What to do when children with autism talk to themselves? You will understand when you see it. Self-talk occurs in both children with autism and neurotypical individuals. However, neurotypical individuals know how to choose the right time and place, while for children with autism, the occurrence of this behavior in terms of time, place, frequency, and intensity differs, posing obstacles to their development. Choosing the correct language therapy depends on various factors including the child’s age, developmental stage, learning style, and individual interests. Numerous examples show that behavioral training starting before the child’s 4th birthday is most effective. Many believe the optimal time for behavioral intervention is between 24 and 42 months, although this has not been fully confirmed.
Parents should observe their child’s interests more frequently and focus on key points to strengthen the effects. If a child is interested in dolls, parents can spend more time playing with dolls. Researchers selected two leisure items liked by this child, one being picture books and the other being puzzle games. This boy often repetitively arranges various objects, but after mastering the time of his stereotyped behaviors, offer him a picture book or puzzle in advance. In such situations, parents should not rush and finding the appropriate intervention method for the child is crucial.
Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a brain disorder caused by various biological factors, characterized by specific abnormalities and deviations in social interaction, language communication, and cognitive functions. The cleanliness of the environment where parents and children with autism gather in institutions is crucial as an unclean environment can easily breed bacteria and transmit diseases. Most children with autism have stereotyped behavior issues, being rigid, unchanging, and lacking flexibility. They often speak, act, eat, and even play in a singular way.
Parents should not focus on all behaviors at once, but should start by overcoming one stereotyped behavior. Once the child’s acceptance and flexibility increase, gradually transition to intervening in multiple or even all stereotyped behaviors. However, the more parents dwell on these problems, the more they see the shortcomings in their children, leading to uncertainty and exacerbation of their own emotional issues.
