OMG Stop Talking!!!

[Hunni Bee]

Hi gals.

This is just a vent...we have an almost six year old in our group. He has a autism diagnosis, but he is either extremely high functioning or really a unique case.

The issue I have with him is that he has to be in control. He NEVER stops talking...he has a running commentary from the time he gets there til he leaves. He is constantly telling his friends what to do, what to say, where to stand etc. He controls all games, and manipulates the rules so he always wins. He tells ME what to do, if I give a direction he gives an alternate one....etc etc et freaking c....

He talks so much it confuses all of us. I don't know how he keeps it all straight.

He's also a bit of a bully. He's physically the biggest/tallest and the oldest, so the kids pretty much do what he says...but they're starting to rebel which he can't handle, so he's yelling and tattling.....

He's exhausting. I often have to tell him to be quiet just so I can think

Anybody else have this child?

[BumbleBee]

*gasp* Hunni Bee! Hi!!!! Where have you been???? How's Ava Rose????????

I'm so happy to 'see' you! No advice on your post, just happy you're back!

[NightOwl]

Don't have this child, but I did once upon a time. He sounds like he may be ruled by his obsessions, which are control and power. He must feel unsafe, for lack of a better term, or insecure. Not to say that your program is unsafe by any means. It's just that autism is so vast in its variables, and my little guy definitely had some obsessions that stemmed from insecurities.

By ordering everyone around and always being the "winner" at games, it made him feel more secure and safe because he was the one with the power. So he may not intentionally be bullying. That still doesn't make it acceptable to the other children however. These are behaviors he needs to curb.

I'm sorry, I don't have much advice because this one child is the only one I had that behaved this way and it was only for a summer, but I thought I'd offer some insight into why the behaviors may be occurring.

[playground1]

What Wednesday said. But I wanted to add that autistic kids, even high functioning, can be really challenging for you and for everyone in the group. There's no shame in just saying, "I can't provide what this kids needs to really grow and learn". I mean, people train for years to deal with autistic kids.

[Indoorvoice]

Hi there! I used to teach in an autism room and let me tell you, I definitely can relate to your challenges. One thing that helped me teach them social rules such as playing games and following directions were Social Stories. These are stories with visual cues that are written in terms that make sense to children with autism. I'm on my phone right now so it is hard for me to send links, but I can look later when I'm on my computer. If you just Google social stories a ton will come up. I hope this helps a little.

[Sunchimes]

One thing that helped me teach them social rules such as playing games and following directions were Social Stories. These are stories with visual cues that are written in terms that make sense to children with autism.

At what age are the Social Stories helpful? My ASD child is 2-he doesn't have a confirmed diagnosis yet, but it's pretty obvious. His social needs are small right now-use a spoon, play with a toy, use his chewy. Would these work? He has never sat for a story or paid any attention when we are reading together.

[Indoorvoice]

I have never used them with a toddler, but I would imagine the social stories would work for that age too. The stories are meant to be personalized so he might end up showing more interest because it is about him and benefits him. I will try to post some links tomorrow that show you how to write these social stories.