babysitting and autism - The DIS Discussion Forums

funkychunkymonkey · 09-13-2012, 07:27 PM

Any advice? the child is a 4 year old boy. I took care of him when he was younger and undiagonosed (and he was a beast!). Anything I should know? or any advice to help me? I will be caring for them from 430 to 1130 and the mom is providing pizza for dinner. He also has a younger brother who is 3.

WheeledTraveler · 09-13-2012, 08:01 PM

I would really talk to his parents and also see about spending some time with both kids when one or both parents are there. That way, even if you've babysat for him before, he has more exposure to you in what may be a slightly more comfortable environment for him (when his parents around).

There's such a large variation in how autism presents that other than finding out what their family does as far as rules and what to do if he has a meltdown or something else comes up, it's not so easy to give general advice. His parents should also have an idea of what things may trigger meltdowns so you know what to avoid. Also, of course, make sure you have contact information for his parents in case something serious happens (this is so much easier now with most people having cell phones than it was when I was babysitting kids regularly!).

bookwormde · 09-14-2012, 05:05 AM

Many areas have classes for babysitters who sit for children with special needs.

Floor time is a good model to use for interaction so read up and then ask the parents if you can use some of the techniques.

http://www.icdl.com/

funkychunkymonkey · 09-14-2012, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bookwormde

Many areas have classes for babysitters who sit for children with special needs.

Floor time is a good model to use for interaction so read up and then ask the parents if you can use some of the techniques.

http://www.icdl.com/

freinded the mom on facebook. She tells me that I wont have to worry hes just behind for his age, and ok in the home setting. She says hes only a proble in public. The kids remember me (they were VERY excited to see my new facebook photos, especally of my kitty). I guess im just nervious cause I want this to work so I can babysit her kids again soon! I love those two monkeys!

clm10308 · 09-14-2012, 06:00 PM

Make sure to get detailed info on what his regular schedule and routines are that you can keep to the same schedule.

funkychunkymonkey · 09-24-2012, 11:35 PM

Went well! Only had one problem, little guy wouldnt eat dinner for me and kicked me in the shin. We spent most of the evening kicking a soccer ball into the tree!

Aladora · 09-26-2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funkychunkymonkey

Went well! Only had one problem, little guy wouldnt eat dinner for me and kicked me in the shin. We spent most of the evening kicking a soccer ball into the tree!

Sounds like a 4 year old boy to me!

09-13-2012, 07:27 PM	#1
funkychunkymonkey DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2009 Location: in the land of Little House Posts: 2,406	babysitting and autism Any advice? the child is a 4 year old boy. I took care of him when he was younger and undiagonosed (and he was a beast!). Anything I should know? or any advice to help me? I will be caring for them from 430 to 1130 and the mom is providing pizza for dinner. He also has a younger brother who is 3. __________________ 29 books read out of 50!! me Mom tia DC10 DC11 ole lady (grandma) boz boo batterbutt guiedo (guiena pig)

09-14-2012, 05:05 AM	#3
bookwormde Heading out now, another adventure Have a good time, WDW is a magical place Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 5,238	Many areas have classes for babysitters who sit for children with special needs. Floor time is a good model to use for interaction so read up and then ask the parents if you can use some of the techniques. http://www.icdl.com/ __________________

09-24-2012, 11:35 PM	#6
funkychunkymonkey DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2009 Location: in the land of Little House Posts: 2,406	Went well! Only had one problem, little guy wouldnt eat dinner for me and kicked me in the shin. We spent most of the evening kicking a soccer ball into the tree! __________________ 29 books read out of 50!! me Mom tia DC10 DC11 ole lady (grandma) boz boo batterbutt guiedo (guiena pig)

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09-13-2012, 08:01 PM	#2
WheeledTraveler Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 438	I would really talk to his parents and also see about spending some time with both kids when one or both parents are there. That way, even if you've babysat for him before, he has more exposure to you in what may be a slightly more comfortable environment for him (when his parents around). There's such a large variation in how autism presents that other than finding out what their family does as far as rules and what to do if he has a meltdown or something else comes up, it's not so easy to give general advice. His parents should also have an idea of what things may trigger meltdowns so you know what to avoid. Also, of course, make sure you have contact information for his parents in case something serious happens (this is so much easier now with most people having cell phones than it was when I was babysitting kids regularly!).

09-14-2012, 06:00 PM	#5
clm10308 DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 711	Make sure to get detailed info on what his regular schedule and routines are that you can keep to the same schedule.