Psychologist Nathalie Fontana shares her six key recommendations for supporting autistic children. From parent education to sensory perception and strength development, she provides practical insights into how parents and professionals can optimally support development.
To support an autistic child and promote their well-being and development, I regularly recommend the following measures:
1. Educate parents
Parents play a central role in supporting their child. It is essential that they undergo further training to understand the particularities of autism, the specific needs of their child and suitable methods that can help them. Further training not only provides parents with tools, but also gives them more self-confidence in dealing with the challenges of everyday life.
2. Understand the sensory characteristics of the child
Every autistic child has unique sensory characteristics that influence their behaviour and reactions. This involves not only the classic five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell), but also other senses such as:
- Proprioception (perception of one’s own body in space),
- Interoception (perception of internal signals such as hunger or pain) and
- Vestibular system (balance and coordination).
These additional senses play a key role in the everyday life of an autistic child. Identifying sensory sensitivities and needs helps to adapt the environment, reduce anxiety and respond appropriately to the child’s behaviour.
3. Structure the daily routine
Clearly structuring the day helps the child to orientate themselves in terms of time and anticipate events, which reduces stress. This can be achieved through visual timetables, pictograms or other suitable aids. A clear and predictable routine provides the child with a reassuring framework and supports the development of autonomy.
4. Use visual aids and customised communication
Communication should be tailored to the child’s abilities. This includes
- The use of visual aids to facilitate understanding.
- Repetition or rephrasing to ensure that the message has been understood.
- Avoiding questions that are too open or ambiguous, which can cause confusion.
- Use short, clear sentences that correspond to the child’s level of understanding.
5. Stimulate with benevolence and explain the world
It is important to gently encourage the child to explore new experiences and environments. However, this does not mean overwhelming them, but rather accompanying them lovingly to help them discover the world at their own pace. The child should not remain trapped in their routines, but should be able to learn through customised opportunities. This promotes their skills and facilitates social integration.
6. Promote strengths and utilise interests
Autistic children often have strong interests in certain areas such as music, IT, repairs or other technical or creative activities. These interests can be used specifically to promote their natural abilities and boost their self-confidence.
These passions offer valuable starting points for learning, developing new skills and – in the long term – for personal or professional success. Encouraging and supporting these interests is a positive and respectful way of supporting the child in their individual development.
Summary
These measures make it possible to respond better to the needs of the child and to strengthen the parents as active companions in the child’s development process. They are based on an approach of care and understanding, which is crucial to helping the child to develop.