Check Those Assumptions
Because of cognitive challenges, some individuals diagnosed with autism are not able to read, write, or even talk.. Other people with autism seem self-absorbed and do not seem to be interested in learning. In these cases, it is easy to assume that a person cannot or will not understand science or history or music. When a person doesn’t seem to be able to learn new concepts, it is easy for us to just pop in the same video over and over again. Then we can’t figure out why our friends with special needs are so bored, agitated, or restless.
Listen Now:
or continue reading:
SPECIFIC STRATEGY We can do folks a great service by assuming that they ARE interested and by searching for compelling, age-appropriate activities. Most folks just explore and learn naturally, but some individuals with autism need a boost and a friend to help them notice what is happening around them. Take time to do all you can to expose individuals to the world around them and to encourage learning about a broad range of topics. . You don’t need to worry about whether or not the person understands everything – just focus on providing a variety of interesting learning experiences. Some ideas: (1) READ to your friend – take a bit of time to read together every day. Read magazines about science, cultures, art, cars, and fishing. (2) WATCH shows and videos about animals, space, transportation, plants, nature, history, machines, cultures, and food. + (3) EXPLORE nature by taking a walk, making mud pies, collecting rocks and leaves, growing plants, watching animals, and looking at the skies. + (4) CHECK THE WEB! Lots of great sites with games, video clips, crafts, pictures to color, and other fun stuff.
NOTE TO LISTENERS AND READERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
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