Autism is a very complex developmental disorder in children that occurs under the age of 3 years old. Impaired communication, social interaction, and behavioral skills are included in this developmental disorder. Autism is NOT a transmissible disease.
These developmental disorders include:
COMMUNICATION / SPEAKING INTERFERENCES
Delay / no language speech development.
Repetitive and meaningless language use.
Do not have the ability to play roles.
Talking stiffly, similar to robotics and standard.
There is no ability for spontaneity.
DISRUPTIONS IN SOCIAL INTERACTION
Having trouble to make friends.
Do not have the ability to spontaneously express the joy, interest or achievement of others.
Experiencing disturbances in reciprocal emotional social relationships.
Experiencing disturbances in facial expressions, body posture, and making eye contact for social interactions.
BEHAVIOR DISRUPTIONS
Have a routine or ritual that is not rigidly functional.
Repetitive patterns of behavior (flapping hands, shaking head, playing with fingers).
Fixated on certain objects and difficult to divert.
Have a high sensitivity to light, sound, or certain objects.
HOW TO RECOGNISE THE SYMPTOMS OF AUTISM IN EARLY?Surely, the symptoms of autism can be detected early and then treated properly and intensively, we can help autistic children to develop optimally.There are several ways that can be used to find out the symptoms of autism, one of which is a method called M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers). Parent and family should observe the following 6 important questions:– Is the child interested in other children?
– Can the child point out to tell that he is interested in something?
– Has the child ever brought an object to show to the parents?
– Can the child imitate your behavior?
– Does the child respond when called by name?
– If you point at the toy from a distance, will the child look at the toy you are pointing at?
– If your answer is NO to 2 or more questions, then you should consult a professional who is an expert in child development and studies autism.Meanwhile, as a whole family of LSPR who are engaged in education in the field of communication, we are obliged to care for autistic children who have difficulties in communicating, so we should also know how to deal with children with special needs (autistic) around us. Therefore, below are some tips that can be done as follows:
When the child asks continuously (with the same question), answer the question but then before he asks again with the same question you should ask back as asked.
When the child speaks or yells that are not clear, just ignore it because it is a need for him to express the thoughts.
If he says dirty words or impolite, actually he doesn’t know what is being said, because he just said it without knowing the meaning, so you could just ignore it and ask him to come out after he calmed down saying that he must speak well.
When he is alone, invite him to join. But if he refuses, let him be alone. The important thing is that you still care about him.
When he finds it difficult to express his desires, being ignorant, does not make eye contact, does not make small talk, sometimes laughing or crying without cause these are his characteristics, so please understand.
When he finds it difficult to convey what he feels or wants, please don’t yell at or ridicule him. Instead, be patient to dig and ask questions in simple language and clearly show or direct him to the right.
If he has excessive interest in something for example (people, friends, things or animals) as long as it is not disturbing, just let it be. However, if it disturbs the environment, it is mandatory to report to SGO or LSBA.
If he has difficulty understanding language and speaking in rigid standards, that is his weakness.
Remember, he also has the same sexuality as us, so it’s natural that he falls in love with someone. But unfortunately he can’t express it like us. So just be normal and say that he has to be nice.
When seeing a child running in a hurry or running vaguely, ask and find out what he wants and tell him calmly and slowly.
He is also sometimes rigid with sound, color, light, certain objects, but we do not have to worry about the situation, just find out what is feared, keep the object away from him or ask him to go somewhere else.
If he does not understand the lesson taught, ask personally in simple and clear language.
If he lacks focus on the material being taught, just ignore it, then after the class is over ask about his difficulties.
If the child has a tantrum or rage that is not clear, it is best not to talk a lot, make sure there are no harmful objects around the child and if it is not controlled do a hug as in the picture and should be done while sitting.
If the child is copying (saying the word or question that we say exactly the same) we should help by saying the question as well as giving the answer.
Sometimes children come into the room and play with the computer, they should be reprimanded kindly and directed to leave the room.
A child with special needs is a child who has the same rights as all of us, so please cherish it.
Make peace with children who have special needs, because we will learn and be grateful for the diversity that God has created.