FAQautism

I spoke recently at a public forum about some of the challenges encountered by individuals with autism. Several people were surprised that I said on of my friends would only ride in her grandmother’s car, and only if her grandmother was driving. The grandmother wrote that this is a habit her granddaughter, a young adult, has had for about five years. The grandmother said, “She won’t even ride with other family members or with some of her best friends. I need some ideas for helping her learn to ride with other people since my health is going down hill.”

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcast [5:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

It can be very challenging to help an individual with autism accept major changes in their lives. Your granddaughter is probably pretty “set in her ways” after five years. And her intolerance for change that is a natural outgrowth of autism will only add to the challenge. But you can probably take some steps now to help make that transition a bit smoother. The key is to take small steps without fanfare to help her gradually ease into the habit of riding with other people. Don’t ask her if she wants to ride with someone new, just start doing it.
Step 1. Recruit several different members of her extended family and friends from her church, her work place, or other places to drive the two of you to get an ice cream cone or other positive experience Have her friends drive your car with the two of you as passengers.
Step 2. You use your friends’ car to drive your granddaughter and different friends to a familiar place or on a familiar errand so she gets used to riding in different cars.
Step 3. The next step is to have your friends drive you and your granddaughter to a familiar place or on a familiar errand in their car.
Step 4. Finally, ask your daughter to go on a familiar errand for you in a friend’s car while you stay at home.

Granted, these steps may not budge her from her refusal to ride with other folks, but, on the other hand, the gradual transition to a new routine may indeed help her tolerate an inevitable change in a long-standing routine. And any listeners or readers who have experienced similar challenges are encouraged to send a message this way with ideas that come to mind to help this young lady learn to tolerate change. Just click on the comments button or send a message to talk@FAQautism.com

NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: 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. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com

Automatically generated related posts:

1. Tolerating Change “My adult granddaughter will only ride in my car and...
2. Screaming A friend was excited that her family finally had a...
3. Seatbelt Houdini Some youngsters with autism are escape artists who can unbuckle...
4. Anticipating Change Transition is difficult for everyone, but many individuals with autism...
5. Onto the Floor If anything is on her desk or table at school,...