How to empower children with Autism?
What an excellent term: “empower.” Children with autism will tend to require significantly more prompts to meet their own needs than children without autism do. It is very important for you as a mother to supplement the teachers’ work by reinforcing behavioral and communication goals at home. A few examples of how to do this: 1. Help improve self-awareness by stating things as a matter-of-fact. For example, if a child is crying or tantruming, during the brief silent periods, address their feelings: “You are upset because (you don’t want to wash your hands). We will wait together until you’re calm.” 2. Help improve communication of needs by giving your child the words to say. For example, if a child is struggling with dressing, say “Help please” and wait for the child to echo, then follow through with the help immediately. If the child is nonverbal, use sign to supplement your words, and then guide their hands to approximate the sign. 3. Teach social skills directly. For example, give y
