Autism Keys 7. Emotion
I did my honours thesis in Emotional Intelligence, and was surprised at how little
people understood about emotion generally, so was determined my children would learn about them.
Autism Keys 6. Embracing Obsessions
From the end of that week I changed my point if view about obsessions. I welcomed them, using them for teaching, because they gave me so much: interest, incentive and ability for my lad to concentrate.
Autism Keys 5: Adaptability
Unfortunately, setting up a predictable world, with structured activities and a full time schedule, (which is often the suggested way to raise infants these days), is creating a picture of structure and predictability. If this is where your child on the spectrum begins, their ability to adapt can be much less.
Autism Keys 4: Trust
Being the primary carer for a child who expects the world to be a certain way is hard work, and often makes you the easy target for their anger. Blame is an all too typical issue with kids on the spectrum, and as your praise and cuddles might not be the source of comfort they are looking for, it makes a solid relationship difficult to establish and nourish.
Autism Keys 3: Communication
Communication comes third, and this is not just speaking, listening, sign language or pointing. It encompasses so many things.
Autism Keys 2: Behaviour
But ask yourself why you are wanting to change this behaviour. If it’s just for social/judgement reasons, or if it will truly enhance that child’s life.
Autism Keys 1: Coping Styles
Coping styles are a core part of our lives. Many of our current coping styles were unconsciously taught to us by our parents.
Autism Keys
I’m going to share the main aspects which have helped him learn to be a social member of the community, but maintain his core character, and the strengths that accompany it.
Modern Heros
When I was a child there were super heros, men and women with capes, dedicated only to the good and saving people from imminent death. These days it's not so simple. While it's only Taz who has an ASD (Aspergers syndrome) diagnosis, our family all has notable...
Supporting Imagination
Sometimes I just don’t have the time, patience or headspace to adapt to the needs of whatever animal he is that day. I have to say though, it seems to be much easier to just go with it if I can, as he is much happier to follow my requests if I’m happy to give them to tiger, or possum, or fish, or whatever he is that day, or that minute…
