UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

Question and answer with Dr. Lacy Anderson-

A viewer would like to know how to better communicate with their grandchildren who have autism and are non-verbal. Doctor Lacy Anderson has first-hand experience with her own child who is on the spectrum.

Hopefully they are already receiving therapy for autism. Therapy can help tremendously in children with autism. I would recommend getting some books from the library on autism to help you understand this condition better.

Many children with autism are highly intelligent and they may understand you just fine when you speak to them, but they may have poor eye contact with you and they may be scared around you if you’re not familiar to them or don’t see them regularly. They may be scared around loud noises so it may be helpful to keep background noises more quiet when they are around.

They may love for you to read to them and might even crawl into your lap or sit next to you if you start reading a children’s book, but some autistic children don’t like to be held, so don’t be offended if they don’t want a hug.

Weighted blankets can be comforting to kids with autism so have a weighted blanket handy at your house.