I have an 8-year old autistic stepson that will spend his holiday break with me. I work at home during the day. The problem is he interrupts me constantly, coming in my office every few minutes. I hate seeing him so bored, but i don't know what to do with him and how to get my work done at the same time? His attention span is very short and he doesn't have play dates. Any suggestions?
2006-12-20 09:04:35 · 7 answers · asked by MJ 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Grade-Schooler
Autism. Here's a solid suggestion. Get a 500 piece puzzle. They love puzzles. Tell him for every piece he puts together, put a mark on a piece of paper. When he gets a line filled, he can bring it to you for some sort of non sugar treat. Make a strict routine. They have to have a routine. And it does not have to be complicated. Just something that can count on and lean against with the unknown house.
Good luck.
2006-12-20 09:09:38 · answer #1 · answered by donewiththismess 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, the loot that he'll probably get on Christmas morning should help soom.
Is he interested in crafts at all? Maybe you could get some things from the craft store for him to do? Or just give him some paints or clay to play with for a while. (The clay/playdough might be a great idea for an autistic kid.)
What kind of stuff does he interrupt you for? Can you set some rules about what is OK to interrupt you about? Put a sign on the door that says "STOP" and then lists the reasons it's OK to interrupt. Then make it clear that there will be certain times of day it is OK to come talk to you other wise? Put the times on the door that are "work times" and times that are OK for "visit times." Make sure there are good snacks he can access on his own if he can be trusted, etc.
Puzzles, building toys, etc?
2006-12-20 17:10:38 · answer #2 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was thinking "Big Puzzles" as I scrolled down and saw that as the very first suggestion... lol Depending on the severity of Autism, I know autistic children love repetitive things. If he isn't prone to hurting himself, latch-hook may keep him occupied. How about paint by numbers? Buy a huge package of construction paper, fancy edged scissors like used for scrap-booking and glue sticks along with a few pieces of large poster board, let his imagination take him away. If he becomes immersed in one of these activities, maybe you would be able to set up a small table in your office for him to "do his work" at. This would allow you to get your work done while making him feel secure and not alone. Good luck and Merry Christmas!!
2006-12-20 18:58:09 · answer #3 · answered by RaLoh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about children with autism because I've never experienced one. But I'll tell you what I did with my son and maybe it will help you. Maybe it won't I don't know.
I printed up a bunch of stuff from the internet, puzzles, dot to dots, coloring ect. I bought him a puzzle book, I bought him regular books, and a couple of cheap videos. He keeps busy on his own now and is not any trouble.
I hope this helps you.
2006-12-20 17:16:53 · answer #4 · answered by musicpanther67 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
many people so stick them infront of a gameing system.
the best thing is to set them outside with their friends, also plan a few dads for family fun
2006-12-20 19:33:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if youhave an extra computer, that will be perfect. once i went to my dad's work and he had an extra computer, i had so much fun during his work day and i wasn't bored
2006-12-20 18:01:59 · answer #6 · answered by victoria 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
buy him a ipod or a game boy...
2006-12-20 17:30:03 · answer #7 · answered by TalonsMomma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋