Autism

Autism Spectrum Disorder can mean repetitive behaviors and make social interaction very difficult. It impairs the ability to communicate with others and interact with peers. The symtoms may vary from child to child, which range from 3 different levels which Crossrivertheraphy.com states. Level 1 includes trouble understanding and following social rules and rigid or inflexible behavior. Level 2 requires some support. Kids may have symptoms such as noticeable distress or non-typical behavior, such as walking away mid-conversation. Level 3 would be the most severe, which include severe communication problems such as nonspeaking or repetitive behaviors such as rocking or swinging.

People with autism find it hard to understand how people think and feel. Autism makes it difficult for kids in school to understand literary devices and instructions they are given. "Students may also have difficulty communicating nonverbally." according to nih.gov.  

1. You can help your students with autism focus by creating routines and getting to know them.
   
   

2. You can teach your student social skills and teach topics using visual representations. You can give your students with autism different toys with unique textures and shapes, like zipper bracelets and ooze tubes. Noise reduction earmuffs are also a great option to help with focus and concentration. 

3. Loud sounds, bright lights, and strong smells can make it harder for students with autism to focus. In school, it's important for you to maintain a comfortable learning environment with little to no distractions to help the student with autism succeed. Don't hang too many posters on the walls, and use cool, calm colors in your classroom.
   
   

4. Let your student use a scoop rocker on the carpet.
   
   

5. Students with autism will perform better if they have a rewards chart and can earn those rewards as soon as possible.
   
   

6. In your classroom, have a cool down corner with tools like:

• Hour glasses

• Squishes and balls

• Paper and scented markers

• A Rubik's cube 

• A feelings thermometer

• Zones of regulation

1. Be respectful to your child and affectionate. Give your child hugs and make sure that they're comfortable with it. Make sure that your child knows that you love them and go out of your way to be caring and show interest.

2. Join groups with other parents with children who have autism. Meet with parents who have kids with the same level of autism as yours does.
   
   

3. The Association for Science in Autism Treatment

4. Get your kid moving. Physical activity can help coordination, fitness, strength, and decrease reptitive behaviors. This can also improve attention. Many sport programs like Special Olympics, TOPsoccer, and YMCA can help your child with physical activity. More ways to help your child are located here.