Helping Your Child With Autism Do Their Homework

No student enjoys doing their homework. After all, after spending a busy day at school – they want to be able to dedicate their time to something a little more relaxing or fun, such as exploring their special interests or hobbies. However, for children with autism or related disorders, completing their homework could present them with a number of different challenges that they must combat. 

While the school year may be behind us, many teachers chose to set their student’s work to complete over the holidays. If not, it’s important that they develop these skills in time for the new academic year. 

With that in mind, here are some tips that you can use to help your child complete their homework (without the stress). 

• Add it to your calendar. Children with autism or related disorders prefer to stick to a certain routine – so you should ensure that homework is part of their schedule. For example, they could spend an hour or so after school working on their homework- when their mind is still focused. 
• Communicate with their teacher. Maintaining a relationship with your child’s teacher is another great way to ensure they are always on track when it comes to homework. For example, children are often asked to write down their homework tasks (and their due date) themselves. If your child is easily distracted in the classroom, they may forget certain details – which makes it harder for them to stay on track. Regular communication with their teacher ensures that homework does not slip through the net. 
• Help them when they ask. Children with autism and related disorders are often rather independent, but you must let them know you are there to support them if they need it – whether they are writing an essay or solving a maths equation.
• Choose a ‘homework spot’. If homeschooling or working from home has taught us anything – it’s that we all work best when we are free from distractions. Therefore, it’s important that you emulate this for your children when they are doing their homework. For example, they should work at a desk or at the dining room table instead of sitting in front of the TV. This creates the ideal work environment, allowing them to focus on their homework. 
• Help them relax. You may find that your child is a perfectionist when it comes to their homework – and that they become hyper-fixated on excelling academically. If this is the case, it’s important that you also let them know when it’s time to put down the homework and take a break. When children are young, they should also be focused on having fun outside of the classroom – and some things are more important than grades.

At Alee Behavioral, we have decades of experience working alongside children with autism and their families to give them the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives. Through a range of different online therapy and clinical services, we can help your child through just about everything they encounter – from homework to finding their voice. Get in touch today to find out more! 

We are pleased to announce the limited reopening of our 626 Park Avenue, Cranston and 845-851 North Main Street, Providence clinics for in-person therapy.  We are closely following state Department of Health guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our clients’ and employees’.  Parents and caregivers are asked to monitor their phones and emails or call us directly for the latest updates.

We are pleased to announce a limited reopening of our 626 Park Avenue, Cranston ABA clinic for in-person therapy. This reopening will begin Monday, June 8th.  We are closely following state Department of Health guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our clients’ and employees’. We look forward to opening the Providence clinic in the near future.  We are continuing to provide therapy online for those clients who have not been scheduled yet for in-person therapy. Parents and caregivers are asked to monitor their phones and emails for the latest updates.

Unfortunately COVID-19 claimed another victim, the 2019-2020 school year. After much deliberation Governors Baker and Raimondo felt they had no other option but to close the schools. There is some good news, RI was ahead of the curve with online education and will continue to provide RI students with quality online instruction for the rest of the school year. Likewise, Alee has been providing its families and children online ABA services throughout this crisis.

Due to the present crisis the Autism Project’s Imagine Walk will be held virtually.  The Autism Project provides services, resources and advocacy for the autism community.  Please click the image below to find out how you can help them during these trying times.

From The Autism Project’s Website

We understand that this is a very unique and challenging time that we are all in. At The Autism Project, our top priority is and always will be the health and safety of our community. To ensure the safety of all Imagine Walk and Family Fun Day participants during the COVID-19 pandemic we decided to cancel the day of event and go VIRTUAL!

The weeks and months ahead will present unique and unprecedented challenges, but also stories of hope and inspiration. Our virtual Walk will be a platform to raise critical funds for programming, while providing space to celebrate many important firsts for members of our community.

Together with you, our staff, volunteers, community partners and many more, we will make our VIRTUAL IMAGINE event truly special and highlight just how strong we are as a community.

This webinar will provide considerations and specific strategies for supporting children on the spectrum at home during school closure related to COVID-19. It will be informative for parents and other caregivers, as well as professionals who are supporting families through this new reality.  (1 hour)

Register at: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_UpVaTHpoQ9CrvRgYh9C3QQ