Impairment in Social Interaction
Children on the autism spectrum are each special in their own way. Adults may think these children are purposely misbehaving, but they are not. These children may suffer from social interactions due to not knowing how to socialize with others. Often, these are the children who get in trouble, get blamed, or disciplined for reasons that are part of their disability. It is important to stress that some individuals on the spectrum display maladaptive and disruptive behaviors in social situations due to these being a result of their narrow and overly concrete understanding to social phenomena. Basically, they are not sure of how to act or what is expected of them. Such is the result of the overwhelming puzzlement they experience when required to meet the demands of interpersonal life.
Suggestions
Protect the child by understanding that some behaviors are due to the disability of not knowing how to behave. Gently teach these skills. Understand where these behaviors are coming from.
Lessons don’t need to be long~ a gentle reminder can go a long way farther than a harsh reprimand.
Educate the peers. Encourage classmates to treat all persons including those on the spectrum with compassion.
Provide opportunities for social interaction and facilitation of social relationships in fairly structured and supervised activities.
Provide structure in unstructured times. These kids thrive on structure and when they don’t have it will flounder due to not knowing what to do.
Most kids on the spectrum want friends but simply do not know how to interact. Learning how to interact is a life long skill.
Kids on the spectrum each have a special gift. Finding that gift and appreciating it will aid in helping the child succeed. Building upon strengths can decrease weaknesses.
Taken from Jim Garvey, SCAS Update, Fall, 2008
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