Ask Me Anything - Screaming, and controlling of environment

Ask Me Anything - Screaming, and controlling of environment

Welcome to my "Ask Me Anything" blog post series!

I answer lots of questions on my social media channels, and it makes sense to share this information (anonymously!) in case it is useful for others, too.

"I am working with a lovely young boy with autism; he is nonverbal and communicates with screams. He is currently in the mainstream and is very “controlling” of his environment, e.g. he lines up toys and really struggles if other children touch them; he will scream, which can distress the other children. I have given him his own space in the classroom with his own things, but I don't want him to be separated a lot of the time. Is there anything I can do to help him cope with sharing his space?"

Giving him his own space is exactly right. I guess the question is, “What expectations will help him thrive?” and “What does he need in order to learn?” If that looks like isolation for lots of the day of his choosing in order to be regulated and able to focus, then that is okay. As long as it’s his choice to do so. 
I would look into intensive interaction and model it often, teach his peers how to interact with him. He might just feel a little more understood and safer in the environment and choose to interact more. 
I have training that I would recommend for £5 each on my website here and here.

I hope this helps! If you have any other questions, let me know.

*I am not a doctor or medical professional, so for some questions you might want to contact your GP, the National Autistic Society, or the NHS.

 

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