You can give your child something to fidget with, like a toy, sit on a yoga ball, or allow them to chew gum or suck on hard candy while they study. Dance parties or trampoline time might be used as movement breaks during homework time.
Provide Visual Supports
Children with autism can benefit significantly from visual supports because they give a tangible depiction of their task. Use visual aids to clarify expectations and keep your youngster on track. Each activity could be represented by a graphic or symbol and placed on a visual schedule or job list. A labeled box or container is a great visual aid for staying organized.
Make it a Game
Children with autism often enjoy games and may respond well to turning homework time into a game. To motivate your child to finish their schoolwork, you could use a deck of cards with different assignments on each card, make a board game, or try to beat a time limit.
Each completed task could earn your child a point, and they could compete with themselves or a family member. Another option is to turn homework into a treasure hunt by hiding tasks throughout the house and having them find the next clue after finishing each job.
Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
Your child’s teacher can be a valuable resource for making homework easier for your child with autism. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of your child’s school experience with their teacher and work together to develop a strategy for homework. Your child’s teacher may be able to give additional support, such as a visual schedule or a quiet area to work during recess. In some instances, they may even be able to adjust your child’s homework to make it more achievable.
Homework can be a challenging time for children with autism and their parents. Finding the best strategies for your child may take some trial and error, but with patience and persistence, homework time can become a positive and productive experience for both you and your child.
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