Dealing with a child with autism can be a challenging task. There are many things that you need to take into consideration. One of the most important things to consider is that children with autism are often shy and withdrawn.
They may not understand social cues and may not be able to communicate effectively. As a result, it is important to be patient and understanding when dealing with a child with autism. On the bright side, there are some smart ways to deal with a child with Autism. Let’s see what Jonah Engler has to offer in this regard.
Dealing with Children with Autism
Help Them during a Meltdown
Meltdowns are often characterized by extreme emotional outbursts and can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, and sensory overload. According to Jonah Engler, it is important to remain calm and avoid raising your voice or trying to physically restrain the child during a meltdown. Instead, try to provide them with a safe space to calm down and offer words of support and understanding.
Once the child has calmed down, you can then work together to figure out what may have caused the meltdown and how to prevent it from happening again in the future. With patience and understanding, dealing with an autistic child during a meltdown can be manageable.
Encourage Them to Make Friends
Many autistic children have difficulty making friends and may not be interested in socializing with other children. Jonah Engler believes it is important to encourage autistic children to interact with their peers, as this can help them develop important social skills. There are a few ways to encourage an autistic child to make friends. First, try to provide opportunities for the child to interact with other children, such as through play dates or organized activities. It is also important to model positive social behavior and encourage the child to imitate your actions. Finally, be patient and understanding; don’t force the child to interact if they are not comfortable. Making friends takes time and practice, but it is an important skill for all children to learn.
Give Them Time to Respond
Autistic children often have difficulty communicating. Jonah Engler says it is important to provide them with opportunities to communicate. This may mean giving them extra time to answer questions or providing them with visual aids. It is also important to be aware of their body language and facial expressions, as they may be trying to communicate through these channels. By giving an autistic child the chance to respond, you can help them to feel more included and understood.
Encourage Their Interests
One way to engage an autistic child is to talk about their interests. This can help to build a connection and provide a way for the child to communicate their thoughts and feelings. When discussing their interests, being patient and allowing the child to lead the conversation is important. It is also important to avoid talking down to the child or making assumptions about their interests.
Instead, try to be open-minded and interested in what the child has to say. By taking this approach, you may be able to build a strong relationship with an autistic child based on mutual understanding and respect.
Final Word
ASD can be a daunting diagnosis to receive for any family. However, with the right support and resources, children with autism can thrive. We hope this article has provided you with some valuable information on how to best deal with your autistic child. If you have any further questions or would like more help, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or another reputable source of information and support.