How to help kids with learning problems due to neurological diseases?
The neurological disorders that may affect kids at the childhood stage are autism and epilepsy. Kids affected with autism can face learning problems at an early age. Sensory and motor processing systems of the brain are usually affected by autism and show varying degrees of severity in different people. The two prime traits of autism, found in the DSM-V are social communication impairment and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors. It’s also found that there may be extreme sensitivity to sensory input.
A tailor-made cure for autism is not to be found; however, there exist therapies that can aid a child with autism cope up successfully in a preschool classroom with typical peers.
Effective communication:
Employing pics in different areas of the room for a plethora of reasons can enable the child to realize what will happen consequently. Pics can also aid them to take choices and show what they want to tell to others.
- Scheduling of images: An image library showing the routine of the day. Using this the child can help how to communicate with the teacher when it comes to a requirement. Say if the child is hungry, and is continuously showing it, then the teacher can use a flashcard with a swing on it, making the child understand that it’s playtime. Showing pics that employ various choices for toys to play with will allow the child to choose whether he wants to play with cars, Legos or puzzles with independence and success.
- Sign Language: Some children can learn basic signs such as, “I need more”,” Ok done”, and many more.
Social Interaction
Children with autism fail to understand social mannerisms and may have difficulty with joint interactions and taking up on peers’ social cues. For instance, a child may pull at a child’s hair in a trial to join him in play rather than sitting next to him or asking to have a turn. Ways to model appropriate behaviors include:
- Social Interaction Flashcards: Simple flashcards can be used as a visual guideline on how to deal with others. Take pictures of the child along with a stop sign to ask the child to stop after an interaction and pause for the other child to respond. Laminate and use these on a regular basis to help teach appropriate peer interactions.
- Social Insights with Stories: These stories can be created and printed to aid explain specific social behaviors. The story provides examples of what to do and when. They are written in the first person and in present tense to help the child understand how to act in a specific social situation.
Email :aman.sohal@neuropedia.ae
Neuropedia Children's Neuroscience Center
Opp. Dubai Zoo, Beach Road
Jumeirah 1, Dubai U.A.E
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