|
baby sitting my autistic cousin
my name is Rachel and i am 23 years old starting in January i am going to be baby sitting my cousin who is 21 years old but he has autism and has the mind of a 2 year old and when I go over there to his house i have noticed that all he does is sit there and watch barney. I mean there is nothing wrong with him watching barney every now and then in my opinion but i was wanting to get him to try to do some other things. what kind of games can I play with him or does any body have any arts and crafts ideas that I can try? Does any body of any fun ideas that I can try with my cousin while i am baby sitting him ?
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Domesticity category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Babysitting?
My suggestion would be to talk to his parents about his nature, interests etc. snce they konw him the most they can be the best one's to talk to..
]
Good advice has been given already, but there is one thing that I don't see addressed which should be. Your cousin, though he has a childlike mind, has a fully-grown man's body. If an actual two-year-old throws a tantrum, then a 23-year-old woman can be expected to deal with it. If a 21-year-old man does the same thing, then you will likely not have the physical strength to restrain him and prevent him from hurting himself or you.
Before taking on this responsibility, make sure you are prepared and know what to do if he loses emotional control. Perhaps this would be completely out of character for him; not all autistic people are prone to fits or emotional breakdowns. But if it has happened with him before, then it could happen again, especially if he is presented with an unfamiliar environment - like having you around instead of his parents.
]
In a case like this tell your aunt or uncle that you are qualified to watch kids but know little to nothing about your cousin's autism and what activities to engage him in. They are experts on this and will be able to bring you up to speed.
Also, chuck any attitudes or beliefs about him or autism that you have heard or learned (which to be fair are wrong with most outsiders) out the window when you arrive. I know you aren't judgmental but go in with clean slate.
There may be a perception that he has the mind of a 2-year-old because of non-verbal communication or difficulty understanding others but you may be surprised at how intelligent he actually is as would his parents.
Check out this brave young girl who has autism and was written off wrote her autobiography recently called Carly's Voice. [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
Maybe if you viewed this and got her book as well as others on the topic you will be more prepared come January and will know what will likely work as far as activities versus what won't. Again his parents know this for sure. Maybe you will help facilitate further breakthrough.
As far as Barney goes it's not a he's too old for this shouldn't watch it scenario or has the mind of someone who is 2 even if he does. There's something in the show itself that is soothing to him or comforting which is in fact a good thing. Doesn't make him at all dumb nor should it be taken away.
My hunch is that he's yet to find a way for his inner voice to be heard. He may like computer games or may not for stimulation/learning. Be willing to try anything but use his parents as a blueprint as they know their child best and how autism functions. There's a lot your cousin can and will teach you through the experience. You have a good heart for wanting to know everything you can and for making him comfortable.
]
Well I too have a physically disabled cousin but she is 2 about to turn three so things are a bit different. But usually autistic people have certain talents over things that are incredible you should find out what that talent is. His talent may be that he is really good with memorizing every show of barney make quizzes and games out of it. Watch and episode of barney and reanact some of it if you can get him too. My cousin though she likes music see if you can get your cousin to dance to some music.
]
More Questions: |