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Originally Posted by tater03  My friends son who is 14 monthes was just diagnosed with Autisum. The problem they are having is he seems to enjoy himself most when he is bouncing. He is starting to outgrow all the baby type bouncers. Does anyone have any suggestions for a product that might help? Or some site they would recommend for her to get some toys for him that would be good? She just found out last Friday and has not had a chance to really process all of this so I would like to help her out anyway that I can. I know that she needs to find some stuff that he might enjoy playing with. He seems to be very picky on the types of things that make him happy. Any suggestions on websites where she can find toys and things that children with autism enjoy. Thank you all so much. |
One thing to do is to start exercising redirection. It can be a struggle but one of the keys with repetitive bhavior is to interrupt it so that it can be used as a reward later. One of the keys I have picked up on in working with autistics is you have to interrupt a compulsive behavior BEFORE you see that look of total absorption comes over their face. Personally, since the child is only 14 months old, I wouldn't provide those favorite things just yet, and I wouldn't replace the bouncing toy with anything similar. Waiting to see if there are ways to work around some of the behaviors is easier now, while the child is physically small, than later, when dealing with their objections could lead to physical injuries for the parent. These are suggestions, though. she will find out what works best for her family
Support groups for those who interact with autistic folks are very helpful. It might be best for yout friend to check out suppoert broups BEFORE she takes time to absorb the diagnosis. This way it is more of part of raising the child, not the realization that there is a handicap to be dealt with. The more seemless her transition is, the faster it will go, IMHO.