In the family education of children with autism, parents play a crucial role. However, some common mistakes can not only fail to help the children but may also worsen their symptoms, affecting their growth and development. This article will explore the taboos of educating children with autism in the family and suggest the correct practices that parents should have.
1. Taboos in Family Education
Excessive Blame and Punishment
Taboo Description: Faced with the “misbehavior” or “naughty” behavior of children with autism, some parents may not be able to resist blaming or even punishing the children. However, this approach will only make the children feel fearful, helpless, and inferior, increasing their psychological burden and not conducive to recovery.
Response Strategy: Parents should stay calm and patient, communicate with their children in a gentle tone, understand the reasons behind their behavior, and provide proper guidance and support.
Ignoring the Children’s Feelings and Needs
Taboo Description: Children with autism often find it difficult to express their emotions and needs. If parents ignore these signals, they will be unable to meet the children’s real needs, making the children feel ignored and isolated.
Response Strategy: Parents should carefully observe the children’s expressions, actions, and sounds, try to understand their emotions and needs, and provide positive responses and satisfaction.
Lack of Professional Guidance and Support
Taboo Description: Educating children with autism requires professional guidance and support. If parents only rely on their own experience and feelings for education, they may not achieve the desired results.
Response Strategy: Parents should actively seek help from professional organizations or experts, understand the relevant knowledge of autism, learn scientific educational methods and skills, in order to better help the children grow.
Excessive Indulgence or Abandonment
Taboo Description: Excessive indulgence can make children lose their independence and autonomy, while abandonment may lead children into more serious predicaments.
Response Strategy: Parents should respect the children’s individuality, establish reasonable education plans and rules based on that, guide the children to gradually adapt to social life, and cultivate their independence and autonomy.
2. What Parents Should Do
Active Communication and Interaction
Communicate with children using simple and direct language and clear instructions, avoid using complex sentences and abstract concepts. Encourage children to express their emotions and needs, even if their way of expression may be different.
Patient Guidance and Support
When faced with children’s misbehavior, parents should remain calm and patient, provide guidance and support in a gentle tone. Try to think from the child’s perspective, understand the reasons and motivations behind their behavior.
Creating a Stable Living Environment
Establish a regular and stable living environment, provide children with enough sense of security and confidence. Maintain a harmonious and warm family atmosphere, reduce unnecessary stimulation and disturbances.
Seeking Professional Help
Promptly take children to the hospital for consultation or professional advice to understand the child’s specific situation and needs. Develop personalized education plans and rehabilitation programs under the guidance of professionals, and actively participate in the children’s education and rehabilitation training.
Focus on Children’s Overall Development
In addition to focusing on children’s language and social skills, also pay attention to nurturing their cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional development, among other aspects of their abilities. Encourage children to participate in various beneficial activities and games to promote their overall development.
