Autism Special Needs Checklist: Big Kids (ages 6-12)
When your child is ready for school, expect exciting new opportunities and challenges. The right education plan can help your child reach his or her full potential. But school is not just about learning. Just like his or her peers, your child is navigating friendships and social situations.
Follow this 8-step checklist to help your child succeed during the elementary school years.
Step 1: Look for Support at School
Many kids with autism spectrum disorder are diagnosed by age 3 and receive early intervention services. When they turn 3, they're eligible for additional services at their local school district with the help of an individualized education program (IEP).
The IEP may include therapy for speech/language, behavior, or sensory concerns. In school, kids might get extra support through a classroom aide or during a "lunch bunch" or social skills group.
Parents meet with an IEP team to determine a child's needs. While you can't insist on certain services, you can appeal the IEP if you feel that the plan doesn't meet your child's needs. The IEP is reviewed and updated each year, but you can ask for updates before that to make sure your child is meeting goals.
Not all kids with autism need an IEP. Those who do not qualify for an IEP can get educational assistance through a 504 education plan, which provides for accommodations in a regular classroom that improve a child's learning experience.
Step 2: Get Tech Savvy
Technology can help kids with autism improve verbal skills, social skills, and behavior. Through the use of educational apps and computer games and programs, kids can increase their focus, get rewarded for good behavior, learn new skills, and have fun doing it. Some devices (called "assistive devices") can even vocalize kids' thoughts if they have trouble speaking.
Ask your child's doctor or speech or behavioral therapist for suggestions on what kinds of apps or other media can help your child. Many games help to reinforce the skills that kids are already learning in the classroom or during therapy sessions.
Step 3: Plan Playdates and Social Time
It's important for kids with autism to socialize with their peers, even if sometimes it can be challenging for them. Playdates and other activities are some much-needed chances to practice social skills and make new friends. Those who are struggling can sign up for a social skills group, which helps with things like introducing yourself, talking to others, reading social cues, and more.
When helping your child choose a playmate, look for someone who shares the same interests. Pre-plan the activities (like going to a park, playground, or another activity you know your child will enjoy), and avoid places with too much noise and stimulation if you think it will overwhelm your child. Let your child know what to expect ahead of time. Consider using a visual schedule with pictures or create social stories to help "tell ahead" what will happen during a playdate.
Step 4: Get Kids Moving
Physical activity is also great for kids with autism — it can help improve their fitness, coordination, strength, and body awareness. Regular physical activity can help prevent childhood obesity. Exercise may also help decrease repetitive, self-stimulating behaviors and improve attention.
Many sports programs, such as Special Olympics, Little League Challenger Division, TOPSoccer and at the YMCA, can help your child to be physically active while also meeting new friends who have similar challenges. Karate, therapeutic horseback riding programs, and aquatic therapy are also great ways to keep kids active.
Step 5: Address Emotional Needs
At times your child may feel left out, left behind, or bullied. Kids with autism sometimes have trouble relating to others, and this can make them feel angry or sad.
Get help from a professional counselor if your child shows signs of depression, which include sadness, moodiness, or keeping to himself or herself. Signs of bullying include:
- not wanting to go to school
- decreased appetite
- trouble sleeping
- unexplained crying
If your child is being teased or bullied, speak with school administrators as soon as possible. At home, talk with your child about the experience and use role-play to discuss how to handle bullies and report problems to teachers, guidance counselors, or other trusted adults.
Step 6: Prepare for Puberty
As puberty approaches, your child will be dealing with new emotions that are a normal part of growing up. Talk with your doctor about what to expect as your child matures and how to handle it. Reassure your child that the changes that come with puberty are normal.
Teach your child the difference between public and private places when it comes to private behaviors like getting dressed or touching private parts. When girls get their periods they will need to learn how to change pads, while boys might need reassurance that wet dreams are normal.
Talk to your child about appropriate versus inappropriate touching, explaining that he or she should immediately tell you if someone crosses the line.
Step 7: Find Support
Dealing with the day-to-day challenges of parenting a child with autism can be overwhelming. Having a strong support network can help you power through even the most challenging days.
To connect with other parents who understand your situation, find a local support group or get involved with a local chapter of a national autism awareness group. If a local group isn't available, look for online support.
Step 8: Secure Your Child's Future
If you haven't written a will or set up a legal and financial framework for your child's future, it's not too late. Talk with an attorney who specializes in special needs law and a financial advisor to find the best way to manage your assets and prepare financially for your child's adulthood.
If you have already written a will, review it from time to time to make sure that the custodial plan you made when your child was younger is still the best option.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.
Autism Special Needs Checklist: Watoto wakubwa (miaka 6-12) Wakati mtoto wako yuko tayari kwenda shule, kutarajia fursa mpya ya kusisimua na changamoto. Mpango sahihi wa elimu unaweza kumsaidia mtoto wako kufikia uwezo wake kamili. Lakini shule si kuhusu kujifunza tu. Kama ilivyo kwa wenzake, mtoto wako pia anajaribu kuwasiliana na watu. Fanya kama ilivyoelezwa katika orodha hii ya hatua 8 ili kumsaidia mtoto wako afanikiwe katika miaka ya shule ya msingi. Hatua ya kwanza: Tafuta msaada shuleni Watoto wengi wenye ugonjwa wa autism wanagunduliwa na umri wa miaka mitatu na hupokea huduma za kuingilia mapema. Wanafunzi wanaofikia umri wa miaka mitatu wanaweza kupata huduma za ziada katika wilaya ya shule ya eneo lao kwa msaada wa Programu ya Elimu ya Mtu binafsi (IEP). IEP inaweza kujumuisha tiba ya hotuba / lugha, tabia, au wasiwasi wa hisia. Shuleni, watoto wanaweza kupata msaada wa ziada kupitia msaidizi wa darasa au wakati wa "kundi la chakula cha mchana" au kikundi cha ujuzi wa kijamii. Wazazi wanaweza kukutana na timu ya IEP ili kuamua mahitaji ya mtoto. Ikiwa unajua kwamba mpango wa IEP haukidhi mahitaji ya mtoto wako, unaweza kuomba msaada wa IEP. IEP ni upya kila mwaka na inapaswa kuandikwa kila mwaka, lakini unaweza kuomba kwa ajili ya updates kabla ya hapo ili kuhakikisha mtoto wako ni kufikia malengo. Si watoto wote wenye ugonjwa wa akili wanaohitaji IEP. Kwa wale ambao hawafai kwa IEP, wanaweza kupata msaada wa elimu kupitia mpango wa elimu wa 504, ambao hutoa malazi katika darasa la kawaida ambalo linaongeza uzoefu wa kujifunza wa mtoto. Teknolojia inaweza kusaidia watoto wenye ugonjwa wa akili kuboresha ustadi wa maneno, ustadi wa kijamii, na tabia. Kwa kutumia programu za elimu, michezo ya kompyuta na programu, watoto wanaweza kuongeza umakini wao, kupata thawabu kwa tabia nzuri, kujifunza ujuzi mpya, na kufurahia kufanya hivyo. Baadhi ya vifaa ( vinavyoitwa "vifaa vya kusaidia") vinaweza hata kutoa sauti ya mawazo ya watoto ikiwa wana matatizo ya kusema. Mwulize daktari wa mtoto wako au mtaalamu wa hotuba au tabia kwa mapendekezo juu ya aina ya programu au vyombo vingine vya habari vinavyoweza kumsaidia mtoto wako. Michezo mingi husaidia kuimarisha ustadi ambao watoto tayari wanajifunza darasani au wakati wa vipindi vya matibabu. Hatua ya 3 - Mpango wa kucheza na wakati wa kijamii Ni muhimu kwa watoto wenye autism kuwasiliana na wenzao, hata kama wakati mwingine inaweza kuwa changamoto kwao. Kucheza pamoja na wengine ni fursa muhimu sana za kuzoeza ustadi wa kijamii na kupata marafiki wapya. Kwa wale ambao wana shida, unaweza kujiandikisha kwa kikundi cha ujuzi wa kijamii, ambayo husaidia na mambo kama kujianzisha, kuzungumza na wengine, kusoma ishara za kijamii, na zaidi. Unapomsaidia mtoto wako kuchagua mwenzi wa kucheza naye, tafuta mtu anayependezwa naye. Panga shughuli zako mapema (kama kwenda kwenye bustani, uwanja wa michezo, au shughuli nyingine unayojua mtoto wako atafurahia), na epuka maeneo yenye kelele nyingi na msukumo ikiwa unafikiri itamzidisha mtoto wako. Mweleze mtoto wako mapema kile anachotarajia. Fikiria kutumia ratiba ya kuona na picha au kuunda hadithi za kijamii kusaidia "kuambia mbele" nini kitatokea wakati wa tarehe ya kucheza. Hatua ya 4: Kupata Watoto Kusonga Shughuli ya kimwili pia ni kubwa kwa watoto wenye autism - inaweza kusaidia kuboresha fitness yao, uratibu, nguvu, na ufahamu wa mwili. Mazoezi ya kawaida ya kimwili yaweza kusaidia kuzuia fetma ya utotoni. Mazoezi yaweza pia kusaidia kupunguza tabia za kurudia-rudia, za kujichochea na kuboresha uangalifu. Programu nyingi za michezo, kama vile Olimpiki Maalum, Ligi Ndogo ya Challenger, TOPSoccer, na YMCA, zinaweza kumsaidia mtoto wako kuwa hai kimwili wakati pia kukutana na marafiki wapya ambao wana changamoto sawa. Karate, programu za kupumzika farasi, na tiba ya majini pia ni njia nzuri za kuwafanya watoto wawe na shughuli nyingi. Hatua ya 5: Kushughulikia Mahitaji ya Kihisabati Nyakati nyingine mtoto wako aweza kuhisi amepuuzwa, amesalia nyuma, au amedhulumiwa. Watoto wenye ugonjwa wa akili wakati mwingine huwa na matatizo ya kuwasiliana na wengine, na hilo laweza kuwafanya wahisi hasira au huzuni. Tafuta ushauri wa mtaalamu ikiwa mtoto wako ana dalili za kushuka moyo, kama vile huzuni, hali ya hewa mbaya, au kujitenga. Ishara za unyanyasaji ni pamoja na: - kutotaka kwenda shule - kupungua kwa hamu ya kula - shida ya kulala - kulia bila sababu Ikiwa mtoto wako anachekeshwa au kunyanyaswa, zungumza na wasimamizi wa shule haraka iwezekanavyo. Kwa mfano, unaweza kuzungumza na mtoto wako kuhusu jambo hilo na kutumia mchezo wa kuigiza ili kujadili jinsi ya kushughulika na watu wanaotesa na jinsi ya kuwaambia walimu, washauri, au watu wengine wazima unaowaamini. Hatua ya 6: Jitayarishe kwa Kubalehe: Wakati wa kubalehe, mtoto wako atapata hisia mpya ambazo ni sehemu ya kawaida ya kukua. Zungumza na daktari wako kuhusu nini cha kutarajia wakati mtoto wako anapokua na jinsi ya kushughulikia hali hiyo. Mhakikishie mtoto wako kwamba mabadiliko yanayotokea wakati wa kubalehe ni ya kawaida. Mfundishe mtoto wako tofauti kati ya mahali pa umma na mahali pa faragha wakati wa tabia za faragha kama vile kuvaa au kugusa sehemu za faragha. Wakati wa hedhi, wasichana wanapaswa kujifunza jinsi ya kubadilisha pads, wakati wavulana wanaweza kuhitaji uhakikisho kwamba ndoto za mvua ni kawaida. Mweleze mtoto wako jinsi ya kugusa au kuugusa kwa njia isiyofaa na kwamba anapaswa kukuambia mara moja ikiwa mtu fulani amevuka mpaka. Hatua ya 7: Kupata Msaada Kushughulika na changamoto za kila siku za kuwa mzazi wa mtoto mwenye ugonjwa wa akili kunaweza kuwa vigumu sana. Kuwa na mtandao thabiti wa msaada unaweza kukusaidia kupitia hata siku zenye changamoto zaidi. Ili kuwasiliana na wazazi wengine ambao wanaelewa hali yako, tafuta kikundi cha msaada cha ndani au ushiriki na sura ya ndani ya kikundi cha kitaifa cha ufahamu wa autism. Ikiwa kikundi cha mahali hapo hakipatikani, tafuta msaada mtandaoni. Hatua ya 8: Uhakikishe Wakati Ujao wa Mtoto Wako Ikiwa hujaandika mapenzi au kuanzisha mfumo wa kisheria na kifedha kwa ajili ya wakati ujao wa mtoto wako, bado ni kuchelewa sana. Zungumza na mwanasheria ambaye ni mtaalamu wa sheria za mahitaji maalum na mshauri wa kifedha ili kupata njia bora ya kusimamia mali yako na kujitayarisha kifedha kwa ajili ya maisha ya mtu mzima wa mtoto wako. Ikiwa umewahi kuandika hati ya mapenzi, angalia tena na tena ili kuhakikisha kwamba mpango wa utunzaji uliotengeneza wakati mtoto wako alikuwa mdogo bado ni chaguo bora. Kumbuka: Habari zote ni kwa madhumuni ya elimu tu. Kwa ushauri maalum wa kitiba, utambuzi, na matibabu, wasiliana na daktari wako. 1995 - Msingi wa Nemours. KidsHealth® ni alama ya biashara iliyosajiliwa ya The Nemours Foundation. Haki zote zimehifadhiwa. Picha zinazotokana na The Nemours Foundation na Getty Images.