Child Protection Week is an important time for raising awareness about the safety and wellbeing of children. For autistic children, this awareness takes on a unique dimension, especially when there are delayed expressive language skills. Ensuring our children can recognise and respond to safety red flags is crucial for their protection and autonomy.
Understanding Autism and Delayed Expressive Language
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can affect communication, social skills, and behaviour in so many ways. Delayed expressive language, where a child has difficulty expressing themselves with words, is a common challenge. This can make it harder for these children to communicate their needs, understand warnings, or articulate concerns. An incident occurred recently with our son at his swimming school and we were able to identify the red flags and raise the issue with the swim school.
The Importance of Teaching Safety Red Flags
Teaching children to recognise safety cues is essential for all kids but especially for autistic kids. It equips them with skills to navigate their environment safely and seek help when needed. It is especially difficult when some of our kids are non-verbal and/or have delayed expressive language. Here are some key approaches and strategies to consider:
Visual Aids and Symbols
Children with delayed expressive language often respond well to visual aids. Use symbols, pictures, and color-coded systems to represent different safety concepts. Visual storyboards can depict scenarios with red flags, helping children understand and remember what to look for.
Role-Playing and Social Stories
Role-playing and social stories are effective tools. Acting out different scenarios where a child might need to recognise a red flag can provide them with practical experience. Social stories, written in simple, clear language, can outline various situations and safe responses, reinforcing these lessons.
Consistent Routines and Reinforcement
Autistic children often thrive on routine. Incorporate safety teachings into their daily routines, using repetition to reinforce the lessons. Positive reinforcement, like praise or rewards, can help solidify these skills.
Collaboration with Professionals
Work with speech therapists, child psychologists, and special education professionals to develop tailored strategies with your little ones. These experts can provide individualised approaches that consider each child’s unique needs and learning styles.
Involvement of Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in teaching safety skills. Encourage consistent reinforcement at home. Provide resources and training to help them support their child's learning effectively.
Real-World Applications
Teach children to recognise specific red flags that might indicate danger:
- Strangers: Use visual aids to differentiate between safe people (teachers, family members) and strangers.
- Unsafe Touch: Use dolls or drawings to explain inappropriate touch and encourage children to express discomfort through alternative means if they can't verbally articulate it.
- Dangerous Situations: Show images or videos of situations like crossing the street, fire drills, or being lost, and teach appropriate actions to take.
Child Protection Week is a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard all children, including those with autism. By using tailored strategies to teach children with delayed expressive language to recognise safety red flags, we empower them to protect themselves and seek help when needed. Through collaboration, patience, and creativity, we can ensure these children have the tools they need to navigate their world safely and confidently.
These are some practical strategies that could assist both educators and parents. This is not advice and simply a combination of our research and experience as anxious parents of our autistic child.