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| Sometimes we want to transmit things that people may perceive, think or feel differently. |
People usually think that having Autism Spectrum Disorder or any other related disorder will prevent children from developing empathy. People mistakenly believe that people on the spectrum can become violent or uncaring because of a lack of empathy. This is not true.
What is actually true, is that people with ASD sometimes need to make a bigger effort to see things from other people’s perspectives. Although, a child or adult on the autism spectrum might understand that someone is sad or angry or that the person is in pain, but will not necessarily understand why.
To promote empathy in autistic children (or adults), you can try these steps:
Developing the five senses- Elaborate exercises so that your child becomes familiar with the senses and the organs that develop them and the verbs associated with them (see, smell, hear, touch and taste). First, try with showing photographs of people and ask them to point out the different organs of the senses, as well as pointing them out in themselves. To work the verbs (see smell, hear, touch and taste) try with different objects such as the ones that can be seen (toys, table), that can be smelled (food, perfume, flowers), others that can be tasted (chocolate, soup, juice), others that can be heard (music and instruments, the tv) and the ones that can be played (a cat, a ball).
Use visual aids as much a possible
- Autistic people are usually visual learners. You can try to show your child visually how other people feel in certain situations. These exercises can help him/her develop the ability to understand other people’s perspectives. Try watching a tv show or movie with your child, then pause the show at certain points and ask your child what the characters think or feel and why it might be happening.
Relate experiences to your child’s point of view
- This is the most basic skill you can teach to your child. Teach them to look at past experiences from others, and try to relate them to your child’s point of view. For example, you want to teach your child not to grab toys out of other children’s hands. Get as an example a book, a toy or stuffed animal that he or she loves and couldn’t bear to lose, then proceed to remind them the feeling that they can sense when the toy gets lost.
Verbalize your own empathy
- Parents become models and example for children. As children with ASD learn well by seeing what others do, you can demonstrate your abilities to take other people’s perspectives.
But above all, remember that children (and also adults) with Autism Spectrum Disorder CAN experience empathy. Have confidence that your child can and will learn to be empathic with others; you just need to help him/her learn and develop this virtue.
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| Being empathic starts with being aware and controlling our own five senses. Helping autistic children get in control of their senses, may help them grow empathy. |
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