OT-keeping a child with autism busy...

[la79al]

I work with a little girl who is 5. She has been diagnosed with autism and developmental delays. I am with her in a daycare setting where her behavior (hitting, headbanging, etc) is getting worse and worse as the summer goes on and she is there all day long. I am thinking that it is boredom with the toys that have been at the daycare for almost a year now. So I need to find ways to alleviate the boredom and the behaviors. She is non-verbal but working on ASL. She likes to spin and match things (though she's getting bored with matching as it is very easy for her). Anyone have any ideas on toys or activities? Keep in mind we are in a room with 15 other kids though I can take her out of the room to get some peace. Anyone know of anyplace I can get file folder games without buying the books? TIA

 

[tweedlemom]

You may want to try some activities that will help alleviate her sensory seeking behaviors, like play doh, laying on her belly on a big ball while doing a puzzle, etc. My son was sensory seeking and we needed to give him the input so he wouldn't hit. We would gently "smoosh" him with pillows, let him play with sand or even pretend to clean dishes in the sink with soap and water, gently massage his hands and feet while he played. Try doing an online search on sensory seeking behaviors and see what you find! Also, try posting on the DISabilities thread. Good luck!

 

[Karel]

What does she do doing the school year? Is she in the daycare all year or go to school? Does she have an IEP that lists learning goals? Does she get speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy?

What kind of academic things do they do in the daycare? Do they have calendar time; academic time for letters, colors, shapes; art time? Do you sit with her to help her participate in activities?

Hitting and headbanging is not necessarily boredom. She may be frustrated that she cannot express herself or it might be a stim.

The big question is how much do you know about autism?

I would work on things like colors, numbers and letters, stacking blocks, eye hand coordination, coloring, writing her name, reading books and doing a simple art activity. How is her receptive language?

Do a net search for preschool activities and find some activities she could do.

 

[merrywether]

You might also try asking the child's parents to give consent (written consent - it's the law) for you to talk to the child's teacher to get some tips on what works with this particular child. Also ask the parents if they use ABA (applied behavior analysis) and ask what you should be doing in that respect.