Special Needs Behavior and Development

Therapist Questions & Answers - Special Needs & Medical Diagnoses

How do you help someone with autism at a playground with kids that don't have autism and they want to know why this kid is not taking or playing like them? How do you tell a teen with autism that he can't have something that he want like a puppy how do you respond to things like that?

If you are dealing with children who are at least of preschool age when at the playground I would just be honest with them, most children will have questions. You can explain in a manner that is age appropriate to the children that the child has autism, and that he may not be able to communicate or interact in the same way they can, but that he/she still wants to play at the playground & enjoy himself. Encourage the other kids to be helpers or find a same age neighborhood buddy for the child to go to the park with. With kids honesty is the best policy and most kids will have a lot of questions, but will take your explanation to heart. Many children are aware of autism these days, so it's best to just explain it like it is. As far as dealing with teenagers with autism, this is out of the realm of our expertise (we deal with the 0-8 population), but I would again use the child's developmental level as a guide (some children with autism are cognitively age appropriate, while others may be slightly or significantly delayed) in explaining why he can't have a puppy. But, if another type of pet may be allowed or more appropriate and you think the teen can take care of it or will help take care if it, perhaps a fish or parakeet or hamster is an alternative pet?

This is a very interesting article in the subject that you may find helpful.

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