Children always need care, and autistic children need it more than ever. This concerns autism education as well.

There are some basic methods that the special teachers should use while dealing with the children who are autistic.

First, if you are a teacher you should try to understand their language so that they understand yours.

Try to identify their usual and specific signs, such as movements and sounds. For example, the same sound may express either joy or anger depending on the tone or the volume of the child’s voice. Make sure to get it right.

However sweet the children are, you should keep yourself from calling them some sweet names, or shortening their names, like Jenny, Gigi, Lizzy and others.

Never pressure the child, especially when he has failed to cover the given task correctly. Never shout at him.

You should not use more abstracted, general concepts. Try to avoid long, descriptive sentences. Be as specific as you can and make only fundamental points. But if you feel you cannot cut it short, then ask the child to summarize your statement. They remember things better when they have everything collected point by point in their mind.

Try not to use words that can be interpreted more than one way.

You should always give the child an open, wide personal space for his movements so that he does not feel confined. Also consider break hours. He needs to  have free time.

Try to develop his communicative skills as well. Give him chances to socialize with others. “The New Social Story Book” by Carol Gray, which is available at Amazon.com, will be a great guide for you.

So, remember that autistic children are as great and talented as others–you simply need to treat them more carefully.

Photo © Arturo de Albornoz

Related posts:

1. Education Programs For Autistic Children
2. Special Treatment For Disabled Children
3. Special Teachers