Some tips to make writing fun for children with autism

Learning to write can be stressful and uninteresting for children with autism. Parents and teachers must work together to enhance this experience for the child and make it fun for them. Here are some tips to make writing fun for children with autism.

Autism is not a learning disability, but it can make learning and sometimes even writing difficult for children and adults under the spectrum. Parents and teachers must work together with the child to ensure that they enjoy the process instead of not getting bored. So whether it is writing at school, doing homework or attending an exam, they must enjoy writing to make the best out of whatever they are doing. Some simple techniques and tips can make it fun. Most importantly, parents and teachers must understand the child’s limitations and work accordingly so that the child gets the best.

Karen Kharbari, Founder, Buddy Centre says that needs of each child is different. Hence, requirements would be child specific.

Even needs of an adult and child under the spectrum can be different. The ideal thing is to understand the child’s strengths and weakness. Parents and teachers can work together for that, especially parents because they see the child on a daily basis and hence will know what suits them best.-Karen Kharbari, Founder, Buddy Centre.

Here are some tips to make writing fun for children with autism

• Introduce art– Children with autism can relate well with visuals and colours. So for a child who does not like to write or has difficulties with it, art can come to the rescue to a large extent. Art helps to improve fine motor skills and other skills needed for writing. So try and get some water colours and sketch pens. Let your child explore.
• Look out for activities they love– It is important to get creative and think out of the box. Try and see what all can be used to enhance the learning experience for the child. They need not always try out writing on paper alone. Encourage them to write on newspapers or even other books.
• Be patient– Teaching something new to a child with or without disability can be stressful sometimes. Parents and teachers must be patient and let the child learn new techniques without stressing them out. Are they taking too much time? Let them try it out and learn on their own.
• Know your child’s limitations– Each kid has different needs and requirements. This includes for those under the autism spectrum as well. Do not expect a technique that worked with one child to work with another. During the teaching process, look out for the child’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Children with autism are good visual learners and are even good with art. So starting off by helping them write on sand is a great idea. Also because it is fun. Today, there are many games available in the market which helps introduce kids to writing in a better and fun way”, says Himabindhu Gattu, Abhilasha Centre for children with special needs.

Also Read: Some tips for new parents who have child with autism