Teaching Patience
Some individuals with autism really struggle with patience. They may have an emotional meltdown when required to wait for a delayed meal or for a slow school bus. Some people become very agitated when required to wait while a parent talks on the phone or when stuck in traffic. How can we teach kids, teens, and adults with autism to be more patient?
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This topic could fill an entire book, but we will look at a few basic principles to consider when teaching patience.
1. Don’t nag. Most moms have difficulty recognizing this fact, but nagging does not work with anyone, whether they are diagnosed with autism or not. We cannot nag a person into being patient, but we can, over time, shape more appropriate responses to feelings of impatience.
2. Be a role model. One of the most effective teaching tools is that of modeling appropriate responses. If we react to trying situations calmly and with good humor, our friends with autism may learn from our actions and attitudes.
3. Teach appropriate response. We need to systematically and patiently teach people appropriate responses so they can know what to say and do when their patience meter starts heating up. Some individuals can learn from social stories and role-playing. Others can learn to respond to a quick cue – verbal and/or visual – we give them when we see impatience rising to the surface. So, for example, we can monitor their patience meter closely, and, when needed, gently touch their elbow or hand and whisper “calm.” Or we can use a visual cue – sign language or a card with a word or picture – to help them keep agitation and explosive anger in check.
TIP FOR THE DAY: No matter the method used, teaching patience is a priority with our friends with autism who are challenged with impatient explosive behavior and agitation.
We welcome your thoughts about teaching patience and appreciate your sharing this blog post with friends who are interested in the well-being of individuals with autism. We also encourage you to click on the Toolkits tab of our website to learn of valuable new resources http://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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