Jun 2, 2010 Megan Weiler
Animals can Help with Isolation Symptoms – Chris ReynoldsAutism symptoms are discussed in the home environment. Learn how to set goals and communicate with autistic family members for management of their symptoms. 
Many problem behaviors caused by autism occur due to communication barriers, regardless of functioning level. Overcoming these barriers comes with an understanding of the symptoms of autism. creating a positive environment at home is crucial to a person’s self esteem and desire to learn. Set goals and celebrate all progress made towards them. Great effort can yield great results.
Celebrate the Accomplishments of Family Members with Autism
Large and small accomplishments should be celebrated fully. When working towards a goal, recognize small progress made along the way. For example, if a person has trouble with phone skills, remembering their phone number or calling a friend they haven’t called before are baby steps that should be acknowledged.
Autistic individuals sometimes have difficulty with social cues and interpreting subtle facial expressions. Be animated when recognizing accomplishments. Remind the person how well they are doing and that the family is proud of them. Do not bring up the second step until the first has been completed. in this instance the next step is to invite the friend over for dinner or a movie. make the progress a rewarding experience.
Communicating with Verbal and Non-Verbal Autistic People
Autism can cause people to isolate from the world. Social withdrawal can be a difficult symptom to overcome, but communicating with others often helps. start with making eye contact. If the person is involved in a task don’t interrupt them. Approach the conversation without much emotion. People with autism perceive emotions differently and their focus on a particular project can be intense. They may become upset because someone is talking to them when they’re thinking.
If the person is verbal, use short simple sentences with clear meanings when speaking to them. Causing them to become frustrated can destroy a communication attempt. If the person is non-verbal try to communicate in any way possible, whether it be sign language or just body language. Put in a large effort to understand how their feeling.
Environmental Triggers of Problem Behaviors
Any type of behavior that has caused harm to the person or property is considered a problem behavior. Depending the functioning level of the person, a symptom of autism can be a severe dislike for unusual sounds, loud noises, types of lighting and certain textures. every person is unique and therefore different environmental triggers could be upsetting.
Due to lack of communication or understanding, a problem behavior may be an autistic individual’s only way to avoid an uncomfortable situation. Always be aware of the surrounding environment and learn what the autistic family member will not tolerate. the individual may learn to accept some stimuli, while others may need removal from the home.
Autism Friendly Activities
Walks in a park, mall, hiking trail or with a pet are great ways to encourage social interaction. Other activities such as, swimming, bike riding, museums and libraries are wonderful, but remember someone with developing social skills may not benefit from being in large crowds. Keep stimulation to a minimum. If something is too much for the autistic family member, help them relax with breathing or problem solving strategies before trying the situation again.
In conclusion, the symptoms of autism can be hard on everyone in the household. however, with a positive mindset and realistic goals, helping a family member live with their autism can have an immense effect on the person’s well being and self-esteem. Working towards these goals as a family can help strengthen bonds and open the lines of communication.
Sources
Cruey, G. (2008, Jul 1). Social Stories for Autistic Students. Retrieved June 2, 2010, from Suite101: autismaspergerssyndrome.suite101.com/article.cfm/social_stories_for_autistic_kids
Hosseini, M. (2008, May 26). one Family’s Journey With Autism. Retrieved June 2, 2010, from Suite101: autismaspergerssyndrome.suite101.com/article.cfm/one_familys_journey_with_autism
Koegel, R. L., Dyer, K., & Bell, L. K. (1987). the influence of child-preferred activities on autistic children’s social behavior. Retrieved 2010, from Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1286014/pdf/jaba00101-0041.pdf
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Animals can Help with Isolation Symptoms – Chris Reynolds