Autism sometimes brings difficult situations with it. A child with autism experiences the world differently than a child without autism. Children with autism react very differently to situations, in the worst case this can lead to confusion and even anger. We, from HappyKido, explain in this article how a child can best deal with autism and anger.

Strategies for Children with Autism

To prevent a child with autism from becoming confused or exploding with anger, you can use the strategies below when communicating with the child.

1. Always be clear

A child with autism takes everything you say literally. For example, a child with autism cannot distinguish between a sarcastic remark and a normal remark. Therefore, be very clear and precise in your communication. Also avoid terms such as 'in a moment', for a child with autism this is meaningless. Rather use precise examples, such as 'in 10 minutes'.

2. One thing at a time

Children with autism can often focus on one thing at a time. It is therefore important to communicate one topic at a time.

3. Be predictable

Children with autism like to be able to assess situations and prepare for them. When a plan has been made, it is therefore important that this plan is adhered to. A child with autism has set himself in advance to a certain plan and can have extreme difficulty dealing with sudden changes.

4. Keep enough physical distance

Often a child with autism is highly sensitive to sensory stimuli. For example, they can panic when they are suddenly touched.

Processing sensory stimuli is often very difficult for a child with autism. Take a look at the HappyKido webshop. HappyKido has a wide range of products that promote sensory processing, perfect for children with autism!

5. Give compliments

Children with autism can be quite insecure when they find themselves in a situation that is new to them. By complimenting the child when he or she does something well, you help him or her understand better how to deal with new situations.

Dealing with anger

It is inevitable that a child with autism will occasionally explode in anger, and that is perfectly okay. When a child with autism is in the throes of anger, you can use the strategies below to help calm the child down.

1. Always remain calm yourself

When a child explodes in anger, it is very important that you remain calm. If you go along with the child's anger, the tantrum will only be amplified. During a tantrum of the child, always keep in mind that the child does not consciously want to annoy you, but simply does not know how to express him or herself.

2. Let the child blow off steam

During the tantrum, it is difficult to make contact with the child. Therefore, let the child first blow off some steam before you make contact. When the child is a bit calmer, let him or her know that it is okay to be angry, this will take the child out of the angry emotion.

3. Recognize the child

Try to understand the child. Let the child know that you are on his or her side. Keep in mind that the child does not really know why he or she is so angry. Therefore, acknowledge the child's situation and let the child know this. In this way, you help the child put words to the emotions he or she feels.

4. Setting boundaries

Setting boundaries is not really helpful during a tantrum. Let go of the need to control the child. To prevent a tantrum from getting out of hand, let your child know that his feelings are okay, but his behavior is not acceptable. For example, say "Things are not for throwing, I would hate to see things broken" when he or she shows physical anger. This teaches the child that it is okay to be angry, but that he or she should take other people or (other people's) things into account.

Let us know what you think of our strategies and if they helped!