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Inclusive Tips for Autism Awareness Month

Posted on Apr 08, 2016

Did you know that April is Autism Awareness Month? If you haven't been around autistic kids before, you may not know much about autism or how it can make interaction challenging. That's why awareness is so important! Read on to learn how you can do a better job of including autistic kids in your child's social circle, and get the details on our monthly event just for kids with special needs. 

3 things you can do to be more inclusive of autistic kids

• Learn about autism. This simple tip can go a long way towards understanding an autistic child's needs. Check out Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew for a great overview of autism and how it affects the way a child processes and interacts with their environment. Teach your kids how to interact with people who have autism or disabilities. For instance, it's OK to ask questions, but don't talk about a special needs child like they're not there--they can hear you!
• Don't shy away from inviting autistic friends to do things. Autism can be very isolating for kids and their families, so don't assume that they can't participate in play dates or parties. Even if the parents decide it's not a good idea at the moment, they will both appreciate being asked.
•  Try a new way of communicating. Whether an autistic child is nonverbal or simply not talkative, it doesn't mean they want to be ignored. Talk to them like you would any other kid, just with a few tweaks. For instance, instead of asking questions, make statements. Instead of "What are you drawing?" try "That's a great picture, you used some neat colors." They can pipe in if they feel comfortable, but if not you've still acknowledged their presence. 

Do you have a special needs child in your family, or know someone who does? Our monthly Exceptional Kids Night takes place on the 4th Wednesday of the Month at Monkey Joe's Dulles from 5-7 pm. During this time we offer free admission for kids with special needs, and $5 admission for their siblings. 

We'd love for you to join us at our next event! Follow us on Facebook for updates on this and other events.