FAQautism

Sometimes the solution to a challenging situation encountered by individuals functioning on the spectrum of autism is very simple. The key to finding a quick fix is to gather a brainstorming group of family members and/or people at work or school. Invite folks who think creatively and tell them the circumstances and details of the challenging situation. Then encourage them to just throw out all options and ideas that come to mind – no matter how remote – for dealing with the situation. Let us take a look at two “instant solutions” that emerged via this group brainstorm process.

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Keys. Several of my friends with autism are fixated on keys, so they rummage through pockets and purses of family members, teachers, and even strangers in an effort to locate a key ring. A two-prong instant solution has changed the focus and decreased the inappropriate rummaging behavior. (1) “Key Fanatics” are given their own key ring with a large, sturdy o-ring and at least three real keys that are no longer usable. (2) Family members and teachers help break the “rummaging through pockets” habit by storing their keys in an inaccessible and remote place.

Parking lot plop. A previous podcast discussed strategies for dealing with the potentially dangerous behavior of plopping down in the middle of a parking lot. But, until your friend with autism learns to walk without staging a sudden sit-in, it might be best to avoid dangerous parking lots or public places where his plopping can be dangerous. So, for example, f you have another adult with you, they can drive the car to the entrance of the store to drop you and your son off and to pick you up. Granted, this is a lot of trouble, and we will probably still have to deal with the issue of his sitting down in the store. No doubt it is embarrassing and frustrating when our friends with autism plop down in the middle of a public entrance or a sidewalk, but it is FAR safer than sitting down in the middle of a street or parking lot. So, this strategy is just the first step in a long process, but it is a critical step in keeping safety at the top of the list when teaching cooperation.

We encourage you to send us other challenging issues as well as any quick fix solutions that come to mind. Just send us an e-mail 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 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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