Expert: James Michael Roan - 7/25/2008

Question
Mr. Roan,
I am writing because I currently keep 5 children in my home (2 of my own, 3 that I keep for daycare). One of my daycare children, age 4 years old, was just recently diagnosed with Autism. Her mother has yet to provide me with any information regarding her daughter's condition. I have never dealt with Autism before and I'm not quite sure how to handle different aspects of this little girls behavior. Do you know of any good online resources to get information or someone I can speak with (other than her mother). I just want to help her to fit in better with the other children and make her days with me more comfortable. Thank you in advance for your time.

Answer
Hi Eugenie:

I recommend Educating Children with Autism by the National Academy Press. To make her more comfortable you should be aware of whatever her sensory issues are and honor them. Do not force her to play with others, and realize she has a very low comprehension of language compared to others her age. Unless she is very high functioning, she will probably prefer to be on her own, allow it.

Kind regards,
James