Autism Tips for Caregivers

Would you know how to approach him?

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, affecting 1 in every 150 children. It’s a lifelong disorder that impairs a person’s ability to communicate and relate to others, and symptoms can range from moderate to severe.

These symptoms often include rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines -- but that’s not all. Some children with autism speak while others are nonverbal. Some children don’t make eye contact while others do. Some children are affectionate while others aren’t. Essentially, autism affects different children differently.

As a caregiver, you should be familiar enough with autism that you would be comfortable interacting with an autistic child, no matter where he or she falls on the spectrum. These tips should help you feel more comfortable doing just that.

Initial Meeting

Children with autism need structure, routines and predictability. The fact that you are coming into their lives as a new caregiver means that the usual routines the child relies on are being interrupted. Don’t be surprised if the child becomes upset or ignores you until he is comfortable with the new routine you’re creating.

Tips

• Be patient and realize that it may take a while for the child to get used to you.
• Unless the parents say otherwise, don’t make direct eye contact.
• Take it slow at first. Your approach has to be tailored to the child.
• Let the child approach you or leave you be. Take his lead.
• Be consistent in your greeting: greet the child the same way every time you see him so he knows what to expect from you.

Interaction

Some children with autism are nonverbal while others speak. Some children with autism don’t make direct eye contact (they see it as a threat) while others are fine with it. Some children with autism don’t like hugging or touch while others do. As a caregiver, it’s important for you to talk to the parents to find out what types of interaction their child prefers.

Tips

• Interact even if the child doesn’t speak. If he hands you a toy, take it and comment on it. Don’t worry if you don’t get a response.
• Be sensitive to sensory issues like hugging.
• Be aware that certain toys can cause over-stimulation.
• Don’t invade the child’s space or take something away from him. If he gets on the floor to play with his car, for example, you can get on the floor as well and play with a car of your own.

Tasks

If you are asking a child with autism to do something, be sure to give directions one step at a time. Instead of telling a child to go to the closet and get a coat, for example, first tell the child to go to the closet (you go too). Then tell or show the child how to get the coat.

Tips

• Give short, singular directions.
• Keep your speech simple and clear.
• Be aware that most children with autism take things VERY literally.
• Be sure to give plenty of warning before transitioning to another task.
• Tip from Sittercity member JennyThom13: Many children with autism doesn’t understand “you,” “I,” “we,” etc., so speak like Tarzan! Examples: Jenny and James will go to school now. | Let’s get ready. James gets his jacket on.

Behavior

Most children with autism exhibit unusual behavior (shouting, laughing/crying for no apparent reason, obsessive attachment to objects, tantrums), but this doesn’t mean that they are intentionally behaving badly. As a caregiver, it’s important for you to understand that a child with autism may act differently or “badly” so you know how to address it.

Tips

• Find a positive outlet for the behavior. For example, shouting indoors is often frowned upon, but going to a park to do so may be more acceptable.
• If a child cannot read, “write” out the rules in pictures instead.
• Don’t make the child look at you when you’re angry.
• Say “no” firmly, but NOT loudly.
• Give attention and praise to appropriate behavior.
• Talk with parents to find out what discipline tactics they prefer and when to use them (and when not to).

Safety

Children with autism are generally unaware or not understanding of dangers around them, so it’s your responsibility to take all the necessary extra steps to protect them from even the most “common sense” dangers. This can include water depth, water temperature, water current, steep slopes, slippery slopes and confined spaces (culverts and drains).

Also note that children with autism are also runners, meaning that they will repeatedly attempt to leave whatever area they are in.

Tips

• Double check all locks and fences to make sure they latch and are secure.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors so they know who to contact if they see the child wander.
• Ask the parents for a current photo and physical description of the child in case of emergencies.
• Take extra precaution when the child is around water (baths, pools, streams, etc.).