Building vs Fixing
It is easy to get into the mentality of needing to FIX our friends with autism. A friend who describes herself as “someone with autism” commented, “It seems like adults are always trying to fix something wrong in my life. I wish people could notice some of the things I CAN do instead of always talking about problems or things I can’t do.”
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This teen’s comments really highlight our approach to education and therapy for individuals with special needs. Although not intentional, the fact remains that parents, therapists, teachers, and other professionals focus on deficits and areas of need. We can easily get pulled into the trap of “fixing” a person’s problems rather than on “building” on their strengths. Some tips for changing the focus to building rather than fixing:
1. PLANNING. Although we are required to list strengths in education plans (IEP) and skills training plans (ITP, IPP), the fact remains that we tend to focus on deficit areas when developing strategies and plans. We could more purposefully target strengths and systematically develop strategies to build on the interests and talents of the individual with autism.
2. EDUCATION AND TRAINING. The same principle applies to education, therapy, and job training. Rather than assuming, for example, that all non-verbal students with autism should learn sign-language as an alternative mode of communication, consider all options. Some individuals may be much more communicative via Twitter or text-messages. A youngster with autism may never learn phonics, but may become a fluent reader when sight words are introduced. On the job front, a young adult with autism may be unsuccessful in a transitional job-training workshop because of the constant changes, but may thrive in a routine “loner” job such as filing medical records or library books.
TIP FOR THE DAY. Every person with autism will benefit if we take the advice of this young adult with autism who asks that we recognize and build on talent and interests of a person with autism at least as much as we focus on fixing their problems and deficits.
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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