How to Start a Day Care for Special-Needs Children Who Are Autistic
Autism spectrum diagnoses are on the rise, and the need for quality day care for these children is in demand. Symptoms of autism are similar, but each child is different in how the symptoms manifest and to what degree. A tailored environment that is consistent with the rest of the child's life is beneficial for reducing negative behaviors and improving interaction with the world. A day care including autistic children requires special equipment for sensory integration and a behavioral management program.
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Things You'll Need
- Day care operator's license
- Adaptive equipment for autistic children
- Pictoral communication system
Instructions
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Obtain a day care operator's license. A license is always required in the United States. The requirements for and issuing of credentials are organized by state. A child-caregiver ratio must be maintained within limits and by age of child. Rules are different for day cares in the home and day care centers. Currently, there are standards for care of mildly ill children, but state guidelines have no specific rules on day cares with autistic children.
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Become familiar with the behavior therapy and diet your potential clients are using at home and in school. Your day care should match the home and school methods to provide consistency throughout the day.
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Obtain special sensory integration equipment that can be used for autistic children. Transitioning to a new environment after school or from home is difficult for autistic children, and it is helpful to calm their senses with a ritual activity. Swinging or bouncing on a large ball is comforting, because these activities stimulate the vestibular awareness of body position and movement. A weighted blanket is another item that is comforting to most autistic people. The theory of sensory integration recognizes that deep pressure is often calming and can be the first step before an affected person is able to receive further stimulus.
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Establish a communication system for your children. Many autistic children are nonverbal or have delayed speech. A common system used in U.S. classrooms is called "PECS," for Picture Exchange Communication System. Small icons with common items and activities are laminated on small cards, and Velcro is put on the back so that the placement of the pictures on a matching Velcro board mimics spoken conversation.
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Advertise your day care through word of mouth or in parenting journals that support parents of autistic children. Support groups and discussion boards online are great places to let people know about your special services and knowledge. It is very important for autistic children to receive skilled and consistent care.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not feel you must limit the day care to only autistic children. Many families welcome peers for their children to learn from and model in speech and behavior.
Some parents keep track of behaviors they are trying to reduce or increase in their children. They may ask you to record information on a checklist they have designed.
Be flexible with your schedule, because it may be necessary for occupational, behavioral or speech specialists to come to your business to provide therapy.
Ask parents specifically about seizure history and allergies, which can be more common in autistic children.
References
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