Psychology Counselor highlights practical support techniques for autism management
Psychology Counselor highlights practical support techniques for autism management
A Psychology Counselor, Mr Wael AI Awabdah, has underscored the need for parents and educators to be more compassionate and intentional in managing children with autism and neurodevelopmental disorder.
Awabdah, also a Behaviour Analyst gave the advice at a webinar titled: ‘Beyond the Cane and Command: Modern Mastery For Neurodiverse Learners’, organised by SOULution Nest Education Initiative on Saturday in Lagos.
He explains that Autism or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting the brain’s executive functioning and how individuals process information, communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them.
According to him, many autistic individuals possess unique strengths, including high attention to detail, excellent memory retention, and innovative problem-solving skills.
The analyst said the fact that no two autistic individuals have the exact same strengths and challenges underscored the need for parents and educators to be more intentional in managing them using real teaching practical techniques.
Citing the real practical techniques to include teaching using warning and visual cues (pictures), positive reinforcement and brain breaks among others, Awabdah noted that help and support system were key.
He emphasised the need for the parents/educator to first connect with the child before correction.
“It is imperative to recognise that connection comes first before correction when managing a child with autism or ADHD.
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“Transformation begins we choose support over shame, understanding over punishment and compassion over hatred.
“Children adapt and learn best when they feel safe: be more compassionate with them and apply all the positive home and classroom techniques.
“Use pictures to demonstrate, help them to develop skills; being self -advocate, self-defense and self-regulation without being rude,” he said.
According to him, a parent/teacher need to be regulated to be able to teach a child self- regulation.
Awabdah, who noted that most behaviours/signs displayed by autism individuals were a call for focus and attention, urged educators to try and understand the reasons behind every behaviour/action the make.
He stressed that punishment should be used as the last resort and for dangerous behaviours and with the consent of the parents and the school administrator.
He said that minor behavioral displays might not need punishment to be corrected, but other positive home and classroom strategies.
He said, “Punishment does not teach anything, rather it stops behaviour at the moment.
“Use punishment as a last resort when other positive techniques failed, and for serious behaviour/ reason and with a written consent from parents and school administrator.
“As a teacher, have the mindset that you are there to help and support, and not to be provoked”.
Awabdah noted that the society at large should be more accommodating, otherwise learning would be blocked, because sometimes the problems were usually from the environment.
Earlier, the Convener and Founder, SOULution Nest Education Initiative, Henrietta Ikediashi, said the motive was to create environments where every single learner feels seen, safe and supported.
Ikediashi noted that true academic excellence only begins when that child feels emotionally safe.
She said, “Science clearly shows us that a brain in survival mode cannot learn.
“When we rely on fear, we lock a child’s brain in a fight or flight response, making education biologically impossible.
“By choosing connection over coercion, educators change the classroom management, transform the institutional culture, and upgrade the school’s brand for tomorrow.”
