Interacting with a child who has autism

When interacting with an autistic child, it’s essential to use clear and concise language. Avoid complex sentence structures and abstract concepts, as these can be confusing and overwhelming. Instead, use simple, direct language that is easy to understand.

For example, instead of saying, “Let’s get ready for bed,” you could say, “It’s time for bed. Let’s put on your pajamas and brush your teeth.”

Autistic individuals often require more time to process information and formulate responses. Avoid rushing or interrupting them during conversations. Give them ample time to think and respond, without feeling pressured. It’s tempting to fill awkward silences in a conversation, but this can be counterproductive. Instead, give the autistic child ample time to process your question and formulate a response. Maintain eye contact to show that you’re engaged and patiently waiting for their answer.

Physical touch can be a powerful tool for connecting with autistic children. However, it’s important to be mindful of their individual preferences and sensitivities. Not all autistic children enjoy physical touch, so it’s crucial to respect their boundaries.

If the child is receptive to physical touch, gentle hugs, pats on the back, or high-fives can convey warmth and affection. Always observe their cues and avoid imposing physical contact if they seem uncomfortable.

For further understanding of sensory sensitivities and how they may impact a child’s comfort with touch, you can read more about in our blog Clothing Sensitivity in Autism.

For a further understanding of sensory sensitivities and how they may impact a child’s comfort, you can read more about this topic in our previous blog Clothing Sensitivity in Autism.

Individuals with autism often have narrow, intense interests. These special interests can be a source of comfort and joy, providing them with a sense of focus and expertise. While these interests can be diverse, they often involve specific topics or activities, such as trains, dinosaurs, or numbers. Their interests are a significant part of their identity and can be a great way to understand and engage with them. When an autistic child talks about their interests, it’s important to:

• Listen attentively: Show genuine interest and ask thoughtful questions.
• Learn more: Research their interests to engage in deeper conversations in your next interaction.

Friendships can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, fostering a sense of belonging. Autistic children, despite sometimes appearing aloof or disinterested, can deeply desire friendship. They may not be able to express their desire for friendship explicitly, but their actions and behaviors can reveal their longing for social interaction.

Extend invitations, initiate conversations, and engage in shared activities that cater to their interests. By being a friend, you can positively impact the life of an autistic child, helping them feel valued and accepted. Remember, every child with autism is unique, and building friendships requires patience, understanding, and respect.

It would be interesting for you to know that attention-seeking behaviors, such as repetitive noises or actions, are often a way for autistic individuals to communicate their needs or express their emotions. For example, if a child with autism is repeatedly flapping their hands, it might be a way for them to self-soothe or regulate their emotions.

Hence the focus should gravitate towards understanding the underlying reason for the behavior.Don’t reprimand them. Instead of reacting negatively, try to:

• Maintain a calm demeanor: Avoid showing frustration or anger, as this may escalate the behavior.
• Ignore the behavior: If the behavior is not harmful, simply ignore it.
• Redirect their attention: Offer a preferred activity or sensory input to distract them.

We often expect children with autism to navigate a world designed for neurotypical individuals. While they thrive in calm, familiar environments, they’re frequently exposed to overwhelming situations like grocery stores, airports, and classrooms. These environments can trigger sensory overload and emotional distress, leading to meltdowns. Meltdowns can manifest in various ways, including:

• Withdrawal: The child may retreat into themselves, avoiding social interaction. The child may also suffer from stimming.
• Tantrums: The child may cry, scream, or exhibit other disruptive behaviors.

Autistic children are neurodivergent and may not always respond in the way you expect. They may not reciprocate social cues or engage in conversation as neurotypical children might. Never take these behaviors personally. Instead, focus on understanding their unique communication style and responding with patience and empathy.

It’s natural to be curious about differences, especially when observing behaviors that may seem unusual. For instance, repetitive behaviors or stimming, common in autism, can draw attention.

However, it’s important to remember that these behaviors often serve a purpose for the individual. Staring can be perceived as intrusive by the autistic child and may contribute to their discomfort. If you’re curious, consider asking a parent or caregiver about it in a respectful and sensitive manner.

You can learn more about how to better understand and respect social behaviors in children with autism by reading our blog Navigating Social Challenges: A Guide for Caregivers of High-Functioning Autistic Children.

Autistic individuals often struggle with understanding nuances and abstract language. Using simple, direct language is essential for effective communication. Avoid sarcasm, irony, or humor that relies on subtle social cues, as it can be easily misinterpreted. For example, instead of saying, “It’s raining cats and dogs,” simply state, “It’s raining heavily.”