Managing Autism - A Personal View

We came across this article, found it really interesting and had to share it on our blog.  Elissa & Steve

For many parents of children with Asperger’s Syndrome; coping with violent and aggressive behaviour can be a very difficult challenge indeed. In this article I will outline the 2 essential factors that you need to know to cope with such behaviors.

Aggressive behavior in the child with Asperger’s Syndrome occurs for a reason, just as it would with any other child. No child ever really just “acts out” for no apparent reason whatsoever. The key is in the words “apparent reason” – there is ALWAYS a reason but the major challenge for the parent is often working out what that reason is.

Inappropriate behavior, whether mild or severe, generally occurs in order to:

1. Avoid something – for example a child may become aggressive and shout before getting the school bus; as they want to avoid going to school.

2. Get something – for example a child may lash out at another child because they want to get the toy that the other child is playing with.

3. Because of pain – for example a child may show a range of challenging behaviors to their parents because they feel in physical pain, such as having earache.

4. Fulfill a sensory need – for example a child may lash out or shout in the classroom if it is too noisy, too busy, too bright, too hot, or strong in a particular smell.

So the first step in reducing or eliminating this behavior is to determine the need that it fulfills by looking at the four categories above. The second step is to teach them a replacement behavior, which they can use to communicate what they want or don’t want. It may even involve using some of their obsessive or self-stimulating behaviors (like hand-flapping, rocking, pacing) as a replacement behaviour. This is because it would be far less intrusive to others than aggressive behaviors, but still serve the same purpose. It could also be about encouraging the child to express their feelings or negotiate verbally. For other children they may communicate through another method like emotion cards, drawing, using symbols or “talking” through a puppet. You know your child best so you need to determine this.

This process takes time and initially, depending on the behavior, you may not have time. If the behavior is severe, then you need to remove the child from whatever situation they are in at the time immediately. Simply insisting that they stop the behavior and participate in whatever is occurring will not benefit the child or you; unless you remove them from the situation first. Maintaining your child’s routine will go a long way towards reducing the need for inappropriate or aggressive behavior in the first place. Because for children with Asperger’s routine is a great source of stability and comfort for them.

So just to recap the 2 critical factors for coping with your child’s aggressive and violent behaviors are:

1. Identify the real cause of the behaviour from the 4 main categories above.

2. Teach the child to communicate the real cause of the behaviour to you in a less harmful manner.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_A_Angel

On one of my many searches for some insight into the workings of an autistic mind I came across some writings by an ‘aspie’.

The writings drew me in, so to speak, and I spent a long time pondering the messages within them - in fact, I often go back to them.

3 of the pieces that particularly caught my attention were:

I and They

How Can I…?

Alternative Viewpoints

The articles from “The Mind Within” are definitely worth a read.

http://within.autistics.org/index.html

Elissa

Whilst all children benefit from routine in their day to day lives, children with Asperger’s Syndrome thrive on it!  As a parent of a child with Asperger’s it is very important to look at establishing daily routines in your child’s life.  Routines will provide predictability in their life and relieve much anxiety and uncertainty about what is happening around them.  A rountine will allow your child to have greater control over their environment.

Provide your child with schedules and timers so that they can see clearly what is happening and when.  An egg timer works well as a visual cue for children with Asperger’s - or alternatively, we have even been known to put markings on the wall clock to show the times for different parts of our daily routine.  Alarm clocks and oven timers can also be used as part of a routine, for example to remind a child that it is time to change tasks, get ready for bed, or leave for school.  Establish daily routines as early as possible and stick to them as best you can.

Having now said that, of course change is inevitable in life, and with change comes disruptions to routines - yes, a potential nightmare for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome.

There are many strategies that can be used to help a child with Asperger’s work through day to day change.  Picture cards are fabulous and are a strategy that we use regularly in our home.  The picture cards show images and photos of the many things that we do during the day, places we visit, and tasks that need to be completed.  At the beginning of a day, we select the cards that represent what will be happening for that day.  We stick the cards up on a velcro strip, and as we move through the day we remove each card and ‘post’ it in a ‘completed’ box as we finish with a task or scenario.  The benefit of the cards is that the child is able to see the full days ’story’ and can predict what will happen next.  We also use picture cards for getting ready for kinder, getting ready for dinner, or getting ready for bed - the cards outline the tasks that need to be completed, one after the other.

Again, the best made plans can go out the window when an unexpected visitor knocks on the door, or we run out of milk and need to make a quick trip to the shops.  We have a ‘?’ or ‘what if’ card that we use for these times.  It is a card that can be thrown into the mix at any time, and the child understands that this card can mean change.  To begin with the ‘?’ card is unpredictable, and a lot of time and patience is required with its use.  However, the ‘?’ card used consistently when a change arises will eventually give the child a sense of predicability - the child begins to associate it with change and begins to realise what sort of things to expect from this and as such is better able to cope.

Remember that children with Asperger’s Syndrome love routine.  When changes to your child’s routine need to occur, make sure you allow them plenty of time to adjust to the change, use visual cues when you can and provide plenty of support to help them through it.  The result - a more relaxed child and a less stressed parent!

A while ago I came across a book by Kathy Hoopman, titled “All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome”.  Whilst the book is not new it has just been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards.

The book is uplifting and truly ’beautiful’.  There are no detailed strategies or advice contained within its pages, this picture book is simply a lighthearted look at both the joyous and the challenging characteristics of a child with Asperger Syndrome.  Through humour it celebrates the uniqueness of the Aspergers child - Kathy Hoopman’s insightful approach honours the differences and promotes a sense of self respect in the Aspergers child.

The book brought tears to my eyes the first time I read it, it was just after Jack’s diagnosis and the emotions were still running pretty high!  But truly, it touches the heart, and provides hope.  It’s a book that I now keep permanently within reach - it’s great for a pick-me-up when I need it.  It’s a treasure, and a must read for anyone who has contact with an Asperger child.

Elissa