Behaviors to avoid/what not to do in front of children with Autism. How do
special schools help in calming down autistic children?
Children with Autism perceive things in a different way. There are certain
things we can keep in mind to increase the likelihood of a healthy
interaction and positive outcome.
It is important to avoid certain behaviors/ ways of talking in front of
children with autism. There are certain don’ts that need to be considered:
-
Do not talk about a child’s skill deficits in front of them, doing
so not only fails to uphold their dignity but can also be harmful
to their self-esteem, confidence as well as their rapport with the
adult. Talk about their skills instead.
-
Do not give complex and multiple instructions at the same time.
Keep your instructions short, specific, and clear for children to
comprehend them appropriately.
-
Use simple language during conversations with children. Avoid
idioms, and sarcasm, as they can confuse the child.
-
Do not insist on your child making constant eye contact. Sometimes
they might look at your eyebrows, or near the eyes, but do not
insist on staring as it can further trigger the child’s challenging
behaviors.
-
Do not reward/accidentally reinforce the child’s wrong behavior.
E.g.,If a child is throwing a tantrum or crying for a toy, avoid
giving it after the tantrum as the child might learn that tantrums
are a way of access to preferred things.
-
Do not take their challenging behaviors personally. Be patient and
understand that they are trying to communicate their difficulties.
Once we understand why they are engaging in challenging behavior,
it is easier to teach them appropriate skills.
-
Do not always focus on verbal speech. It is a myth that non-verbal
children can’t communicate. Many children with autism do not speak
at all, but there are several non-verbal communication methods like
AAC, picture communication, and sign language that should be taught
to them.
-
Avoid giving loud/extreme reactions to their behaviors. Children
with autism may engage in stimming like hand flapping, jumping
around, eyes blinking or vocal stimming to calm themselves down. Do
not urge them to stop doing it. It is important to avoid staring at
them, especially teenagers so that they don’t feel self-conscious.
-
Do not avoid taking them outside the house/school. Take them along
for everyday activities like grocery shopping, park, doctor’s
clinic, etc. it will help them get used to the world around them.
It is important to prepare the child before taking them to a new
place.
Special schools in Mumbai
, especially schools for autism, school for ADHD in Mumbai follows several
strategies to calm down children during a challenging situation.
-
Use of sensory tools that can help relieve them in stressful
situations. Special schools have an entire sensory room for
children to appropriately channelize their energy and calm
themselves down.
-
Visual schedules in the classroom are used to help them understand
what they are expected to do during the day. This helps in helping
them follow a set structure with day to day school and classroom
activities.
-
Whenever a new activity/classroom change takes place, teachers and
therapists prepare the children using visual aids.
-
Keeping the classrooms colorful and interesting is another way of
engaging children with autism and managing challenging behaviors.
-
Sensory factors are also taken care of to minimize the impact of
sensory overload. E.g. general sound levels of the loudspeaker,
alarms, and school bell (Auditory) any texture that might be
abrasive (tactile), child’s need to movement is accommodated
(vestibular), child’s preference in taste and smell is taken into
consideration (gustatory and olfactory).
Overall environment in special schools and classrooms are structured,
friendly for the kids and not authoritarian. TABIS- The Aditya Birla
Integrated school is a school for dyslexia, ADHD, Autism in Mumbai that has
the most positive and welcoming atmosphere for the kids.
Author: Ridhima Sharma
Behavior Therapist, The Aditya Birla Integrated School
Also read,
How Is The Curriculum Of Schools For Autistic Children Designed? Find
The Best Autistic Schools Near You.
Is Dyslexia Curable? What Are The Methods Applied In School To Help
Dyslexic Students?
Behavior Strategies To Help Children With Autism. Find The Best
Autistic Schools Near You.
What Are Some of The Typical Characteristics Of A Learner With ADHD?
Find ADHD Schools in Mumbai.
