Dr. Meghna Singhal
Dec 24, 2018While children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) like following set routines, sometime a change in routine or unexpected event is inevitable. Here are 4 ways in which parents or carers of children with ASD can prepare them to handle changes in a better manner: Find out about and describe the change. Try to find out as many details about the change or new event, and describe it to the child using simple, clear language. For example, for a class trip to the zoo, the child can be told about the date of visit to the zoo, the mode of transport, the names of animals and birds they’ll be seeing, the teachers who would be accompanying them, and the snacks they would be eating. Use visual supports. Using pictures of the things or people involved in the change would also help the child understand what to expect. For example, for going on a holiday, the parent could show the child pictures of an airport, an aeroplane, the inside of an aeroplane, seat belts, as well as the destination- including the home stay or hotel, pictures of the major tourist spots, etc. A visual time table can also be made and explained to the child. Planned visits. Try to make the child familiar with the new place, such as a new school, by making as many visits to it before they start. You can enlist the help of new teachers in making this transition by taking photos of the teachers, and new staff, and giving them to the child. Create an anxiety plan that they can remember to use- this might include having colour pens that they can use to draw what they’re feeling, or doing relaxation exercises. Using supports such as timer and calendar. Using a sand or manual timer can help children with ASD cope with school break times, when there is typically high levels of noise and chaos. Using a calendar with the event date marked in red could be used to help the child count down to that day. All these methods could help the child with ASD become prepared to handle the change involved.
Anonymous
Dec 10, 2018Hi Team, My daughter is 3.5 years old and has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has this odd habit of moving forward and backward when ever she is not occupied with something. When we ask her to stop, she gives a blank stare and continues with her movement. I find it very difficult to stop. Please tell me what I can do? How can I help her stop repeating the movement? Please help
ParentCircle Counsellor
Dec 26, 2018@Anonymous Dear parent It must be quite confusing dealing with the repetitive movements in your child with autism.However, repetitive movements (and sometimes repetitive speech) are a common occurrence in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These repetitive movements could be rocking, twirling, moving back and forth, hand flapping, spinning, etc. and are referred to as stimming. Stimming could occur due to the following reasons: a) when the child is overstimulated by factors such as bright lights, noises, smells, etc., b) when the child is feeling anxious, due to a change on routine or due to uncertainty over what comes next, or c) the child finds the movement enjoyable. Finding the reason for the stimming usually helps in determining what to do about it. Telling the child to stop wont often work, but you could try the following: 1. If the child is overstimulated, try to cut down on the stimuli in the child's environment. For example, bring the child to a familiar place, or if that's not possible, give her her favourite toy, or blanket, use noise-cancelling headphones, and stay with the child to help her calm down. 2. If the child is feeling stressed due to a change in routine, she may benefit from a visual schedule, which includes a picture of the activity and a time it will occur. These schedules help children know what to expect and in turn reduce anxiety, especially when they are transitioning from a high-preference activity to one they don't enjoy. Social stories and meditation are other great techniques for helping a child relieve anxiety. 3. If the child is performing the movements out of pleasure, it usually helps to incorporate them in a game the child can play. For example, moving back and forth could be incorporated in a game of skipping rope or hopping between 2-3 buckets lined up in a row. All the best!
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Autism
Repetitive Behaviour in your Child
Children with autism may show repetitive behavior. This could be a repetitive movement such as rocking and twirling, hand flapping, and spinning. Children may also be resistant to change and new things. Discuss, share and ask your queries here to und...ParentCircle Counsellor
Dec 24, 2018