10 Tips to Help Young Minds Understand Autism
We are excited to feature Dahlia & Friends, an innovative educational and entertainment company, on our blog. Dahlia & Friends create books, music, and other creative content designed to inspire and educate children aged 2-8 on diverse topics, helping them feel seen and understood.
Their book, Different Together, is a wonderful tool for teaching kids about autism. Understanding autism is crucial for fostering empathy and acceptance among children. By educating them about autism, we can create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood. Through this blog, we aim to provide practical advice and insightful tips to help both neurodiverse and neurotypical children and adults navigate this important topic.
Encourage Children to See the World Through their Friend’s Eyes
Children with autism experience the world differently. Loud noises, bright lights, and various textures can be overwhelming. In Different Together by Jacques and Dahcia Bastien, two exceptional children, Lovey and Jayden, are friends who both enjoy similar activities but Jayden also understands that Lovey experiences the world differently:
“Jayden understands we all need time alone. Every once in a while we need space of our own. Lovey quietly reads while Jayden plays pretend. Just a little time apart doesn’t mean they are not friends.” – Different Together
Encouraging children to appreciate these differences can help them become more empathetic and understanding, fostering stronger friendships built on mutual respect and acceptance.
Talk to Children About Communicating and Being a Good Listener:
Friends with autism may need more time to process information, and non-verbal friends may use pictures to communicate. Grown-ups can teach kids to become more aware through communication and being a good listener:
“But take time to notice the things that we share. This helps you show kindness and be more aware.” – Different Together
Teaching children to be patient and attentive when communicating with friends who have autism can help bridge communication gaps and promote deeper connections.
Explain the Importance of Sticking to Routines:
Knowing what is happening next can make some friends with autism feel safe. If plans need to change, friends can help by giving a heads-up before transitioning to a new activity. This understanding can help children be more considerate and supportive of their friends' needs.
Read with Children for Connection:
Books provide an excellent way to understand different experiences. Reading together not only helps kids learn about autism but also fosters a closer bond between parent and child.
Reading stories that feature characters with autism can open up conversations and help children ask questions and express their thoughts and feelings about the topic.
Parent Story:
Zoey from Different Together is not just a character but is modeled after a real child with autism. Karla, Zoey’s mom and a member of the Dahlia & Friends team, shared a few additional tips with us that helped her explain autism to her daughter. Karla emphasizes that children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) should know they are not sick.
Helping neurodiverse children understand their condition fosters a supportive and understanding environment which can, helping them thrive and recognize their uniqueness.
"It's crucial to remind children with autism that they are unique and their differences are what make them special," says Karla. "We want them to feel proud of who they are and understand that everyone has their own set of strengths and challenges."
Here are the tips Karla shared to help autistic children understand their condition:
5. Encourage Social Interaction:
Find opportunities for your children to interact with peers in structured and supportive settings. Organized activities, such as clubs, sports teams, or supervised playgroups, provide a framework where children can develop social skills and build friendships. These environments offer a safe space for children to practice communication, cooperation, and empathy under the guidance of caring adults.
6. Highlight Strengths and Challenges:
Help neurodiverse children understand that everyone has strengths and challenges. Being autistic means they might have some unique strengths and some things that are harder for them. Celebrate their achievements and support them in areas where they face difficulties.
"Highlighting both strengths and challenges helps children see that everyone is different but equally valuable," explains Karla. "It's about finding and celebrating the unique qualities in everyone."
7. Promote self-advocacy
Teach children to communicate their needs and preferences. Encourage them to speak up about what helps them feel comfortable and supported. Self-advocacy skills are crucial for building confidence and independence.
"Promoting self-advocacy empowers children to take control of their environment and express their needs," says Janne Peters. "This is an essential skill for their personal development and well-being."
Interview with an Expert:
Janne Peters, a behaviorist working with children and teenagers on the autism spectrum, shared additional ways to understand those with autism:
8. Always Presume Competence
Assume they can understand. Our job is to find the communication method that speaks to them at that moment. Whether it's through words, pictures, or gestures, finding the right way to communicate can make a big difference.
9. Remind Children of Their Strengths and Successes
For example, “You are good at getting out ingredients and following a recipe,” “I admire how you made it to the top of the rock-climbing wall,” and “Your painting has beautiful colors.” Positive reinforcement helps build self-esteem and encourages continued effort.
"Reminding children of their strengths and successes reinforces their self-worth and encourages them to keep trying," says Janne. "It's a powerful tool for positive development."
10. Empathize with Their Emotions
When children look sad, mad, scared, bored, or upset, let them know you empathize: “Your face and body are telling me that you are upset. Let’s take three breaths together. I need to calm down too.” After they calm down, share a time when you were upset about something. This shows them that everyone has difficult moments and it's okay to feel those emotions.
"Empathy is about connecting with others on a human level," explains Janne. "By sharing your own experiences and showing understanding, you create a supportive and nurturing environment."
By following these tips, caregivers and children can gain a deeper understanding of autism and better support their friends, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate world. We hope the insights from Different Together, along with the experiences shared by parents and professionals, will help you guide your child in appreciating and embracing the unique qualities of their autistic friends. Together, we can create a community where every child feels seen, understood, and celebrated.
Discover more about acceptance and awareness in Dahlia and Friends' new book, Different Together. Purchase it on Amazon or download a free ebook copy from their website.
