On the journey of exploring the unique world of autistic children, we often find that they seem to be immersed in their own mental universe, “hearing but not listening” to the sounds from the outside world. This phenomenon, though not a deliberate disregard, poses significant challenges to their daily communication and learning. As parents or caregivers, we can help autistic children gradually improve this situation through careful observation and scientific guidance, starting from three key details to enrich their world.
1. Establish visual aids to enhance attention
Autistic children are often more sensitive to visual information, and we can leverage this by using visual aids to attract their attention, thereby promoting the reception of auditory information. For example, during communication, you can try using images, gestures, or facial expressions to support verbal expression. For instance, when you say, “It’s time to eat,” you can simultaneously point to the food on the table or make a eating gesture. Such visual cues can help the child shift their attention from their inner world to the external environment, increasing their sensitivity to sounds.
2. Create a quiet environment to reduce distractions
Autistic children have a low tolerance for noise and chaotic environments, and excessive external stimuli can make it even more difficult for them to concentrate. Therefore, it is crucial to create a quiet and orderly learning environment for them. In this space, try to minimize unnecessary background noise, such as television sounds, loud conversations, etc., allowing the child’s ears to capture the information you want to convey more clearly. Additionally, maintaining the tidiness of the environment and the stability of the layout can also reduce the factors that distract the child and enhance their focus.
3. Use structured teaching to increase interaction opportunities
Autistic children typically enjoy predictable and routine activities. Therefore, during the educational and interactive process, we can adopt a structured teaching method, breaking tasks down into simple steps and clearly informing the child about what to do next. This clear structure can not only reduce their anxiety but also help them better understand and follow instructions. Furthermore, increasing one-on-one interaction opportunities, such as face-to-face conversations or joint play, can allow the child to feel more attention and emotional connection, making them more willing to open up and listen to the sounds of the outside world.
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