How do you even begin to teach your child with Autism about the danger of strangers? Speaking from my experience with my kids, this is an exceptionally difficult task.
Discretion is a concept that my kids really, really have a tough time grasping.
How do you get a child that may lack the ability to be able to discern the difference between when you can talk to a stranger and when you shouldn’t talk to a stranger?
There are situations in which it may be necessary for a child to approach a stranger and yet there are situations in which a child would need to run away. How do you help your child to understand the difference?
What’s your experience with this type of situation?
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try to get to know how “social stories” work – I have been using it with my girl and it is powerful. also look for info on “Social circles” that teaches from personal space then family and then strangers how to interact with each of them. both info are largely available in internet. Hang on tight guys having a child with ASD is a blessing and we can do so much to them. All the best !
It's entertaining but I think it takes a smart approach. The concept of don't knows, kind of knows, and Safeside adults really worked for us.
We found this very helpful: http://www.amazon.com/The-Safe-Side-Stranger-Safety/dp/B0009LS9Y4
It's entertaining but I think it takes a smart approach. The concept of don't knows, kind of knows, and Safeside adults really worked for us.
We found this very helpful: http://www.amazon.com/The-Safe-Side-Stranger-Safety/dp/B0009LS9Y4
I remember going to the pediatricians office when he was 4 and they told me now was the time to start talking about stranger danger with him. I just looked at them and was like, um we just got him to the point where he will say hi to other people. Now I can’t go back on that. So hard. He doesn’t have a sense of danger with other people because he sees so man new doctors, nurses, aides, teachers, ect. If I am there he will look back at me to kind of confirm that it is okay to go. So I guess that is the start of it.
I understand
My son is clueless. He thinks everyone is his best friend. He’s only 3 but I don’t know how to explain to him that not everyone is safe to talk to and that not everyone wants to talk to him
How do you talk to your child with #Autism about the dangers of strangers
thefuzzycabbage you make a very good point. The program that many of our kids, say Gavin for example, has horrible instincts. How can we help them.
That’s a good question. My son is still rather young, so we haven’t gotten to the point where we’ve had to have the talk. But it’s something I have thought about quite often, especially since he now has a tendency to wander off.
I believe it is important we teach our children to trust their instincts. Equally important is teaching our children the importance of boundaries, including their own boundaries. Children are taught to trust and listen to adults, and oftentimes this can leave some children confused when approached by strangers because they are viewed as authority figures.
My aunt always told her daughter (nt) man with a badge or a lady behind a (store) counter were “safe strangers” if she needed help or was lost.
Lost and Tired Meaghan1985 I have no idea. Me, I was always friendly to the point of awkwardness. I never met a stranger. Even now, when I am grown up and know a little more about these things.
Meaghan1985 this is exactly what I’m talking about. Great example and I’m glad he’s okay. How can we help our kids better understand?
Several years ago a kid got lost in the Utah wilderness while on a hike with the Boy Scouts. He was ten or twelve or so. I don’t think he was autistic, but he had some mild issues. His parents had told him to never talk to strangers — so when he saw and heard the searchers walking around calling his name, he ran and hid. He got found, alive if not well, several days later.