Hello!

“Hi there, Wondering if anyone can help me, My daughter has recently started childcare and has been put into the 3-5 year olds room (she turns 3 in a couple of weeks). There are quite a few bigger boys in the ‘big kids’ room and who play just like 4/5 year old boys should, but she finds it all very loud and confronting and a bit scary. There is also a big boy who is Autistic and she is absolutely terrified of him. What can I do to help her understand him a bit better and to help her learn to cope with bigger rougher boys in general? Does anyone know of any good resources for little kids to learn about autism?” How can I teach my child about kids with autism?

Posted by anon, 17/04/13


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  • There are a variety of really good books – maybe talk to your local librarian.


  • There are some books that may be helpful, like My Brother Charlie and Leah’s Voice


  • Explain to her that children with Autism think differently to others, their brains are wired different. There is not a lot around regarding simplifying it for other children to understand. Hopefully this year I will have a children’s picture book released explaining it. It will be titled ‘Nanna Why am I so Angry?’ Maybe it will help others. Thank you for your question it is so thoughtful that you want your child to understand,


  • Great tips. I think the school should explain it to the children. I’ve explained to my children that all children are different and sometimes act differently and say and do things differently which is why our world is a wonderful place.


  • I am not sure about resources but my son has had autism explained to him at school in that those children see the world in a different way. I think this is a great way of looking at it


  • The school should be able to provide you with some resources to help your daughter understand children with disabilities. It can be confronting for a lot of people but you can help her by assuring her that she will never be harmed, big boys can be loud but she too can use her voice to let people know what she wants and how she feels.


  • I hope you found some good places to use to teach about autism


  • I really love have a happy day’s advice. Hope all goes well.


  • Some good advice given below.


  • Just for know move her to the younger group because she is frightened by the noise of this group.At 3 they would not comprehend Autism explanation so just tell her the boys are special and everyone is different Good luck


  • Thanks heaps ! Wondering this myself. :P


  • Ask her teachers they may be able to help. Also have a look on autism Australia site they may have tip another good site is sue larkey, if you send her an email she may be able to give you some ideas. Also you might be able to get tips from the boys parents as I’m sure they might have an idea where to get info from too.


  • You need to show her that it dose not effect you that he’s different. Teach her to be kind considerate and polite to all. Even if it means talking to people you don’t know that are disabled. Or going places you know they are going to be.


  • I’d probably talk to the teacher and see what they suggest. Its hard to explain to young children the reasons behind why someone may be ‘different’ and also get them to accept them for who they are. There could be some good books you can read to her to help her understand.


  • It is frightening. U might hv to sit down n explain. But she will learn. Although maybe the teachers should discuss with her


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