Life at home with a child with autism is rarely easy. Changes in routine,
unexpected visitors, difficulties with food, toileting and dressing can be
disruptive to the whole family. Visits to the doctor or the dentist are
incredibly challenging. Parents too often forgo visiting friends and family
because the stress of breaking the routine of a child with autism and bringing
that child into unfamiliar territory is just too much to bear. Parents cringe at
the thought of public meltdowns and/or self injurious behavior in a place where
people are very quick to judge. No, staying home is often just easier.
But, staying home is not always the best for parent or the child. Parents need
to have the freedom to get an errand done or to visit a friend without being
completely overwhelmed. Our children also need to be given the opportunities to
experience new sights and sounds and to build self confidence from "tackling the
world." Every single time that a child steps out of their door (with or without
autism) they have an opportunity to learn and to grow. Research has proven that
neurons in the brain get "excited" by new experiences and from this we "grow"
our brain by building new pathways. Individuals with autism need experiences in
the world outside of their home in order to build neural pathways, practice
living in a social environment and learn to regulate their own behavior.
Children can't practice social skills while sitting in front of a Disney movie.
We can't learn how to manage our senses or our fears if we are safely kept away
from things that may bother or scare us. But we also can't "throw" the child
into the midst of social situations and hope they can cope. We need to give them
the tools that they need to be successful. What are these tools?
1. Use a visual schedule regularly. Paradoxically, teaching individuals with
autism to use a schedule gives them the ability to be more independent.
Schedules enable them to understand their world, organize their thinking, and
sequence their lives. By showing them a change on the schedule visually, we are
helping the individual to process the change at a basic level so that they are
able to cope with it.
2. Show and discuss a "game plan" before going leaving home. Using the schedule,
explain what will be happening, identify how it might feel and how you will
help. Some people use Carol Gray's Social Stories but a simple script can be
just as useful. Keep in mind that pictures/written words are far more effective
than just talking. The child needs to feel some sense of control over what is
happening. These kids too often feel an acute anxiety over what is or what could
happen to them.
3. Show exactly what is expected of your child. Warning a child that you expect
them to be good won't do the job. Many children don't even get the concept of
what "good" is (even kids that don't have autism). What does being "good" looks
like? And sound like? A checklist of these behaviors, a social script, or a of
set visual pictures may be the tools that make the difference in the success of
the outing. Parents may even find it useful to role play restaurant, church,
dentist, or doctor before the child encounters the real thing. The point is
that, individuals with autism don't instinctively know what is expected of them
in given situations. Parents and caregivers can bridge this understanding by
identifying the expectations in a constructive and non -threatening manner.
4. Pack the "tools of the trade". There are some items that I never leave home
without: a visual clock, sand timer, coloring books or small quiet toys, white
board and marker or paper to write messages to your child (talk less, show what
you mean with pictures/words). Sensory toys (squishy balls, vibrating pens,
fabric or sandpaper that the child enjoys touching) are also important tools
because they can help the child to self regulate. We all have items that we feel
more comfortable having with us; a coffee, a favorite pen, pictures of our
family, or a "lucky charm" are all objects that bring us some sort of comfort
and inner stability. Persons with autism may have the need to carry different
objects for similar purposes.
5. Provide information about your child that others will need in order to serve
your child. I personally believe that explaining some of your child's basic
needs to a dentist, doctor, store clerk, waitress or any person that may
misunderstand your child is far fairer to everyone involved. Sharing information
does not mean that you are trying to gain sympathy or tell a life story. It
could be as simple as, "Please give my child more time to respond." When ours on
began being invited to birthday parties, we contacted the parents and let them
know some of the basic information that they would need to know in order to make
the birthday run smoothly. This info may be that the child does not like the
birthday song, or clapping sounds and he will therefore "be in the washroom"
while this is happening. One parent even identified a "quiet spot" that our son
could retreat to if he was feeling overwhelmed. Information is power.
6. Give yourself plenty of time. A rushed errand will too often be disastrous
because as many parents know, the more hurried we are, the slower our children
move! Our kids with autism are busy dealing with their own stress; they can't
possibly cope with ours as well!
Every ounce of energy and thought that we put into planning for out of home
experiences for individuals with autism will multiply into benefits for
everyone. As a teacher of students with severely debilitating autism and a
mother of a son with autism I am very much aware that the task of breaking into
the fast paced world with a person with autism is not an easy one. I know first
hand that it can be downright terrifying to bring six students with autism to a
zoo, a church, a restaurant or a supermarket but the learning that happens for
the students, the staff and for the community is well worth the effort. We
enrich each other's lives when we move beyond the comfort zone of our own homes
and schools.
Copyright?2007 Jennifer Krumins - All Rights Reserved
Author of Been There. Done That. Finally Getting it Right. A Guide to
Educational Planning for Students with Autism: Lessons from a Mother and Teacher

Critical Information To Maximize the Potential of Someone With Autism -
http://www.autismgd.tk/

Autism awareness products are available in wholesale. Products such as; Safe and
Sound Packet, Shoelaces, Awareness Ribbon T-Shirt etc. used to promote autism
awareness. We will talk about them latter on.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental
agencies, autism is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At
this rate, it is estimated that it's prevalence of could reach 4 million
Americans in the next decade.
Autism can affect anybody regardless of race, ethnic, social boundaries, family
income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any
child. All should make a concerted effort to promote it's awareness in the world
using products such as;
Safe and Sound Packet
Created by ASA and law enforcement and preparedness consultant Dennis Debbaudt,
this Emergency Decal can be placed on your door or automobile window. A
companion piece called the "Personal Information Record" is also included.
Shoelaces
Hard wearing, long-lasting shoelace colorfully imprinted with the colors of the
autism puzzle pieces. Choose sizes for youth and adults (who are kids at heart).
Your sneakers will never look better!
Autism Awareness Ribbon T-Shirt
A Ribbon T-shirt is made of 100% Cotton. Help raise awareness.
ASA Stamp T-Shirt
ASA's Together a Brighter Tomorrow Stamp T-shirt is made of 100% Cotton. Show
your ASA pride and support
Silk Puzzle Piece Tie
Our high quality silk tie for men is imprinted with a multi-colored puzzle piece
logo. Makes a great gift!
The Voice of Autism Polo Shirt
ASA's signature Polo Shirt is made of 100% Cotton in a variety of colors.
Showing pride and support
Awareness Ribbon Polo Shirt
Ribbon Polo Shirt is made of 100% Cotton in two colors (Light Blue and White).
"What is Autism?" Brochure 50 Pack
This colorful brochure covers all the basics: signs, diagnosis, information
about causes and treatments. Perfect for doctors' offices, schools, special
events, etc.
Wallet Card 100 Pack
Colorful two-sided card provides "helpful hints" for interacting with someone
who has it. Includes special information for law enforcement or medical
emergency personnel. Good for both personal use and for distributing at
awareness events. Available in English or Spanish.
Wristband
Each band is individually packaged carrying ASA's 40th anniversary logo and its
mission statement. Unlike other "cause" wristbands, this one is multi-colored
featuring awareness puzzle ribbon.
Based on statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental
agencies, is growing at a startling rate of 10-17 percent per year. At this
rate, the ASA estimates that the prevalence of autism could reach 4 million
Americans in the next decade.

Critical Information To Maximize the Potential of Someone With Autism -
http://www.autismgd.tk/