14 Feb Easy-to-Use Calming Strategies for Autism
Posted at 02:55h
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When trying to talk to a child with autism, there are several ways to calm them down so that you can communicate with the child effectively. Music therapy, in conjunction with low-stress activities, can help a child on the spectrum feel calm and focus on what you are saying.
Board certified music therapist Ryan Judd teaches us strategies for calming a child with autism.
What We Learned from this Video:
- Slow, steady music can have a calming effect on autistic children.
- Low, non-fluorescent lighting is preferable for a calming atmosphere.
- Fulfilling sensory needs such as a chewing toy or a fidget toy can help redirect the child away from their anxiety.
- Using visual cues (such as beginning to play with a toy or do an activity) instead of verbal instructions helps a child to engage on their own.
- Giving a child a steady, easy rhythm can help them focus on you, especially when you stop the rhythm abruptly.
- Engaging in interactive play can help take their focus off of stimming actions as they focus on the game.
- When a child gets upset at a particular activity, allow them to have a break so you don’t overwhelm them.
Music therapy, interactive play and fulfilling sensory needs can be great supports for autistic children. To learn about other types of therapy available for autistic individuals, please take a look through the “Types of Therapy” section in our Free Video Library.