Healthcare staffing professionals who are working in occupational therapy will often help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The National Institutes of Health defines ASD as a mental disorder with characteristics that interrupt social communication and behavior. There are many ways that OT practitioners can help kids with ASD and their parents prepare for preschool.
More on ASD
While medical professionals are unsure about what causes ASD, there are different genetic and environmental factors that may play a role in its development. Additionally, signs and symptoms of ASD can vary from one child to another, but it is most common that kids exhibit social impairment – such as the inability to keep eye contact – and repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity at a young age. Depending on how early a child is diagnosed, you could begin working with him or her at as young as 18 months of age.
Working with children with ASD
If you are new to a travel therapy assignment that helps children who have autism, there are a few steps you can take to ensure success in your partnership with them. For instance, cautiously approaching the patient from the side can prevent you from startling him or her. While instructing the child, maintain a calm, even tone, and the use of gestures and other non-verbal communication tools can boost his or her ability to understand what you are asking. After you've worked with a child who has ASD for some time, you will begin to recognize specific signs of stress or anxiety.
Preparing ASD families for school
Starting preschool can be stressful for both children and parents of all types, and families who are transitioning with ASD may require additional assistance to ensure a smooth adjustment for all. Due to difficulty communicating, a kid with ASD may need help recognizing what is expected of him or her. Here are a few things you can do as a medical staffing professional to help with the transition:
- Discuss different methods for helping the child stay calm in louder environments, such as during recess, with the parents, and help them learn how to explain these times of day to their kids so that the children know what to expect.
- Explain to the parents what type of journey it will be for the child as he or she enrolls in school – simple steps like visiting the classroom beforehand can help to ease the adjustment.
- Come up with stories to share with the child about general habits he or she will be expected to complete, such as waiting in line for the drinking fountain. Talking about these events before they occur will allow the student to better understand what behavior is acceptable for the situation.
- Encourage parents to talk with their children's teachers before the first day of school. This will give mom and dad with peace of mind while also giving the teacher an opportunity to ask questions regarding what type of instruction he or she should provide to the student.
- Create schoolwork options that allow the student to participate in the same activities his or her classmates are working on.
While each child with ASD is likely to have a different experience when first stepping into the classroom, there are a number of things that you can do as a professional to help with the adjustment. As much as the student will benefit from your instruction and assistance, his or her parents may also require some aid during the transition. Healthy habits for starting school need to be implemented in the classroom and at home, making parental participation a must.