Just about everywhere I travel, someone asks me if Love and Logic will work with a child having a diagnosis of “autism-spectrum” disorder. Because this diagnosis is applied to so many different types of children…with very differing abilities and needs…it’s difficult to provide a blanket “Yes” or “No” answer.
Here are some things we do know about Autism and Love and Logic:
It’s not uncommon to hear people say that Love and Logic has changed their lives with their autistic child.
They relate that remaining calm, using empathy, and being careful to avoid using lectures or threats helps their children avoid meltdowns.
Most of them also tell us that, although their children are capable of learning, they require a lot more teaching and practice…and empathy…to learn basic social and behavioral skills such as taking turns, waiting, staying seated, following directions, etc.
Visual cues really seem to help these kids. Many parents find it helpful to take pictures of specific tasks and use these pictures to prompt their children.
The people who are the most successful are those who experiment with the Love and Logic skills, modify them a slight bit to fit their specific situation, and stop using the ones that don’t seem to work.
In his book, Love and Logic Solutions for Kids with Special Needs, Dave Funk provides an inspiring look at how children with autism and other special needs can learn, achieve, and feel good about themselves.
Dr. Charles Fay
©2009 Jim Fay, Charles Fay, Ph.d.& Love and Logic® Institute