How to Talk to a Child With Autism

Communicating with an autistic child can be frustrating for his adult caregiver, even when the autistic child can speak. The nature of an autistic child's disorder makes understanding verbal and visual cues difficult for him. If you live with an autistic child or have daily contact with one, remember these steps to help communicate effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make eye contact with an autistic child, as he will not often initiate conversation himself. Looking an autistic child directly in his eyes will help gain his attention and establish the desire to communicate.
2. Be literal. Autistic children often cannot understand figurative uses of language and are concrete in their thinking. Instead of saying, "the toy is over there," say, "the toy is under the chair."
3. Incorporate the use of sign language and gestures when speaking to a child with autism. An autistic child with severely inhibited speech development may respond to simple signs and may learn to use the signs himself to communicate. Signs and gestures may then lead to verbal communication.
4. Give praise. Autistic children should be awarded verbal praise often, especially for accomplishing a task, controlling outbursts and their efforts communicating with other people.
5. Avoid yelling or responding negatively to an autistic child's tantrums. Communicate with him calmly using simple sentences, and repeat yourself if necessary.
6. Warn an autistic child about any changes in his routine. Because autistic children crave structure and habit, the smallest disruption in his daily schedule can be agitating. Be sure to talk him through any changes to come. Give him time to absorb the information.