Top 3 ways to help your child on the spectrum:
1) When speaking to your child, speak clearly in full sentences.
Children on the spectrum usually need help with their language, and
hearing the language normally will help them establish the cadence for the language as well as the language itself.Making the language ?simpler? by segmenting it into its parts only creates discontinuous and meaningless thoughts and speech.
2) Frequent public places
Many parents of kids on the spectrum have learned that taking their child to public places is a painful experience. First, you have younger typical kids in displaying flawless language, and second, in public places like the subway or a restaurant, there are other adults giving you looks because of how the child is behaving, making you feel like a bad parent. To a large extent, it?s the public responsibility to accommodate kids on the spectrum. But while we are waiting for the world to catch up, the benefits for the child to be with the typical population sometimes outweighs you being uncomfortable. I am aware that this is easy for me to say.
3) Have fun with your child
This cannot be said too much and it speaks for itself. Just remember to use tons of language while you are playing and give your child opportunities to respond and relate. If you can get another child involved, all the better.
Robert J. Bernstein Educational Services, LLC
Behavioral Therapist, Specializing in Autism
Website: www.autismpeech.com
Email: rjb@autismspeech.com
Phone: (914) 330-3393