How Parents Can Help Autistic Children Make Sense of Their World

We all see the world differently. Our early connections, interactions, and experiences shape who we are and our view of the world. Everyone is different and so is his perspective on the world. Including children with autism.

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by socializing difficulties and restricted and repetitive behavior. They make sense of their world differently and parents often have a hard time understanding what they are trying to tell. They have a different way of seeing and exposing things, much more different than other children, so as a parent you might have a challenge trying to make sense of his world.

Personal Narratives

We all try to make sense of our worlds, and personal narratives are the ones that define us. They are part of every child’s development and they can predict future reading abilities. They are important not for their future school performances, but also professional and personal life. Communicating effectively is important as it helps you send the information clearly.

This is important for children especially during pediatrician visits. The more accurately they can describe what they’re feeling, the easier it will be for the doctor to identify the problem.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience a block when it comes to personal narratives. They have a hard time making sense of their world, making it harder for parents to help them. Fortunately, parents can help their children develop personal narratives and assist them in this process, thus helping them make sense of their world.

Discuss with Your Kid About Past Experiences Frequently

Studies have shown that autistic children tell stories or personal narratives significantly less than other children. Here is where parents can intervene and help them. Discuss with your child about past experiences frequently.

Don’t forget that personal narratives are some stories, so you can use storytelling to describe past events you both were part of. Studies have shown that storytelling can be learned and parents can improve significantly their way of discussing with their kids about past experiences.

Encourage Your Child to Give You More Details

There are a lot of factors involved in a situation: there can be other children, feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Autistic children often use simple ways of expressing their thoughts, not giving their parents any cues about how they are feeling. For example, if your child tells you that a boy from kindergarten was mean today, you might not know how to make sense of this; you need more details.

Encourage your child to give you more details about how he felt in a specific situation. Ask him about the actions involved, who did them and how did he feel during that time. Over time, this will help him develop his vocabulary and personal narrative.

Sometimes you will notice that your kid might become anxious or have difficulties focusing. It is often challenging to help him re-channel his focus, but TouchPoints products can help you face this challenge.

 Their products are science-based and use the technology of micro-vibrations that can reduce subjective stress and anxiety by up to 70% in 30 seconds. There is evidence that their products can help children with autism focus and maintain their focus better, so their devices can help your autistic child make sense of his world.

Give Him Time

There are endless topics you can talk about with children because they are very creative and have different points of view. Some discussions can turn to be entertaining; you only need to give your autistic child time. Open various discussions on interesting topics and ask him guiding questions.

The most important thing to consider is to not rush him. Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder need time and help to make sense of their world, and rushing them can make worse than good.

Be Consistent

Children with autism have a more difficult time learning new things and habits, so consistency is needed. They need time to apply what they have learned in one setting, in a completely different one. To reinforce learning, the most important thing you can do is to create consistency in your child’s environment.

Apply all the above advice without overwhelming him, giving him space and consistently. Slowly and with patience, they will develop their vocabulary and perspective on events and emotions. This will help him indefinitely to make sense of his world, which is important not only during childhood but adulthood too.

Questions Guide

To help your child make sense of his world, asking him “wh” questions is important. This will help you understand his experience better and he will learn to develop his narrative. Asks questions such as “why”, “where”, “when”, “whom” or “how” questions. Make sure to not overwhelm him with questions.

Try to also ask questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no”, as it will be easier for your child to make connections and answer. Be sure you ask questions that help him define his story, with a context, subjects, time, and place. Stories can be simple, but as you ask questions and guide him, your autistic child can develop and improve his narrative.

And always discuss his feelings and emotions at that moment. Like this, he will learn to identify and describe them easier.

Conclusion

Children with autism disorder view the world differently. They have difficulties in social interactions and communication, making it challenging for parents to make sense of short stories.

The good thing is that parents can help their children improve their communication by encouraging them to develop their personal narrative. Ask questions about past events and discuss their feelings and emotions at that time. Give your child time and do not rush him. Be consistent and always be sure your questions are simple and guiding.

He needs time and space to understand his world.

Author Bio: Tobias Foster is a journalist and editor with more than 5 years' work experience and on australian essay. Children's development, sociology, and mental disorders are his favorite topics from the broader domain of psychology. Tobias has a wealth of knowledge in that field and he is a master of his craft.