Preparing for unknown events with your child

Many parents worry about how their child will react to an unfamiliar situation, but parents with autistic children may need to take extra steps to keep their child safe. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder do not always have the same awareness as their peers. They may be more impulsive or have little patience when it comes to trying new things. Some autistic children, for example, are able to trespass or cross the street regardless of passing cars or other dangers. They might even go home with someone they don’t know. By the time we realize they’re gone, it might be too late. To keep your autistic child safe, you need to take extra steps at home to teach basic safety skills.

how to ask for things

Teaching children to ask for things is a big step in the right direction. Most parents know when their child asks for milk or juice. Food and drink is one of the best places to start. They should also learn basic words to help them through the day, such as crayons, playground, or potty. Once these skills are mastered, parents can begin to teach children about the world outside of the home. Things like asking to use the swings or go outside can make a big difference. Finally, we present situations in which it is okay for our children to say no, so they learn that some things are not necessary.

Teaching Personal Information

Your child should be taught the basics, such as their first and last name, as soon as possible. They must also learn their parent’s name and phone number. More advanced children must also learn their home address in an emergency. These things will help your child find his way home in case he gets lost. Younger children, or children who do not speak, it is a good idea to create a small information card that they can carry with them.

label things around you

It is crucial to teach children to be more aware of their surroundings. As you cross the street with them, try to point to the cars and name them. On the playground, point to the other children and say their names. You can ask your child to say the word car or a person’s name and repeat the information out loud. This helps label things in their environment, making them more aware. You can even use labels to signal that things are good or bad. If your child is more advanced, you can even teach him about stranger danger.

These basic skills are a great place to start, especially if you are concerned about your child’s safety. You can also talk to a board-certified behavior analyst to help you learn more. Implementing new and correct procedures in your child’s behavior plan is a good idea; however, this should only be done with the help of a specialist.