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CREC Provides Tips for School-Aged Children with Autism
(Hartford, CT) This month, schools, organizations, and families across the country are raising awareness of autism, one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.
There is no cure for autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. That’s where Kathleen Dyer, the clinical director for the CREC River Street School Autism Program at Coltsville, can help.
Every day, Dyer helps teachers, students, and families navigate the disorder. Her goal is to improve the quality of life for children with autism by providing opportunities to develop the skills needed to be more productive, independent, and engaged members of the larger society.
Sending a child who has autism to school can be both an exciting and anxiety-provoking experience. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Dyer shares the following tips, which will help make school a more successful experience for children who have autism and their loved ones:
Help your child adjust to their classroom. Exposure and predictability will improve their comfort level. Visit your child’s classroom when there are no students, bring a familiar toy with you, and let your child play in the classroom by themselves. Take pictures while there to show your child later, meet the teacher, and get pictures of your child’s classmates. Take your child to the playground. Let them use the swings and the slides before other children arrive. Exposure to the equipment can increase familiarity and comfort during recess.Use pictures to help your child understand what to expect each day. Picture boards and other types of activity schedules can feature images that depict arrival and departure times, classroom activities, and recess.Remember that school is a partnership. You are part of your child’s teaching team, and it is important that you get to know your child’s teacher and establish a regular system of communication. Let your child’s teacher know what your child likes. Teachers can use these preferred items and activities to help make the classroom a fun place to be.Help your child’s teacher by providing them with information about how to better communicate and respond to your child’s challenging behavior. Your child’s home life is important too! Let your teacher know if there are any disruptions to your child’s sleep schedule, or if they are any changes to their eating habits or overall health.
As with anything, it can take time for your child to settle into a routine. Be patient, and you will see results!
