Getting Moving as Autistic Brains

Johnathan wanted me to talk about getting moving.  When you want someone on the autistic spectrum  to move, it’s a very difficult process,  I am sure you’ve had situations you just don’t want to contemplate repeating with them, as I have certainly had with Johnathan!  Having said this, I want you to remember IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT.

Kevin and I were discussing last night the fact that it’s not the  - oh. What am I wanting to say? – the fact that they don’t do what you ask, it’s that they can’t take their mind off one thing before going on to another thing.  

Mornings are quite lengthy before school because although as a family we could get together and be out of the door by 9am, we were realising that it just wasn’t possible.  We simply weren’t ready and I couldn’t figure out why!

Anyway, Kevin and I realised that the difficulty comes not because of  the tasks we wanted done before the day started, but the amount of time it takes for him to transition from task to task.  He knows what he needs to do, but will come to you with different toys  - they all have their own names, voices and sounds and likes and dislikes.  You have to respond to the toy in an appropriate manner and that’s ok if we’re doing something simple but can add loads of time to the day.

So, it takes time to get moving in the morning and that’s ok.  BUT we have to remember that is what the child is like and they need something in the middle of changing from one activity to another to help their minds concentrate on the task and focus on it.

What we have done is just allow MORE time to do things so that he CAN get ready when he needs to.  He can come and show us whatever he wants because there is the time for him to do it..  And it gives us more time to get ready ourselves so that we’re not stressing in a hurry.

Getting moving is hard to accomplish.  What do you do?