Coping Strategies

Here are some strategies to dealing with the '"special child".

1) Play-can be both an escape and a way to verbalize feelings. Play can also help with educational learning.
2) Minimize sensory output-have an area where you cane eliminate or minimize noise and lights. Even if it is just dim the lights, have a nice blanket, or a stuffed animal to hold. Even if it a large blanket they can cocoon in, have some way they can eliminate all noise.
3)Let out the frustrations-have some way they can let go of their frustrations. My son likes to take 5 deep breaths. If he is very angry he will let it out on a large stuffed bear.
3)explain change-when there is a change in the routine explain what they change is. Also try to put a benefit the change will have. Have them try and find a good meaning in the change. Give a treat to survive the change.
4)accept the person-accept all the good and bad in your child
5)be consistent-use the same techniques in all the things you do