visually.
- Consider the sensory environment and be aware of the sensory experiences that your child seeks, and those that they avoid. Aim to create a calm and comfortable space where they can regulate their sensory systems and emotions.
- Think about how you can be part of interests and hobbies. Learning about your child’s special interests shows them you are interested in them as a person.
- Offer lots of positive reinforcement and reward efforts and not just outcomes.
- When considering any behaviours that are tricky to manage, consider the underlying reasons for this behaviour. Start from the Autism as this will give you the clues of what is happening for your child.
- Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements to build confidence and self-esteem.
When we view life through the ASD lens, we start from our child’s viewpoint. This means we are coming from a point of empathy and understanding.
Lastly, it is important to also consider your own well-being, as parenting a neurodivergent child can be challenging. Look out for parent support groups in your local area and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
If you would like to find out more about Autism and how you can support your child, please contact us.