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My Child Just Got Diagnosed, Now Wha . . .
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In order to help your child make sense of the world and establish better communication, learn how to use pictures. Children with ASD are very visual and learn best through visual means. You may want to put together a communication board with pictures of items your child may want such as drink, food, favorite toy, being held, taking a nap, and etc. If your child is still young, you may want to take pictures of the items instead of using drawn ones. For added durability attach the pictures to stiff paper such as card stock or tag board. Attach Velcro to the back of the pictures and attach them to a large piece of poster board. Bring your child to the choice board often, both when he is happy and when he is starting to get upset. It will take time to train your child that when he selects an item, that means he will get the item. Be sure to reinforce his choice by giving him the item selected each time he uses the choice board. For more information about using pictures to help with communication, look up PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) or go to PECS Picture Exchange Communication System.
You may also want to put your child on a schedule. This is similar to the choice board, except the pictures are put on a strip and the child removes each picture when it is time for the selected activity. The purpose of the schedule is to help your child know what is going to happen now and what is coming up. When it is time to change to a new activity have your child check the schedule then take the picture for the next activity and head to where the activity will take place. You may want to put up pockets for the pictures in the activities area. For example, if you have a picture of lunch, have a pocket either in the kitchen or dining room for your child to place the picture of the lunch into. When it is time for a nap, have a pocket for the picture of nap near his bed. You can help reinforce your child with checking his schedule by giving him a piece of candy, cracker, cheerio or other food that he enjoys each time he checks the schedule. (You will have to do hand over hand while he is learning how to use it. You will still reinforce with the treat so that he can learn that is what he is suppose to do in order to get the treat). You can back away from using the treat once he has the routine down. Having a schedule is also a great way to help your child learn to potty train. The following link has some information about visual structures and schedules. The schedule I am proposing is much simpler than what they show, but you can get a lot of great information from their site. http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/structure/str10.htm
Sensory issues are another big cause of tantrums and aggression. To learn more about sensory issues, please read our sample article, Sensory Integration and Your Child. Watch for the things your child likes to play with. He may like using a trampoline or being "squished" with couch cushion to help keep him calm down.
As you work with your child, remember that it will take time and that you cannot learn how to do everything with your child at once. Start by using the pictures into your home, then pick something else to learn and implement adding a little at a time.
Most importantly, don't give up on your child. Remember that even though your child is going to have some challenges and difficulties, your child is special and may teach you something in the process.
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