In last week’s blog, we suggested you spend one-on-one time with your child noticing the way he/she “operates,” and noticing some of their behaviors. Starting today, if you can, spend 15 – 30 minutes with your child one-on-one doing that.
When spending one-on-one time with your child, you may notice your child doing some of their stimming behaviors. Starting today, try to join your child in those behaviors and do the same as they are doing. Remember, your child’s unique stimming behaviors are very meaningful and important, even if they are different or labeled as “weird” by others. By “joining” your child’s unique behaviors, you can start to understand more about them!
All human connections are created based on mutual interests. When you join your child in their stimming behaviors, you are creating a mutual interest, and your child will pay more attention to you. Once your child is attentive to you, you can teach them anything!
In The Son-Rise Program we believe that Autism is a social –relational disorder (and not a behavioral disorder). So creating a bond and a strong connection with our children is the foundation for all of their future learnings. Joining your child’s stimming behaviors is the first step in creating a strong bond with your child, which will inspire your child to want to engage more with you!
Read more about joining!