Children with autism often have trouble interpreting and responding to someone calling out their names. So, parents that raise children with autism have problems raising their little ones. But don’t worry!
Thanks to the work of doctors, especially psychiatrists, there are methods to teach children with autism how to respond to their names.
Why Can’t Autistic Children Respond to Their Name?
Scientists have often debated the causes of conditions such as autism in children. So, it wasn’t always clear why autistic children had trouble responding to their names.
But recent studies have shown that the link between the brain’s speech recognition and response centers is different in children with autism.
That makes it hard for autistic children to communicate, respond to verbal speech, show emotion, and connect with other people.
How to Teach Autistic Children to Respond to Their Name
Statistics show that about 1% of children are diagnosed with autism. Those children often suffer problems with responding to their names.
So, in the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss some expert methods to teach autistic children how to respond to their names.
· Avoid Overusing the Child’s Name
Parents often use cute names like pumpkin, sweetie, cutie pie, or such when addressing their children in everyday conversation.
But parents always use children’s names when reprimanding them or demanding something. I trembled when I heard my mom call out my full name as a child. I bet you did too!
So, constantly calling out a name won’t help your children with autism respond. And yelling or reprimanding them won’t help them either. Be careful how you address your autistic children when demanding something from them.
· Using Children’s Names in a Proper Way
Expert children therapists and consultants have come up with an effective way to teach autistic children how to respond to their names.
Firstly, tap your child’s shoulder, or pat their head. Wait for your child to react to your presence. If your child doesn’t react, try again, or guide their head toward your eyes.
When your child acknowledges your presence, speak out their name and give them a treat (I would go with your child’s favorite candy).
Try this as much as you can every day. You can stand further away from your child on every try. Don’t expect this to be a one-week thing. You should be persistent and do this method as much as you can.
Where to Seek Help When Raising Children With Autism?
As a child, I thought my parents always knew what to do and how to fix every problem. But, as a parent, I concluded that raising children can’t be done without help from relatives, friends, medical experts, and the Internet.
Parents that raise children with autism shouldn’t be discouraged. There will always be people that are there for them.
Many therapists and consultants are willing to work together with you when raising your children. Also, if you feel tired and stressed, you can join parental support groups or online blogs.
Conclusion
Children with autism are as smart, cute, beautiful, childish, and fun as other children. So, parents, love your autistic children and always be there for them. Show proper parental compassion and care!
Be present and persistent, and help your children overcome any problems they have. That’s what every parent does!
