Christopher Britton gives some incredible tips and insight on helping kids with Autism be more sociable and less shy.
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Because autism is a developmental disability affecting a person’s thought processes, children with autism have difficulty interpreting communication cues and dealing with different social scenarios, according to the National Autistic Society (NAS). This condition makes social interactions a challenge for children with autism; especially shy kids who need additional guidance to overcome shyness.
This is where families, educators, and communities come in. Helping kids become more sociable and less shy from a young age makes a huge difference in boosting their self-confidence as they grow up navigating the social world. Here are the things to keep in mind in supporting children with autism hurdle shyness.
Observe Carefully
Autism is a spectrum wherein individuals have varying degrees of the condition, resulting in varying needs and coping mechanisms. Each child is a unique case so take note of every observation that you see in your child. What situations make him or her shy and retreat? Or reach out to others? What are your child’s strengths and weaknesses? Knowing these and more will be your framework in helping them acquire social skills.
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Separate Fact from Fiction
Equip yourself with the necessary information to guide your child. Myths abound, clouding the disability and misinforming people, but there is a wealth of resources that you can tap to better understand the facts and what needs to be done. For instance, it has long been assumed that people with autism prefer going solo and do not want friends. However, NAS rebutted that when they found out in their survey in 2012 that 65% of people with autism or majority of them would like more friends.
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Let Them Play
According to an interesting infographic by PlaygroundEquipment.com, “kids exclude other kids not because they are snobs, nor bullies. More often than not, kids are challenged because they are shy or socially awkward.” This is why Playground Equipment suggests that kids should be taken outside as playground time, rather than solitary play, provides an avenue for children with autism to interact with other kids. Moreover, engaging kids in physical activity prevents obesity and helps them keep fit, which will further give them the confidence that they need.
One big — and understandable — concern is the safety of kids with autism in the playground. It should be noted that as long as the play tools are well-maintained and there is adult supervision to guide children into age-appropriate playground equipment, the kids should be all right while enjoying much-needed active play time.
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Encourage Them with Their Interests
Aside from helping them live up to their potential, helping children pursue their interests can improve how they deal socially with other people. NAS points out that concentrating on their interests empowers children with autism by giving them self-esteem, relaxation, and conversation-starters in social scenarios.
From your observation, figure out what interest your child can pursue and what approach will best complement his or her learning style. You can get someone to do one-on-one tutorials or you can enrol them in a class, but whatever method you choose, be there for them every step of the way to track development. More importantly, praise them for every progress made to encourage even more growth.
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Face Bullying Head-on
According to StopBullying, children with autism are three times more likely to be bullied than other kids. Bullying delivers long-term blows to a child’s self-esteem, academic performance, and mental health, hampering his or her potential.
As an adult, you have a significant role in pushing for a safe and bully-free environment. Teach your kid how to stand up for themselves and at the same time, know the actions that you can take. According to The Bully Project, an advocacy group, bullying based on disability may be considered harassment. Document and file a complaint at the very first incidence to end the culture of bullying.
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Talk to Your Child
Communicating with your child helps them on many levels. First, it will exercise them in expressing their thoughts and emotions. Second, you will be able to gauge what they experience so you can better do something about it. For example, your child can describe the environment at school, giving you an idea what intervention you may need to do. Lastly, talking to your child will strengthen your bond and will let him or her feel that you are there for support.
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Coordination Among Parents, Schools, and Communities
Parents, teachers and school officials, and other responsible members of the community should work together in creating a world where children with autism can freely socialize. Aside from ensuring that policies to promote the rights of children with autism are in place, concerned adults should come up with social activities and play ideas for shy kids to persuade every child to take part.
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Every child has the right to enjoy childhood regardless of his or her condition. Rather than dwell on the disability, focus on mechanisms that will enable children with autism overcome their shyness and interact with other kids. Teaching a child with autism to acquire social skills may not be easy, but no one said it is impossible. Provide all the assistance that you can and see them transition from a happy childhood to a fulfilling adulthood.
Top Photo: Flickr/David Theil
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