If you have children with autism in your family or loved ones, your constant efforts are towards helping them grow. Autism prevalence has increased in recent years with every one in 36 8-year-old children being identified with ASD in the USA. Parents often ask how they can motivate their children with autism. We understand that it can be challenging to understand your child’s individual needs. In this post, our experts at Opal Autism have compiled 8 effective strategies to keep your an autistic child motivated in various phases of life.
Understand Their Interests and Strengths
Children with autism often have intense interests in specific topics or activities. You can use these interests as a powerful tool for motivation. Start adding these interests in their daily tasks. Create more engaging activities using these interests. For example, if your child is in love with trains, you can solve math problems through train examples. Or you can give them reading materials related to trains.
Use the “First/Then” Approach
One of the most effective ways to encourage any child is the “First/Then” approach, aka the Premack Principle. Even your parents would’ve tried this with you. It involves completing less-preferred tasks by promising a favorite activity later. For instance, you might say, “First, we do our homework, then we play your favorite game.” This method helps children understand the sequence of activities. And it builds motivation as they get rewarded later.
Create a Positive Environment
Positive environment is important when managing children with autism. You should celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Consistent praise and encouragement is a great source of motivation. It helps them build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. It’s also important to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and understood. Avoid negative language and focus on what the child did right rather than what they did wrong.
Incorporate Edutainment
Technology has played a major role in helping parents educate their children with autism. There are plenty of educational apps and games for your kids “edutainment.” If you can blend learning with entertainment, the process becomes more enjoyable. A lot of parents know how to teach basic skills. But they are usually oblivious to new skills. These apps have been an excellent way for teaching new skills or reinforcing concepts. Look for apps with interactive elements, such as touch, sound, and visuals. It helps maintain a child’s attention and engagement.
Establish Routine and Structure
Children with autism often love to follow a routine. With a consistent daily schedule, you’ll see less anxiety and they’ll feel more secure in their space. Moreover, you should also include time to complete these tasks to motivate them. This technique will allow them to transition between activities by keeping track of time.
Tailor Motivation Techniques to Individual Needs
It’s important to understand that each child with autism is unique. What works for one child may not work for the other. We have seen children responding quite well to verbal praises. But, we have also managed children that are only motivated by physical rewards, such as stickers or a favorite snack. You must be attentive and quick to observe your child’s responses and adjust your approach accordingly.
Address Sensory and Motor Challenges
Sensory processing issues are common among children with autism. Your children might find certain textures, sounds, or lights overwhelming. These issues can significantly impact their motivation. Creating a more comfortable and motivating environment requires you to understand their sensory preferences. You can use occupational therapy assessments to identify these challenges and look for ways to address them.
Foster Independence and Self-Motivation
Your children should be able to make their choices. Encourage them to take ownership of their decisions. It’s a great way to boost motivation. You can start by offering options within a task. Let them decide the order of activities or picking a topic for a project. It will help your children feel more in control and interested in the results. They will have greater self-motivation and a willingness to engage in new experiences.
Final Word
Motivating children with autism requires a thoughtful and flexible approach. Opal Autism encourages you to understand their interests, provide a positive environment, and use all these strategies to help them thrive. Remember, the goal is not only to complete tasks but also to foster a love of learning and exploration. With patience and creativity, you can help your child discover and pursue their passions in a way that is both fulfilling and enjoyable
