Guest guest Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 I would spend the first couple of times at home having her observing you dealing with your son. Make her take notes about everything favorite video, special diets, ...etc Babysitter Tips... >I will have a new babysitter comming to my home to watch my 5 year old > Autistic son. She will start tomorrow for just a few hours and will be > watching him afterschool (about 4 hrs)during the summer. Do you guys > have suggestions when hiring a new sitter? This girl is not trained > but she is a Psych/Religion major in college, willing & eager to learn. > This is the 1st sitter I have in my home, besides family, since Mark > was diagnosed. > > Suggestions? Ideas? > > Thanks- > Meredith > > > > > > > > Texas Autism Advocacy > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org > > Texas Disability Network > Calendar of Events > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 23, 2006 Report Share Posted May 23, 2006 Good idea... She knows to expect " family outings " so that the kids can get used to her. I am working on a list of favorites & reinforcers. Luckily, her friend has a brother w/autism & her uncle is autistic also...but I think more Aspergers. > > I would spend the first couple of times at home having her observing you > dealing with your son. Make her take notes about everything favorite video, > special diets, ...etc > > > > > Babysitter Tips... > > > >I will have a new babysitter comming to my home to watch my 5 year old > > Autistic son. She will start tomorrow for just a few hours and will be > > watching him afterschool (about 4 hrs)during the summer. Do you guys > > have suggestions when hiring a new sitter? This girl is not trained > > but she is a Psych/Religion major in college, willing & eager to learn. > > This is the 1st sitter I have in my home, besides family, since Mark > > was diagnosed. > > > > Suggestions? Ideas? > > > > Thanks- > > Meredith > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Texas Autism Advocacy > > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org > > > > Texas Disability Network > > Calendar of Events > > www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2006 Report Share Posted May 24, 2006 Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research What is Autism? Autism is a neurological condition characterized by problems in communication and behavior. The child may be verbal or nonverbal or exhibit undesired behaviors when unable to communicate their wants and needs .. Individuals with autism respond well to daily routines and familiar happenings. Keep in mind that certain social or environmental events (staring, florescent lighting) may be too over-stimulating causing a sensory overload. .. Remember to be clear and consistent when giving instructions. If you want the child to get the bread out of the pantry, clearly state the task and go with the child to the pantry. Then, tell the child what to do when they get to the pantry. You can also model the task for the child. .. Patience and consistency are essential when caring for an autistic child. Characteristics There are not medical tests to detect autism. Doctors diagnose autism by the presence or absence of these characteristics: .. Difficulty in relating to others or their environment .. Problems with communication .. Hyperactivity or extreme lack of activity .. Difficulty in adjusting to changes in routine .. Repetitive movements such as rocking or arm waving .. Inconsistency-characteristic behavior may or may not be exhibited .. Unevenness of development allowing for extremes of talents and non-talents Resources: Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities Baby Sitting Guide www.wcdd,org/babysit.html Tips for Extended Family and Friends: Helping the Parents of an Autistic Child When a diagnosis of autism is first identified parents may feel confused, relieved, helpless, surprised or even angry. These diverse reactions to a diagnosis can vary from person to person. As a family member or friend you can help comfort the parents and provide support in different areas of the families' daily routine. Also, taking the time to learn about autism spectrum disorders and babysitting can help alleviate some of the stress the family may endure. How can you help? Here are some " Do's and Don'ts " .. DO tell the parents that you care about the family and that you are willing to help. .. DO ask for a specific way that you can help them. If they want to handle things on their own, do not be offended. .. DO offer to baby-sit. Remember that you will need to be familiar with the child's special needs and safety issues (i.e., securing exits in case child is a runner). .. DO show an equal amount of interest between the child with autism and their sibling(s). Establishing a relationship with an autistic child may take more time, but it shows that you care and are willing to help the family. Resource from the " One Mom's View of Autism " web-site www.challengenet.com/~onemom/index.html .. DO stay calm in situations where the child may exhibit aggressive or tantrum-like behaviors. These behaviors may be due to the child's inability to communicate what they need. Onlookers may worsen the situation by staring or offering the caretaker advice on how to discipline the child. Be patient and use strategies to decrease the undesired behaviors in the child. .. DO make accommodations during holidays or other events where numerous family members will be in attendance. A change in routine and the large number of unfamiliar people may be overwhelming for the child. Smaller, more informal gatherings may be more pleasant for the child and family. .. DO let the parents know about the resources available through the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and research at Texas Tech University. .. DO continue learning about autism spectrum disorders. Keep an open mind while researching and be sure that you are acquiring information from reliable resources. If you encounter a specific treatment or strategy, do not push it on the parents. Remember that one treatment may work wonders for a particular child, but may not be as successful with another child. .. DON'T try to tell the parents that you understand how they feel unless one of your children has been diagnosed with autism. .. DON'T say that everything happens for a reason. Although you or the parents may believe this to be true, this is not the appropriate time to make this statement. Parents may be upset and do not understand why this is happening to their family. .. DON'T use religion as a way to talk to the parents if you are not familiar with their religious beliefs. .. DON'T disagree with the diagnosis or argue about the diagnosis in front of the parents. .. DON'T allow feelings of discomfort to interfere with how you interact with the child. Don't compare your " normal " children to the autistic child or express to parents that you could never handle raising an autistic child. .. DON'T take it personally if the parents are not as active or distance themselves after their child is diagnosed. .. DON'T joke to parents of a nonverbal child that it must be nice to have a quiet child compared to your own. How Parents Can Prepare for a Babysitter Supervising an autistic child can be somewhat stressful because they may need continuous and intensive assistance. The following tips can assist parents in making the transition to babysitting less traumatic for their child. TIPS: .. Include the child in family activities while focusing on the family unit instead of the child with autism. When the babysitter enters the picture, he/she will interact with each child in the same manner. .. Establish a daily schedule and routines for activities. The schedule will also help the babysitter understand what to do and when. .. When rewarding or disciplining, use a planned and consistent technique. Inform the babysitter of the specific way you give rewards. .. Remember to focus on the positive behaviors your child exhibits. Paying attention to only negative behaviors can actually increase the occurrence. Inform your babysitter of this and provide an example of how they can use praise to decrease undesirable behaviors. .. Be aware of what events, smells, sounds, people, tastes, or other environmental stimuli may trigger and overload or panic attack. Inform your babysitter of these as well. .. Include information on what cues to undesirable behavior your child may exhibit such as avoiding eye contact, chewing on the end of a pencil, hair twirling, etc. .. Inform the babysitter of how you handle these situations. Directing the child to a favorite activity or focusing on another topic may prevent undesirable behavior from occurring. .. Speak with your child before a babysitter enters the home. Inform your child of the change and make a social story about what will happen when the babysitter comes to the house. What the Babysitter Needs to Know .. Parents should inform the babysitter of the child's specific needs, common behaviors, and routines. Scheduling a time to meet with the babysitter beforehand can help prepare the individual for future babysitting opportunities at your home. .. During the meeting before the actual babysitting occurs, parents should explain the above information to the babysitter and allow time for the babysitter to meet and interact with the child. .. Inform the babysitter of special routines for meals, bedtime, bathroom, or other activities. .. Explain any specific preferences the child may have for food, clothing, toys or activities. .. Teach the babysitter how you communicate with your child. For example, if the child is nonverbal demonstrate how to utilize and assisted technology device. .. Provide a list of routines, preferences and possible triggers for undesirable behaviors. .. Inform the babysitter of how to handle problem behavior if it is likely to occur. Tips for the Babysitter .. Be sure to allow the child to complete tasks and follow his/her routine without interfering. Sometimes individuals who are not familiar with a disability will try to do everything for a person. If the child's parents have informed you of what the child is capable of doing, allow the child to perform the tasks and complete activities independently. .. Plan activities that you will do with the child when you babysit. The child's parents can help you plan a fun and appropriate routine according to the child's interests. .. Take some time to learn about autism. You can do this by visiting The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research website at: http://www.educ.ttu.edu/EDSP/burkhartproject/default.htm Information Checklist Parents Name: _______________________________________________________ Childs Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________________________________ Emergency Phone: ____________________________________________________ Cell/Pager Number: ___________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Person & Phone: ____________________________________ Location where parents will be: ________________________________________ Medications: _________________________________________________________ Allergies: ____________________________________________________________ Special Instructions: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2006 Report Share Posted May 24, 2006 Tonya, Talk about a thourough email! Thanks for all that info for all of us who need all the help we can get. Its information like this that keep us growing. - Cristina Havlik RE: Babysitter Tips... Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research What is Autism? Autism is a neurological condition characterized by problems in communication and behavior. The child may be verbal or nonverbal or exhibit undesired behaviors when unable to communicate their wants and needs .. Individuals with autism respond well to daily routines and familiar happenings. Keep in mind that certain social or environmental events (staring, florescent lighting) may be too over-stimulating causing a sensory overload. .. Remember to be clear and consistent when giving instructions. If you want the child to get the bread out of the pantry, clearly state the task and go with the child to the pantry. Then, tell the child what to do when they get to the pantry. You can also model the task for the child. .. Patience and consistency are essential when caring for an autistic child. Characteristics There are not medical tests to detect autism. Doctors diagnose autism by the presence or absence of these characteristics: .. Difficulty in relating to others or their environment .. Problems with communication .. Hyperactivity or extreme lack of activity .. Difficulty in adjusting to changes in routine .. Repetitive movements such as rocking or arm waving .. Inconsistency-characteristic behavior may or may not be exhibited .. Unevenness of development allowing for extremes of talents and non-talents Resources: Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities Baby Sitting Guide www.wcdd,org/babysit.html Tips for Extended Family and Friends: Helping the Parents of an Autistic Child When a diagnosis of autism is first identified parents may feel confused, relieved, helpless, surprised or even angry. These diverse reactions to a diagnosis can vary from person to person. As a family member or friend you can help comfort the parents and provide support in different areas of the families' daily routine. Also, taking the time to learn about autism spectrum disorders and babysitting can help alleviate some of the stress the family may endure. How can you help? Here are some " Do's and Don'ts " .. DO tell the parents that you care about the family and that you are willing to help. .. DO ask for a specific way that you can help them. If they want to handle things on their own, do not be offended. .. DO offer to baby-sit. Remember that you will need to be familiar with the child's special needs and safety issues (i.e., securing exits in case child is a runner). .. DO show an equal amount of interest between the child with autism and their sibling(s). Establishing a relationship with an autistic child may take more time, but it shows that you care and are willing to help the family. Resource from the " One Mom's View of Autism " web-site www.challengenet.com/~onemom/index.html .. DO stay calm in situations where the child may exhibit aggressive or tantrum-like behaviors. These behaviors may be due to the child's inability to communicate what they need. Onlookers may worsen the situation by staring or offering the caretaker advice on how to discipline the child. Be patient and use strategies to decrease the undesired behaviors in the child. .. DO make accommodations during holidays or other events where numerous family members will be in attendance. A change in routine and the large number of unfamiliar people may be overwhelming for the child. Smaller, more informal gatherings may be more pleasant for the child and family. .. DO let the parents know about the resources available through the Burkhart Center for Autism Education and research at Texas Tech University. .. DO continue learning about autism spectrum disorders. Keep an open mind while researching and be sure that you are acquiring information from reliable resources. If you encounter a specific treatment or strategy, do not push it on the parents. Remember that one treatment may work wonders for a particular child, but may not be as successful with another child. .. DON'T try to tell the parents that you understand how they feel unless one of your children has been diagnosed with autism. .. DON'T say that everything happens for a reason. Although you or the parents may believe this to be true, this is not the appropriate time to make this statement. Parents may be upset and do not understand why this is happening to their family. .. DON'T use religion as a way to talk to the parents if you are not familiar with their religious beliefs. .. DON'T disagree with the diagnosis or argue about the diagnosis in front of the parents. .. DON'T allow feelings of discomfort to interfere with how you interact with the child. Don't compare your " normal " children to the autistic child or express to parents that you could never handle raising an autistic child. .. DON'T take it personally if the parents are not as active or distance themselves after their child is diagnosed. .. DON'T joke to parents of a nonverbal child that it must be nice to have a quiet child compared to your own. How Parents Can Prepare for a Babysitter Supervising an autistic child can be somewhat stressful because they may need continuous and intensive assistance. The following tips can assist parents in making the transition to babysitting less traumatic for their child. TIPS: .. Include the child in family activities while focusing on the family unit instead of the child with autism. When the babysitter enters the picture, he/she will interact with each child in the same manner. .. Establish a daily schedule and routines for activities. The schedule will also help the babysitter understand what to do and when. .. When rewarding or disciplining, use a planned and consistent technique. Inform the babysitter of the specific way you give rewards. .. Remember to focus on the positive behaviors your child exhibits. Paying attention to only negative behaviors can actually increase the occurrence. Inform your babysitter of this and provide an example of how they can use praise to decrease undesirable behaviors. .. Be aware of what events, smells, sounds, people, tastes, or other environmental stimuli may trigger and overload or panic attack. Inform your babysitter of these as well. .. Include information on what cues to undesirable behavior your child may exhibit such as avoiding eye contact, chewing on the end of a pencil, hair twirling, etc. .. Inform the babysitter of how you handle these situations. Directing the child to a favorite activity or focusing on another topic may prevent undesirable behavior from occurring. .. Speak with your child before a babysitter enters the home. Inform your child of the change and make a social story about what will happen when the babysitter comes to the house. What the Babysitter Needs to Know .. Parents should inform the babysitter of the child's specific needs, common behaviors, and routines. Scheduling a time to meet with the babysitter beforehand can help prepare the individual for future babysitting opportunities at your home. .. During the meeting before the actual babysitting occurs, parents should explain the above information to the babysitter and allow time for the babysitter to meet and interact with the child. .. Inform the babysitter of special routines for meals, bedtime, bathroom, or other activities. .. Explain any specific preferences the child may have for food, clothing, toys or activities. .. Teach the babysitter how you communicate with your child. For example, if the child is nonverbal demonstrate how to utilize and assisted technology device. .. Provide a list of routines, preferences and possible triggers for undesirable behaviors. .. Inform the babysitter of how to handle problem behavior if it is likely to occur. Tips for the Babysitter .. Be sure to allow the child to complete tasks and follow his/her routine without interfering. Sometimes individuals who are not familiar with a disability will try to do everything for a person. If the child's parents have informed you of what the child is capable of doing, allow the child to perform the tasks and complete activities independently. .. Plan activities that you will do with the child when you babysit. The child's parents can help you plan a fun and appropriate routine according to the child's interests. .. Take some time to learn about autism. You can do this by visiting The Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research website at: http://www.educ.ttu.edu/EDSP/burkhartproject/default.htm Information Checklist Parents Name: _______________________________________________________ Childs Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Telephone: __________________________________________________________ Emergency Phone: ____________________________________________________ Cell/Pager Number: ___________________________________________________ Emergency Contact Person & Phone: ____________________________________ Location where parents will be: ________________________________________ Medications: _________________________________________________________ Allergies: ____________________________________________________________ Special Instructions: Texas Autism Advocacy www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Texas Disability Network Calendar of Events www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2006 Report Share Posted May 24, 2006 Glad it was useful. I can't take credit for writing it; was a booklet from the Burkhart Center. I just typed it in. Tonya -----Original Message----- From: cristinahavlik@... Tonya, Talk about a thourough email! Thanks for all that info for all of us who need all the help we can get. Its information like this that keep us growing. - Cristina Havlik -----Original Message----- Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Tonya! THANK YOU!!! I think these are excellent tips for typical & AU children alike. Thank for taking the time to type all this in. It will certainly be helpful! -Meredith > > Glad it was useful. I can't take credit for writing it; was a booklet > from the Burkhart Center. I just typed it in. > Tonya > -----Original Message----- > From: cristinahavlik@... > > Tonya, > Talk about a thourough email! Thanks for all that info for all of us who > need all the help we can get. Its information like this that keep us > growing. > > - Cristina Havlik > > -----Original Message----- > > > Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism > Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Can you please resend the babysitting tips for children with Autism. Thanks Debby Re: Babysitter Tips... Tonya! THANK YOU!!! I think these are excellent tips for typical & AU children alike. Thank for taking the time to type all this in. It will certainly be helpful! -Meredith > > Glad it was useful. I can't take credit for writing it; was a booklet > from the Burkhart Center. I just typed it in. > Tonya > -----Original Message----- > From: cristinahavlik@... > > Tonya, > Talk about a thourough email! Thanks for all that info for all of us who > need all the help we can get. Its information like this that keep us > growing. > > - Cristina Havlik > > -----Original Message----- > > > Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism > Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research > Texas Autism Advocacy www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Texas Disability Network Calendar of Events www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2006 Report Share Posted May 26, 2006 Sure, I'll send them off list so as not to flood everyone's mailboxes. Tonya ------------------------------------ Texas Federation of Families Tonya Hettler Trainer thettler@... mobile: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/w-i-n ------------------------------------ Re: Re: Babysitter Tips... Can you please resend the babysitting tips for children with Autism. Thanks Debby Re: Babysitter Tips... Tonya! THANK YOU!!! I think these are excellent tips for typical & AU children alike. Thank for taking the time to type all this in. It will certainly be helpful! -Meredith > > Glad it was useful. I can't take credit for writing it; was a booklet > from the Burkhart Center. I just typed it in. > Tonya > -----Original Message----- > From: cristinahavlik@... > > Tonya, > Talk about a thourough email! Thanks for all that info for all of us who > need all the help we can get. Its information like this that keep us > growing. > > - Cristina Havlik > > -----Original Message----- > > > Babysitting Tips for Children with Autism > Burkhart Center for Autism Education and Research > Texas Autism Advocacy www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Texas Disability Network Calendar of Events www.TexasAutismAdvocacy.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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