What You Need to Know About Child Care

Posted on: 16 October 2018

If you offer day care services for children or run a child care centre, it is likely that you are going to meet children with things like sensory disorders or autism. Many of these kids' parents will give you details about their children, but sometimes they will assume you already know everything about autism. So, they may only share a few tips or advice. This guide shares some important things that you should know if you ever find yourself providing care for a child with autism.

Learning all you need to know about autism will help you treat autistic children better and even share your knowledge with those who may need it. In addition, these tips will make things easier for both you and the child with autism.

Consistency is important.

Normally, a child with autism finds it hard to apply what he or she has learned in one environment such as the school, office or even playground. For instance, a child may use sign language at the therapist's office but not at home or at school. Try as much as possible to carry out the therapy in different places so that the child can transfer what they have learned from one setting to another. Also, you should be consistent in how you relate with the child and try to help them establish routines.

Reward the child for good behaviour.

Autistic children are just children like any other, and rewarding them will go a long way. Therefore, you should make an effort to surprise them when they have done something good for themselves or for others. Positive reinforcement means praising them when they learn a new skill or when they do something appropriately. Keep in mind that you should be specific about the behaviour you are rewarding them for. In addition to verbal praise, find other ways to reward the child for good deeds. For instance, you can buy the child a toy or give the child a sticker.

Create a safe and secure environment.

Spare some private space in your house where your kid will feel safe, secure and relaxed. Do things by organising and establishing boundaries in a way your child can comprehend. Consider incorporating visual cues such as labelling items with pictures or marking places that are off limits. In addition to that, you may have to make your home childproof, especially if your kid is susceptible to tantrums or shows signs of self-injuring behaviour.