“Do strive for consistency at all times.”
This is a quote from a page I recently read in one of my ‘go to’ autism books “1001 Great Ideas for Teaching and Raising Children with Autism or Asperger’s”, and I must admit when I first saw it I thought I’d misread it.
I thought the sentence read “don’t strive for consistency at all times.”
But when I read on, I totally agreed with the point they were making. It’s an important lesson or any parent or carer who has a child with autism, so let me explain…
The book went on to talk about how if you give in to your child’s unacceptable behaviour when it’s convenient to you, you’re sending them mixed messages that these behaviours are only unacceptable sometimes, or in a certain setting or situation.
Not exactly the message you want to send them, right?
Often in life, we hear people say things like “Don’t strive for perfection, you’ll never achieve it” …
BUT when it comes to behaviour, if you want to help your child understand and stick to the boundaries you have to be clear and stick to them yourself!
Because if you think about it…
Many children with ASD aren’t able to interpret on their own what is or isn’t acceptable the way typically developing children can. But if you’re inconsistent with the boundaries you set, then you’re assuming they do have this skill.
Now it might seem like you have a mountain to climb in the beginning but remember only to focus on one behaviour at a time. Pick the one you feel affects your/their everyday life the most and begin working at this. When this fades, tackle the next one.
Before you begin, have a think about a few behaviour strategies that may work so you feel prepared about aren’t “winging it.”
‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’ has a variety of behaviour strategies to help you so why not join now and get started….
You’ll get heaps of videos, guides and advice helping you support your child in managing their behaviour and so much more.
Click below for your 30-day FREE test drive, plus I’ll be throwing in 4 special gifts when you join.
Click here for more information
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
