Tips to Support Children with Autism in Youth Programs

Leading the Way: Autism-Friendly Youth Organizations

Here are some ways youth programs and organizations can best support participants with autism. This excerpt comes from Leading the Way: Autism-Friendly Youth Organizations.

Be Welcoming and Supportive

Meet the child where he is and learn from him.
Respect him as an individual.
Do not talk about him in his presence as if he isn’t there.
Set clear expectations and boundaries.
Be consistent.
Develop and implement structure.
Practice and provide repetition to help with understanding and to build skills.
Expect growth. Keep your standards high.

Develop Strategies to Compensate for Challenges

Offer preferred seating or placement and allow for additional response time.
Provide organizational supports like written schedules, lists, visual cues, and specific verbal directions.
Be aware of a child’s sensory needs. Avoid or prepare for triggers like fire alarms.
Give breaks for selfregulation.
With small steps and supports, allow the participant to exhibit success.
Reward what you want to see with positive reinforcement. Use the child’s interests to engage and motivate him.

Educate and Communicate

Educate other youth participants about autism.
Promote acceptance and understanding among peers and staff.
Support social development with roleplaying, modeling, and rewards. Make sure to include typical peers.
Communicate with family members and caregivers.
Ask questions and share what works. Problems solve what isn’t working.
Always keep learning and be creative.

Finally