Calling KimberlyH.... (and anyone else familiar with Autism)

[mia1181]

Well... I made it to the second interview! It wasn''t easy. The interview was really tough, she quized me and I know I got a lot of answers wrong. But they are looking for someone that is great at playing with children, so luckily I was able to give examples of how I can be silly and playful.

The next interview is going to be a situation where they actually bring an Autistic child in for me to play with. Hopefully this is my chance to really show my strengths.

So I was wondering if you have any advice on playing with Autistic children. I''m not sure how old he will be, but she said the average age that they serve is 5-6 years old. I know it''s not going to be much different than playing with any other child, but I was wondering if there was something that a more experienced person would know.

 

[musincy]

I teach elementary children, so I hope I can help a bit. In general, autistic children don''t have the same set of social skills as other children (not all are this way, but many). However, I''ve found that my students usually are VERY interested in something. One of my students loves outer space... if you get him started on the topic he wants to share everything he knows about it (which is a lot) and wants to play games related to outer space. Try to find out what that special interest is with the child you meet, and you should do great.

 

[KimberlyH]

Congratulations on making it to the second interview!

Depending on where the child falls on the spectrum you should be prepared to play concrete/cause-and-effect type games (e.g. throwing a ball), imitation and imagination games (e.g. making a block a toy that talks, puppets), to more typical peer play (e.g. basketball, board games). It may be more different than you imagine, as keeping the childs'' attention and focus is often one of the most difficult pieces of the puzzle. If you have the opportunity find out what the child enjoys engaging in do so, either by asking the parent or if they child is verbal and able to communicate ask the child before you begin (so if the kid loves trains you can pretend your trains, if the kid likes dinosaurs you can play a dinosaur game, etc.).

Be prepared to give sensory breaks. If the child seems to lose focus suggest jumping while counting to 20, have the child give you 5 while crossing the plane (you use your left hand he uses his, then use your right hand and have him use his), or have the child follow simple steps that you model (touch your nose, touch your knees, pat your head), some other sensory activity that allows the child to regroup and then resume your activity.

Make sure you give directions one step at a time, and then if the child seems to handle that well, try two. If the child takes a bit of time to process don''t repeat the direction, it''s like starting all over for them. So if you want the kid to throw a ball say "Throw me the ball" and then count to 10 or 20, silently in your head, to give the child time to process and follow the direction.

If the child exhibits behaviors I would state "When you''re ready" and then ignore. When the child returns to you give lots of praise and affection "I"m so glad you came back to play with me!!!" and then resume play.

I have to run, I''ll check back later.

 

[neatfreak]

From my limited (one child) experience with autistic children I''ve got two tips.

1. Find out what they like and be prepared to ask them all about it. Ask mom or the child if they can tell you what the kid is into. Many autistic children really have a focused love of something and will love to tell you all about it.

2. Be patient. If the child doesn''t seem to be getting what you are asking/telling-wait much longer than you would for a regular functioning child for them to answer. Give them a chance.

That''s all I''ve got-good luck Mia!

 

[gwendolyn]

Children with autism in many ways are like any other children: they laugh and have fun, they may take some time to warm up to you, and they will light up (perhaps only in the eyes) when you mention something they love. Most children with autism will have a specific ''thing'' of the moment that they are essentially obsessed with--again, not unlike pre-teen girls are with ''High School Musical,'' but kids with autism will possibly be obsessed with things you don''t understand. My cousin could literally spend hours moving a piece of cardboard up and down like a garage door because he had a thing for garage doors, an old student of mine was fascinated by subway trainlines, but my nephew spent a couple years being obsessed with Spongebob Squarepants (like lots of kids who aren''t on the ASD spectrum).

As Kimberley mentioned, some students will need a break, especially since you''re new, and new can be very stressful for people with disabilities. Try to pay close attention to the needs of the child and, if he/she starts to act differently, ask the child if he/she would like a break, and then you can ask what sort of break that child usually has. Sometimes just a short walk to get a drink of water works as a break; other children with more intense needs may require more time and some sort of sensory stimulation (bouncing on an exercise ball, kneading putty, playing with different types of fabrics, if these supplies are available).

But don''t forget, children with autism are still children--get to know the child, and you''ll be fine.

 

[TravelingGal]

I don''t have any helpful advice, but wanted to say good luck! I am always amazed at what an amazing resource Pricescope is!!

 

[mia1181]

Date: 8/18/2009 2:42:00 PM
Author: TravelingGal
I don''t have any helpful advice, but wanted to say good luck! I am always amazed at what an amazing resource Pricescope is!!

Aw thanks T-Gal. And ain''t it the truth about PS being such a wonderful resource? I am always amazed at all the helpful responses that I get to random questions.

Okay, off to read the rest of responses....

 

[mia1181]

Musincy- Thanks for your advice. I think my plan of "attack" is to find out what interests him and go for it. The type of therapy that this agency provides is child-led and play based. So I think they may be looking to see how well I can let him take the lead and go with the flow.


KimberlyH- I don''t know if I can thank you enough for being so helpful to me right now. Your support means so much to me. Thanks for giving me the rundown on what types of play to expect. I plan on asking the parent if there are any interests or dislikes that I should know about upfront. I hope that isn''t considered cheating, but I normally would never interact with a child without covering these things. I know my former charge didn''t like her arms/hands touched, and would get upset if someone said "Yay!" to her, so of course I would like to avoid anything like that from happening.

Good idea on sensory breaks. Luckily I do have some experience with sensory integration therapies, as my former charge had sensory processing disorder. My charge also was very slow to respond to directions (Apraxia) so she has trained me to be very patient. I will definitely remember about one-step directions, that was one thing I didn''t know about Autistic children.

I do have a question for you though. They told me that all I have to do is play with him. And I know that they want to see if I can follow his lead, but do you think I should be switching his focus on to other things if I see that he only wants to do one thing? I am honestly planning on going in there and doing whatever makes him happy (except allowing him to misbehave or spending time just entertaining him). Or do you think I should treat it like more functional play?


Neat- Thanks for the tips and well wishes! I am experienced with non-verbal children (my last charge is 5 and not talking/signing really at all) but oh how I am hoping this child is verbal! I will definitely try and see what he is into even if it is by asking his parents. I wish I''d had a chance at the GTG to ask about your experiences working with children. You always come across as pretty experienced, especially since I know you''ve only been a mom for 7 months. Did you nanny or teach in the past?


Gwendolyn- I need to keep re-reading your response and reminding myself that playing with an Austic child is going to be like playing with any other child (obviously there are some special considerations but typical children have their quirks too). I guess I am just really nervous right now that I just don''t have a lot of experience in particular with this diagnosis. I just ended a position working with a little girl with developmental disabilities so I do have some experience working with special needs children. I guess the Autism diagnosis is a little intimidating to me. Thank you so much for the tips they will be so helpful!

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 8/18/2009 3:29:55 PM
Author: mia1181
Neat- Thanks for the tips and well wishes! I am experienced with non-verbal children (my last charge is 5 and not talking/signing really at all) but oh how I am hoping this child is verbal! I will definitely try and see what he is into even if it is by asking his parents. I wish I''d had a chance at the GTG to ask about your experiences working with children. You always come across as pretty experienced, especially since I know you''ve only been a mom for 7 months. Did you nanny or teach in the past?

Yeah-I babysat for years, worked as a camp counselor for a few summers, and then was the director of a summer camp for a year. So I''ve dealt with my fair share of kids!

I totally agree about hoping the child is verbal-so so much easier!

 

[musincy]

I should also add that a lot of my students with autism respond really well to music. The kids that are usually limited verbally will "sing" along to songs and like to move and dance. See if you can learn a few quick, silly songs that involve movements/dance and try them out with the kid. You might get the kid to respond in ways they don''t normally observe with that particular child (that would look really good for you!

)

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/18/2009 3:29:55 PM
Author: mia1181

I do have a question for you though. They told me that all I have to do is play with him. And I know that they want to see if I can follow his lead, but do you think I should be switching his focus on to other things if I see that he only wants to do one thing? I am honestly planning on going in there and doing whatever makes him happy (except allowing him to misbehave or spending time just entertaining him). Or do you think I should treat it like more functional play?

I would absolutely follow the childs'' lead if the child takes the lead, if the child is capable of leading. I typically work with children who are "low" on the spectrum, so they need a lot of guidance, otherwise they would opt to spend their free time stimming rather than playing. But if you have a child who is active and interested in engaging in a certain activity I wouldn''t redirect to another activity.

Children "higher" on the spectrum are more likely to be able to respond to directions with more than one step, so you are going to need to do a quick assessment of the child to determine if that''s possible or not. If the child needs direction I would start with one or two steps and increase from there to determine the childs'' ability level.

As Gwen so brilliantly stated, they are just like other children in so many ways. One thing I see people who work in the field get caught up in is tying every action and behavior a child exhibits back to the diagnosis. Autism is such a broad disability and so much falls under the umbrella, that while there are certain things you can expect from the child, they are still uniquely themselves and that needs to be recongized as well.

Another tip, if you notice the child repeating back what you say, either the whole thing or just the first or last few words, they may not be comprehending what you are saying (the technical term for it, which you probably know, is echolalia (sp)). So be mindful that the child is truly comprehending what you are saying, not just repeating you.

If I come up with any other random tips I''ll be back.

I really am so excited for you, I think this is a great job with career potential for you.

 

[KimberlyH]

Date: 8/18/2009 3:45:39 PM
Author: musincy
I should also add that a lot of my students with autism respond really well to music. The kids that are usually limited verbally will ''sing'' along to songs and like to move and dance. See if you can learn a few quick, silly songs that involve movements/dance and try them out with the kid. You might get the kid to respond in ways they don''t normally observe with that particular child (that would look really good for you!

)

Great point musincy. I can''t think of a single autistic child I''ve worked with who doesn''t love music. The child I babysit for loves to play "Jump Around" by House of Pain in his bedroom, and do as the song says. It''s hysterical. On the last day of summer school one of the teachers brought in his guitar and all of the ASD classes gathered together in one room and listened to him, attentively, for 30+ minutes. That was a huge accomplishment for many of those students. It was a beautiful thing.

 

[mia1181]

It went well!!!!!!!!!

I went in and an ABA Therapist whom I''ve never met before brought me down to the playroom and I met the little boy who was A-fricken-DORABLE! And it wasn''t just playing, but it was definitely right up my alley. They basically showed me some of the goals they were working on and it became pretty clear that they wanted to see if I could work on them with him. He was 4 years old, very bright and verbal so definitely high-functioning. They wanted him to have to say my name when he asked for something and I got him to do that. Then they wanted me to get him to ask for something in a bunch of different way ("can I have that?" "I''d like to have that"). And then they just looked to see if I could force myself into his games so that he would have to interact with me. I was able to do it all (well I can''t take the credit he was very bright and picked it up quickly).

It was so cute because when I had to leave the therapists told him I was leaving (to prompt him to say goodbye I think) and he was like "where are you going Hannah? "(not my real name, but what he was calling me) and I said I had to go upstairs and he went to the door and said "I go with you Hannah!" I was in love! It was a great experience overall!

So on the way out the Therapist told me that I did very well and that she threw a lot more out at me than she usually does and I was great, and that someone would be contacting me. So now I wait... I don''t know if there might be another interview but I am very relieved at this point. We''ll see!

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[KimberlyH]

I am so happy for you, mia, that is just awesome! It sounds like you did fantastic. FIngers and toes crossed for you.

 

[princesss]

Mia, that''s great! *****Dust***** for you!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Yay Mia! I''ve kept up with this thread, and I''m glad it went so well for you!!

You sound definitely cut out for the job.

 

[oneandahalfrock]

Date: 8/18/2009 4:50:25 PM
Author: KimberlyH

Date: 8/18/2009 3:45:39 PM

Author: musincy

I should also add that a lot of my students with autism respond really well to music. The kids that are usually limited verbally will ''sing'' along to songs and like to move and dance. See if you can learn a few quick, silly songs that involve movements/dance and try them out with the kid. You might get the kid to respond in ways they don''t normally observe with that particular child (that would look really good for you!

)

Great point musincy. I can''t think of a single autistic child I''ve worked with who doesn''t love music. The child I babysit for loves to play ''Jump Around'' by House of Pain in his bedroom, and do as the song says. It''s hysterical. On the last day of summer school one of the teachers brought in his guitar and all of the ASD classes gathered together in one room and listened to him, attentively, for 30+ minutes. That was a huge accomplishment for many of those students. It was a beautiful thing.

I agree with the music- especially if they''re non-verbal. I have a half sister who is MR and because she''s non verbal, music is the closest thing to can do to really expressing herself.
You need to be incredibly patient- come in with an open heart and mind, and I wish you all the best

 

[gwendolyn]

Yay, sounds like you did really well!

And how sweet that he wanted to stay with you when it was time to leave--you definitely bonded with him, which is really what everything else comes down to. Great job!

 

[mia1181]

Thank you so much KimberlyH, Princess, luvthemstrawberries, oneandahalfrock, and Gwen!!!!!!!!!!

You guys must have given me good luck because....

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[gwendolyn]

That is fantastic news, mia! CONGRATS!!!!!

 

[luvthemstrawberries]

Yaaaaaaay Mia, congratulations!!!!!!

When do you get to start??

 

[KimberlyH]

HOORAY MIA! I''m so excited for you. You''re going to do GREAT!

 

[musincy]

So glad you got the job... congrats!!

 

[mia1181]

Date: 8/21/2009 9:06:33 AM
Author: luvthemstrawberries
Yaaaaaaay Mia, congratulations!!!!!!

When do you get to start??

Well at the interview she kept stressing that their training program isn''t until September 8th. I was cool with that because it would give me a little time "off" before I started. I just moved to the area on Sunday so things have been busy. However, last night when they called, they said they were looking at next Tuesday as a tentative start date.

But hopefully that means that is just when I go in and fill out paperwork. I should know more today though. I''m just so relieved and happy that I have a job!

Thank you all for the congratulations, I really appreciate being able to share this with you!!!!!

 

[AGBF]

Congratulations, Mia. You''ll be great .

AGBF