How to Help Your Autistic Child Self-Advocate.

Autistic Child Self-Advocate-Too often, children with Autism are seen as helpless and dependent. Although these kids may indeed require more assistance and accommodations, this doesn’t mean that they can’t acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to stand up for themselves.

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Autistic Child Self-Advocate-What Is Self-Advocacy?

Self-advocacy is each individual’s ability (and right) to make and express their own life decisions and choices. To successfully self-advocate, individuals must effectively communicate, assert, negotiate and convey their own opinions, interests, needs and rights. When children can successfully advocate for themselves, they are more likely to live a successful, happy life. 

Autistic Child Self-Advocate-Can Kids With ASD Self-Advocate?

Being comfortable with making decisions and speaking up about preferences and needs is essential for developing independence, maintaining relationships with peers, and communicating with teachers and instructors. Without self-advocation, children may be unable to reach understandings with peers and participate in school or social settings. 

 Since people with Autism may have significant social impairments, they most likely will not naturally develop self-advocacy skills. Although many people believe that this means their autistic children can not advocate for themselves, this is often not true. Kids with autism simply need to find effective methods of communicating their wants and needs.

Autistic Child Self-Advocate-How Can You Help Your Child Develop Self-Advocacy Skills?

Developing self-advocacy skills requires direct instruction and intervention. It is never too early to start developing these necessary skills, and the sooner children are exposed to these interventions, the sooner they will become comfortable with self- advocacy.

Here are some tips for self-advocacy:

Autistic Child Self-Advocate-Understand How and When to Disclose Their Diagnosis.

If your child is able to understand their diagnosis, be sure to discuss it with them. The more comfortable and open you are with discussing your child’s diagnosis, the more comfortable they will be discussing it.

Provide Children With Different Choices Every Day.

Whether you ask your child which snack they would like to have, which activity they would enjoy doing or which pieces of homework they would like to do first. The nature of the choice isn’t as important as the fact that they have the freedom to make it. Ensure that your child knows they have the right to say no if they wish to do so as part of your self-advocacy teaching.

Make Sure They Understand the Difference Between Their Needs and Preferences.

It is crucial that all individuals (not just those with ASD) can differentiate between what they absolutely must have and what they would like to have. For example, sitting in a particular spot in each classroom is a preference, but having emotional support and a quiet place to recover from being overwhelmed is a need.

Help Them Write Letters To Others Explaining What They Want And Need.

This can be a letter to teachers, peers or school administrators. In this letter, your child can explain who they are, what they feel, their likes and dislikes, his stressors, and so much more so that teachers can be prepared to handle his unique situation when they do meet him. This feeling of self-advocacy, even in written form, can be much more empowering than when you, as their parent, speak on their behalf.

Include Your Child in IEP meetings.

It can be very beneficial for your child to take part in these meetings as it can help them understand how things work and why they get certain accommodations and services. These meetings can also provide your child to voice their concerns and opinions. Having a say in their education can give a child a boosted sense of self.

You can use a checklist of self-advocacy tips to determine which of these skills or child already possesses and which ones you would like them to learn. Make sure your child knows that it is okay for them to start taking charge in planning their own activities, even while you may encourage them to try new things and remember to remain patient with your child as they begin to learn autism self-advocacy on their own pace. It can often take time and a lot of support to help autistic children advocate effectively, but the increased quality of life that your child will experience will be worth it.