There is no formal designation for this month, but the celebration evolved from the Autism Society of America’s first National Autistic Children’s Week in 1972 and the United Nations’ official observance of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
4 Picture Books about Autistic Children
Little Senses series by Samantha Cotterill (Pre-K-1)
A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey (Pre-K-2)
Benji, the Bad Day, and Me by Sally J. Pla (K-2)
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca (1–5)
The Power of Redirection
It is essential for parents to learn how to manage their children’s behavior when they act out or when conflict arises. Redirection is a technique that parents can use to help children understand what appropriate behavior is and how to manage their behaviors. Redirection is used to promote desirable behavior, prevent injury, reduce punishment, and promote learning and exploration.
Verbal Redirection
Verbal redirection involves verbally requesting a behavior. The parent first tells the child that the behavior they are doing is not appropriate, and then tells them what is acceptable. This will help the child understand the correct way to behave.
Example: A child is standing on a chair. Say “please don’t stand on the chair. Chairs are meant to be sat on.
Physical Redirection
Physical redirection involves the same technique as verbal redirection, while also adding physically direction.Parents canuse a gentle and nurturing touch to redirect the child away from the inappropriate behavior.
Example: A child is standing on a chair. Say “please don’t stand on the chair. Chairs are meant to be sat on,” while gently placing your hand on the child’s back to help them sit down in their chair, making sure they don’t fall.
There are ways that parents can help children through conflict. Here are some ideas:
1.Manage your own emotions first. Do not address a situation when you are
upset or angry.
2. Empathize with the child’s feelings. Let them work through their emotions that
are driving the negative behavior by creating a safe space with your compassion.
3. Set limits, with empathy.Children will be more likely to accept the limits when
they feel understood.
4. Teach kids to restore the harm that was done.For example, apologizing after
doing something they weren’t supposed to.
April Crafts: Earth Day & April Showers
