Table of contents:
- How parents help children with autism socialize and get along
- 1. Give a clear example
- 2. Help with scenarios or stories
- 3. Role play
- 4. Parents can ask for outside help
- Trust that your little one can get along independently
Every parent would want their children to get along well out there. However, it will be much more difficult if applied to children with autism. Especially if you have to train and help Austin children socialize in schools, communities, and so on. Are there certain ways that parents can do to help children with autism socialize well and be independent? Check out the following tips.
How parents help children with autism socialize and get along
The good news is, there are several research-supported strategies or ways to practice social skills for children with autism. The method, of course, is through their daily activities.
These steps can generally be helped with body language or problem solving that a child with autism can imitate. Here are some things that can help children with autism mingle and mingle with the people in their environment.
1. Give a clear example
Children usually often demonstrate and follow what their parents do. No exception to children who have autism. Demonstrating what to do when socializing is important because in socializing, demonstrating action is necessary.
For example, suppose you take your child to a playground. There you and your little one meet their peers. All you have to do is demonstrate how to get acquainted. Namely by offering a handshake, shaking hands while introducing names, and smiling. You have to do this first with the child, then ask your child to imitate what you just did.
Include verbal explanations through stories or scenarios to explain why socialization is important. This one method takes a lot of time and practice to achieve maximum results for your child.
So start as early as possible and don't give up if your child refuses to follow your example. Gradually he will study on his own and get used to the socializing process.
2. Help with scenarios or stories
In addition to demonstrating actions with the child, you can also help children with autism socialize through scenarios or stories. You can present a scenario on paper that you can discuss and study with your child. This way, you don't have to wait for real-life examples to tell your child what socialization really means.
Use stories that describe problems or ways to get along. Make it seem like there are questions and answers in it, and teach the child how to respond to something when he is hanging out or playing with his friends. In addition, you can also use visual media such as comics, cartoons, or films to teach children to socialize.
3. Role play
When helping children with autism get along, there must be obstacles that occur. One other way you can do it when the two previous ways get stuck is to try to play a role.
Practice by making the child act like a friend or even to be himself. Show how to differentiate responses in behavior. Also practice how you want your child to behave when faced with certain situations.
For example, you can play the role of a classmate. Don't be afraid to try to play with situations that can make children uncomfortable, for example accidentally nudging your little one's body.
Watch her reaction when suddenly bumped into by you (as her classmate). From there, you can direct how the child should react in negative situations. This can be a very good opportunity to practice social sensitivity in children.
4. Parents can ask for outside help
As a parent of a child with autism, the success of this socializing exercise will basically depend on your patience to train and your understanding of the child's social skills.
According to Pshycology Today, parents can help children through friends, community, or an institution that can help them discuss their difficulties. While finding community, friends, or support institutions, you can learn various strategies or tips that children with autism can do to socialize through consulting a therapist.
Trust that your little one can get along independently
All of the above strategies won't work if you can't trust your kids to get along. Yes, you also have to entrust your child that he is capable and well socialized out there.
If you even have doubts about the potential that your child has, maybe the many efforts you put into it will not be the maximum results.
Also, know that every child has a different style, potential, and response to socializing. Practice and apply the best way how to socialize well. Show the world that the strength that your child has is not something that hinders his social skills.
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