Cheerleading
An inherent part of being a parent, teacher, or therapist is cheerleading. We are loyal to our friends with autism. They can count on us to back them up and to encourage them every step of the way, even when they face tough challenges or a losing season. How can we best fulfill our role as cheerleaders?
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1. Nurture relationships. Although it is important to stay informed about autism and to stay abreast of the latest research and strategies, it is even more important to spend time with our friends. Taking time to connect and to nurture personal relationships is the most valuable gift we can offer individuals with autism. Even people who do not appear to respond to other people thrive in a caring, nurturing, supportive atmosphere filled with friends and family.
2. Look for the positive. Sometimes it is difficult to find the silver lining in a day filled with explosive behaviors, toileting issues, self-injury, and other on-going challenging issues. Effective cheerleaders look through the fog to identify and encourage the positive aspects of each person, helping others recognize capabilities and skills as well as endearing aspects of their personalities.
4. Build on strengths. Sometimes we are criticized for raising expectations and expecting our friends with autism learn to be more self-sufficient, to take responsibility for their actions, or to overcome a challenging behavior. But, in reality, most people thrive when encouraged to strive toward a goal.
5. Compensate for deficits. Autism is challenging. Individuals with autism will have some behaviors or personality traits that are frustrating or irritating or hurtful. Some of these issues can be shaped gradually over time, and others are just inherent characteristics of autism. We can help our friends compensate and learn to approach some things from a different angle.
6. Be a positive, proactive advocate. Sometimes parents, teachers, and other advocates of individuals with autism feel as if they are battling against the whole world, particularly decision makers. Although a few circumstance require confrontation, our advocacy is often more effective if we build bridges, build alliances, and avoid assuming the world does not like individuals with autism.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Sometimes we may feel like we are fighting against a flood of negative, challenging situations that bombard the life of our friend with autism. When we are overwhelmed and frustrated, it helps to step back, regroup, and approach life from the perspective of a loyal, encouraging cheerleader.
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 a confidential email at talk@FAQautism.com with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. 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
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