Children with autism are unique and interpret the world differently than other people. These differences are notable in terms of communication and socialization. Autistic children seem to use their own language, implementing a system that suits them. If your child has been diagnosed with autism, it is very important that you learn the way they communicate and approach.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Communicate Effectively with an Autistic Child
Step 1. Talk about their interests
Once you have discovered your child's interests, starting a conversation with him will be much easier. If you introduce topics that interest him, he may open up and talk to you. To start a conversation without problems it is essential to be on the same "wave line".
For example, if your child is obsessed with machines, this is a good topic for starting a conversation
Step 2. Shorten the sentences
If you use short sentences with an autistic child, they will be able to process them more effectively. If you notice, you will find that the child is most likely using short sentences. For best results, try miming and writing sentences.
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You can write "Now we are going to eat". He may reply to you by writing or speaking, as he is participating in a visual communication process.
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Written communication is a very effective tool.
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Step 3. Make a drawing
The images are a great help for autistic children. Try drawing diagrams, instructions, or simple drawings to communicate ideas and thoughts. This way the child will be able to understand more clearly what you are trying to express verbally. Many children with autism prefer visual communication.
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Try using this method to represent the child's daily activities.
Talk to a Child with Autism Step 3Bullet1 - Draws his daily habits: having breakfast, going to school, going home to play, going to sleep, etc.
- This will allow your child to check what he or she is up to during the day and plan accordingly.
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You can use stickers to illustrate the various activities, but be sure to carefully customize each character and any roles.
Talk to a Child with Autism Step 3Bullet2 For example, imagine you have red hair. When you prepare the figurine, color the hair red so that the child can associate it with the figure of the "mother"
Step 4. Give the child time to understand
During the conversation you may need to take more breaks than usual. It is very important that the child has time to assimilate the information he receives. Be patient and make sure you don't rush him.
If he doesn't answer your first question, don't ask him any more: you may confuse him
Step 5. Maintain adequate linguistic consistency
Anyone who can speak a language is aware that a sentence can have variables. In fact, a specific concept can be expressed using different words. Autistic children fail to understand these variables and for this reason you should try to always be consistent.
- Consistency is crucial for these children.
- For example, at the dinner table you can ask for peas in many different ways. If you have an autistic child, you should always formulate the sentence the same way.
Step 6. Try to be sensitive and don't be angry if the child is silent
He may not speak to you at all and it is very important that you do not interpret this reaction negatively. Address the child sensitively, always trying to encourage him. Don't give up, even if you won't get positive results at first, always remember that persistence and sensitivity are the only tools that will encourage your child to trust you.
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You will never know exactly why your child is silent. He probably no longer feels like talking, isn't comfortable, or is imagining something else.
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People who try to communicate with your child may think he is unsociable or that he is not interested in what they say. This is incorrect and in any case make sure others are sensitive to his situation.
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Step 7. Begin the talks with assertions
When asked "how are you?", The answer is probably spontaneous and simple. This is not always the case with autistic children, who may feel threatened or overwhelmed with such a question. For this reason, in order not to make the child uncomfortable or in trouble, it is best to always start a speech with an affirmation.
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Playing their games can be a way to start a conversation.
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Make a simple comment and see how he reacts.
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As mentioned, he starts with a topic that interests him.
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Step 8. Don't rule it out
There will be tons of occasions when your child will want to interact with you but can't. Try to always consider his presence by making him participate in what you do. Even if he won't react, trying is very important. For him these simple gestures have enormous significance.
Step 9. Talk to your child at the right time
Talk to him when he's calm. If he is relaxed, he will be able to hear and understand better what you say. Look for a peaceful and quiet environment, as too many stimuli would make him distracted and uncomfortable.
Step 10. Speak literally
Autistic children may have problems with figurative language. In fact, it is difficult for them to understand sarcasm, idioms and humor in general. Make sure you specifically express the concepts, word for word. You will be understood more easily.
Method 2 of 3: Support the Other Aspects of Your Child's Life
Step 1. Stay up to date and always participate in your child's treatment plan
Communicate with your doctor often and have your child participate in your conversations when you see fit. It is very important to remember that he processes information differently than other people, so you cannot expect him to communicate as others do. Don't allow this to make him feel isolated and always try to involve and encourage him.
Step 2. Use eye contact
Teach your child other positive ways to interact with examples. It is very important to look the interlocutor directly in the eye; this is an area where autistic children have a lot of difficulties. Try to explain the importance of eye contact with a lot of patience and sensitivity.
Step 3. If possible, give these tips to the babysitter and her teachers
A great way to help him develop is to make sure adults who interact with him often understand his situation and act accordingly. Always stay informed also about what happens at school, as it is essential that the communication methods are constant.
Method 3 of 3: Understanding that Autistic Children Are Different
Step 1. Accept that they see the world differently
Children with autism don't see the world like the rest of the people. They find it difficult to interpret things, they find it difficult to speak, listen and understand. However, many children with autism react to certain types of stimuli much better than others.
For example, some understand written messages much better than spoken messages
Step 2. Understand that his disinterest is not up to you
If the child has severe symptoms, he may not be interested at all in what you say as his sphere of interests is limited and if the conversation deviates from his interests he may not react.
Step 3. Be aware that it may not include some social stimuli
Children with autism do not understand social cues and therefore may not even know that you are talking to them. This depends on how severe the autism is.
Step 4. Be aware that autistic children may not know how to get involved in certain situations
Even if they would like to participate in activities, they do not have the social skills necessary to do so and for this reason they need help.
They socialize differently and you should find out how to effectively engage them
Step 5. Expect gaps in the verbal field
If autism is severe, the child may only be able to speak to a limited extent. This is not to say that it is unable to learn, it is often quite the opposite. It is all about learning to speak his language. During this process, always remember that their needs are unique and that they need to feel involved and never excluded.
