Tips of the Trade

I’ve come across some tips over the past few years that have spared me from what could have been some pretty unpleasant outings with my son. I hope some of them will be helpful to you as well.

During Christmas time I read an article about how to keep your child with autism calm during the holidays: a calculator! I cannot tell you what a miracle that little thing has been for us. We’ve been able to go out to dinner, visit friends and make it through a long shopping spree while he sits punching away at the numbers. Yes, it’s stimming, but hey, if it works…

Some restaurants have ceiling fans going that have kept his attention through an entire meal! Promising to go by the fan section at Lowe’s has made a trip to get some light bulbs tolerable as well.

During car trips, Alex stays calm while watching the track numbers on the CD player while listening to his favorite music. Beware the person who dares to play a song out of order.

Alex used to fight holding my hand in the parking lot or while crossing the street. I heard that asking him to hold on to my shirt, pant belt loop or other piece of clothing might work. I’ve almost had my jeans pulled down while dragging him into the store, but by golly he was safe. I’m happy to say that we’ve graduated to finger holding.

This might not be earth shattering, but a Ziploc bag filled with his favorite treats and a juice box has done wonders in Target.

Binoculars can make the time spent in the shopping cart an adventure. Bringing magnetic letters and a board or a magnadoodle has been helpful as well.

Then there’s the tried and true, “I’ll take you by the dollar section and buy you another calculator if you’re good”.