Wow! I have to say I'm honored and amazed that you'd want to interview me. I'll say at the start that it's good to remember that Autism is a spectrum disorder and that kids fall on it in a vast array. E is high functioning and like all the kids on the spectrum has his own quirks, and like all kids his own likes and dislikes. [Editor’s Note: You can read more about E’s diagnosis here].
Me: How are play dates with E? What are some things other mothers can do to host a play date with a child who has autism go a little smoother?
Generally E does ok on play dates. But like many kids on the spectrum his memory is phenomenal so that he remembers where everything was before and if a toy needed it's batteries changed the last time he was at a house he will ask the parents every subsequent time if they have changed those batteries yet. My biggest suggestion to parents hosting a kid on the spectrum is patience and understanding. E will try out every switch, button and door in your house if he can. He isn't being nosy per se, he's fixating. I suggest if he's fixating on a remote to your stereo -- show him how it works, let him try it once if you don't mind and then try to redirect him.
If we can work it, I really prefer outside play dates or meeting friends at the park. There are fewer things there for E to fixate on, and generally he loves playing on playground equipment. Swinging is a huge thing for him, and for many kids on the spectrum. There is something about the movement that helps with equilibrium and proprioception.
What are some activities you have done with E that he responded to particularly well, and what sorts of activities do you tend to avoid?
Some kids love to play with play dough and finger paint -- E not so much. He doesn't like the way it feels on his hands. Most problems we'll run into involve sensory issues. If we know something is going to be complete chaos, and it is inside a building (thereby making the nose louder) we will avoid it if we can. However a trip to a Children's or Science Museum is always a big hit! Concerts in the park with a playground near by where we can also have a picnic is super fun for everyone. Also, swimming is huge!! E loves to swim and supposedly so do most kids on the spectrum (of course I don't feel I can really speak for all of them, but a lot of doctors recommend it for them as well). It's a gentle way to get full body sensory stimulation, and out in the water he's just like every other kid.
If you are planning to go to the movies, be prepared for constant chatter. It drives me crazy, but E will talk a lot at the movies -- and whispering isn't something he remembers to do very well. So it might work better to rent a DVD then actually go to the cinema, but he certainly can go.
If you're looking for fun backyard activities -- swinging, blowing bubbles, rocket balloons are a huge hit for all my kids (If you aren't familiar with these -- they are sometimes hard to find -- they are long thin balloons that you inflate with a handheld air pump and then launch), kicking a ball around -- although this works best with a grown-up around. Don't expect a lot of cooperative imaginative play -- structured games work much better.
For inside play... if you can find out what the kid is really into and you have that thing or something like it -- you are all set! E loves robots, and circuit boards and handheld video games and music. He also really likes marble runs and those are fun for lots of kids and they can probably do it cooperatively if the neuro-typical kid is patient.
Could you address the myth that autism is contagious? I think that would be very helpful too.
Autism is not contagious and it is not currently curable. So let me hit on that myth -- you can't recover from it, you can, however, learn to cope with it. Autism is a neurological disorder. It isn't a virus, so you can't "catch it," and last time I checked you can't outgrow the way you are neurologically "wired." Sitting next to my son will not suddenly make your kid autistic, it might, however, make you look at something differently.
Ivy, thank you so much for all your time and patience putting together these detailed, insightful, and thorough answers! You have helped empower all of us to understand this disorder a little bit better. Keep up the excellent work on your blog, Into the Wind. I’ll be back there often!
3 comments:
Thank you for your interest and your support. I love coming to check out your latest activities, ideas and suggestions. Keep up the good work.
this was a great interview. Val, what a great point of view to take on this subject.
You're very welcome, Ivy! I learned so much from this interview, and I'm sure other moms will too. :-)
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