AUTISM SOLUTIONS
Valuable Ways
to Help Your Child with Autism
Cope with Traumatic Events
By Karen KABAKI-SISTO, M.S. CCC-SLP
Terrorism, school shootings, disastrous weather — these are just a few sobering
reminders of the sometimes unpredictable world we live in. In times of distress,
children with autism especially need our help to navigate such confusing and scary
moments. If warranted, assistance from a qualified professional such as a psychologist,
social worker, or counselor should be sought to help your child and/or yourself cope
with trauma.
A
t home, you as the parent can provide comfort and reassurance for your child while
growing closer. Here are some examples of
communication I have had with my clients
through the years to deal with traumatic
events:
1. P
inpoint What Your Child Wants to
Know:
Because we might not have an accurate understanding of what children with autism are thinking, sometimes we may presume that they’re asking something deeper or more complex than what
is truly on their minds. One way to identify exactly what your child wants to know is to ask her to
give more information or to clarify the question.
For example, a client of mine recently asked me,
“Why are the kids in my school making French flags
for their classrooms?” Withholding details of the
recent terroristic attacks, I asked her, “What do you
mean?” She said while chuckling, “This is the United States, not France. We have to have the USA flag
in the classroom.” I responded factually, “People in
the United States and all over the world are thinking about France right now by making French flags.”
6 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 44