Signs of Autistic Children Ready for School
The question often arises: "Is sending children to school early help stimulate children's social skills?". Especially children with communication barriers such as Autism." Parents hope that by sending their children to school, they can get used to the social environment and society.
Before discussing this in more detail, there must be a common understanding that schools do not necessarily cure children with Autism. Suppose parents think a child with communication barriers or interaction difficulties is 'thrown' into a peer social environment (such as public schools) so that he can adapt by being forced. In that case, this will usually end in disappointment, both from the side of the child with Autism or from the side of parents who have expectations (hope).
As with children in general, there are things that parents must prepare. It's just that this becomes extra in Children with Autism. The following are signs that a child with Autism is ready to go to school if he is able:
- Obedient
- Able to recognize their name when called
- Able to wait for a turn
- Line up
- Sit cross-legged on the floor
- Eat with minimal assistance
- Drink from a water bottle
- Go to the toilet
- Walk hand in hand with other children
- Able to ask the teacher for help when in trouble
Suppose the child can fulfill the independence and list of abilities. In that case, it will help the teaching and learning process in schools become more focused. And keep in mind the teacher's job is to help educate from school for no more than 8 hours; the rest of the time, the child will be at home with their parents.
This ability should be trained regularly at home by parents. Of course, it will be a long tiring journey. However, if parents have big hopes, they can be realized with enormous sacrifices. However, being a parent does sacrifice energy, time, patience, and money. For the sake of the independence of the child in the future.
Remember sending children to school does not necessarily stop therapy. If you still need intervention, then it should still be given. Suppose parents have difficulty getting treatment because of the pandemic. In that case, parents can provide independent therapy stimuli at home.
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Source: 200 Questions and Answers About Autism's Book - Gayatri Pamoedji
