In the complex and diverse social world, there is a group of children who exist in a unique way, and that is children with autism. Their world, although equally colorful, often appears lonely and distant due to the social barriers that are difficult to overcome. Today, let us step into the inner world of children with autism, explore why they face significant difficulties in the social realm, and as parents, how we can better understand and support them.
I. Natural barriers to social interaction
When processing social information, the brains of children with autism seem to have a natural barrier. They find it difficult to naturally interpret subtle emotions in facial expressions, body language, and vocal tones of others like typical children do. This “unresponsiveness” to social signals often leaves them feeling confused and lost in social situations.
II. Barriers to language communication
Language serves as a bridge for social interaction, but for many children with autism, this bridge may not be easily crossed. They may face difficulties in language expression, unable to clearly articulate their needs and feelings; they may also encounter obstacles in understanding language, struggling to grasp the key points and meanings in conversations. This linguistic barrier further exacerbates their social predicament.
III. Lack of empathy
Empathy is the bond of emotional communication between individuals, enabling us to understand others’ feelings and resonate with them. However, children with autism often lack empathy. They may find it challenging to understand the emotional states of others and fail to predict or respond to others’ emotional needs. This emotional disconnect makes their social interactions seem rigid and lacking warmth.
IV. Stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests
Children with autism often exhibit stereotyped behaviors and narrow interests. They may be fixated on specific behavioral patterns or areas of interest, while showing little interest in other external stimuli. This resistance to change and aversion to new things make it difficult for them to adapt and integrate into social settings.
V. Roles and strategies of parents
Given the social challenges faced by children with autism, the role of parents is crucial. Firstly, parents need to deepen their understanding of autism, comprehend their child’s special needs and challenges. Secondly, parents should actively engage in their child’s social training, helping them gradually overcome social obstacles through professional guidance and support. Additionally, parents should encourage their children to participate in social activities, creating more social opportunities and experiences for them.
Most importantly, parents should provide their children with ample love and patience, becoming their strongest support. Let us work together to build bridges to the social world for children with autism, so that their hearts are no longer lonely and their world is warmed by love.【Contact for deletion if there is any infringement】.
