Many parents of a child with autism are concerned with the lack of structure the summer months bring and are apprehensive about the challenge of keeping their child supervised and occupied appropriately. Preparation and planning are the key to keeping your time home with your child enjoyable for both him/her and your family.
1. Maintain a routine as much as possible- guide your child with autism by planning his/her days, from morning routines to a set time for structured activities and activities of interest. Although you cannot plan every minute, keeping a routine will help your child with autism feel less anxious and stressed.
2. Use visual reminders- as part of your daily routines you can use picture schedules to cue what will happen and in what order. Post it on the wall as a visual reminder. Such a schedule could go something like this: wake up, use toilet, brush teeth, eat breakfast, get dressed. Here are some examples:
3. Reward good behavior.
Positive reinforcement can go a long way with autistic children, so make an effort to “catch them doing something good.” Praise them when they act appropriately or learn a new skill, being very specific about what behavior they’re being praised for. Also look for other ways to reward them for good behavior, such as giving them a sticker or letting them play with a favorite toy.
Positive reinforcement can go a long way with autistic children, so make an effort to “catch them doing something good.” Praise them when they act appropriately or learn a new skill, being very specific about what behavior they’re being praised for. Also look for other ways to reward them for good behavior, such as giving them a sticker or letting them play with a favorite toy.
4. Make time for fun.
A child coping with autism is still a kid. For both autistic children and their parents, there needs to be more to life than therapy. Find ways to play and have fun together. Don’t obsess over whether or not these activities are therapeutic or educational. The important thing is to enjoy your child’s company!
A child coping with autism is still a kid. For both autistic children and their parents, there needs to be more to life than therapy. Find ways to play and have fun together. Don’t obsess over whether or not these activities are therapeutic or educational. The important thing is to enjoy your child’s company!
5. Plan a Vacation- There are plenty of places you can go as a family if you so choose... check out this link for planning a great vacation with your child http://www.americanautismsociety.org/vacation-tips-for-kids-with-autism-or-aspergers-syndrome/
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