Common beliefs about children with autism

There’s a common belief that children with autism “don’t like to socially interact” … And over the years this belief has proven to be a nothing but a myth to me…

You see what I’ve seen is not that children with autism don’t like social interaction, it’s that they often don’t know how to go about it.

I have worked with many children that may like to play alone, but they choose to do this in the same room as their family or friends.

I’ve also asked children if they’d like to join in a game with others around them, and even though at the time they made no clear indication of wanting to play… they said “yes”…

I even watched a mother give her son his lunch whilst her and I went into another room for a meeting and within a few minutes her son emerged into the room, sat down and continued to eat his lunch on the floor beside us.

It’s situations like this that show us many children with autism do want to interact and be social with us, they just don’t know how.

A lot of the time this comes down to not having the language to express what they want.

Modelling and giving your child a choice are great ways of helping your child learn social language and the skills they need to be social with others.

For example, ask your child if they’d like to sit and eat at the table or in the living room with mummy…

If they answer, think about if their language needs any shaping up. I.e. if they reply with just “mummy” you say “Ok say.. I want to sit with you mummy” and when they’ve repeated this, honour their request and praise them for their talking.

If your child chooses a non-verbal response i.e. standing up to walk to the living room with you or sitting down at the table. Ask them again, “Would you like to sit at the table or living room with mummy.” …

Watch their behaviour if they’re clearly showing you what they want then you say “Ok, you want to sit….” Then again, wait until they’ve repeated this, honour their request and praise them for their talking.

Teaching your child HOW is key to getting the positive response and results you want to see in your child.

Let me know how you get on with this technique.

If you found this helpful and you want more tips and techniques on how you can support your child then let me tell you about ‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’ ….

I have created this area for dedicated parents and carers who want to learn how they can get the very best from their autistic children.

Join now for heaps of helpful techniques on communication, strategies to help with tough behaviours, tips for everyday family life, advice on how to work together with your child’s school and much more.

Right now I’m offering parents and carers a FREE 30 day test drive of ‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’ plus 4 free gifts when you join…

Click here for more information and how to join
Speak with you soon until then,

Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today

Emma Ottaway