How to talk to an austic boy.. - Autism Spectrum Message Board

AnaCS2235 · 09-15-2004, 05:32 PM

I am in the 8th grade (13 going on 14) at a new school. My mom is teaching 8th grade Spanish there, and has an autistic boy (Brady) in her homeroom. Ever since I found out he was autistic (I thought he was just a nerd :/ ) I've been trying to talk to him, like, get him to exchange words with me. Do you know what I mean?
I can't make a break though with him.

This is really bothing me.
I'd like to mention that I sorta want to be a Special Ed teacher when I get older.
Any advice would help.
Thanks in advance!

ang64063 · 09-15-2004, 11:37 PM

If you can find some common interests that would be a start. One thing about a lot of Autistic kids is that they are not the best conversationalists, but don't give up.

I don't even know you, but I have to say that I am very proud of you and what you are wanting to do. Most kids would think that he is just a nerd, odd or slow and that he has nothing to contribute to society. You on the other hand sound like you think differently and I hope that you can pass that on to other kids and adults.

Our kids deserve to be treated the same as other kids and it makes me proud when kids can see that. I get such a kick when I see my son trying to be like the other kids and the other kids actually interact with him.

Redhead23 · 09-16-2004, 03:08 AM

Is he verbal at all? If he isn't then it is not very likely you can just get him to talk.

It's fantastic that you want to communicate with him, maybe buying a good book on the subject may be an idea? Also ask your Mom what methods she uses to communicate with him, and what he likes or dislikes - I am sure she can give you some helpful hints!

NineLives · 09-16-2004, 05:59 AM

There are just so many different ways that autism presents itself in each individual. Each are very unique. My son would have a conversation with you, but he might not make eye contact the entire time. Other kids might only want to talk about the things that interest them because they can't fathom that you would possibly want to talk about something else. I would say listen to Brady in class and I think you will soon find out what his interests are and then go from there.

AnaCS2235 · 09-16-2004, 04:26 PM

Today (Sept 16) I gave him a picture/sign that had his name on it with smilies around it and what not. (He loves smilies.) My mom said he might not take it, and that I shouldn't be offended if he didn't.

So, at the end of the day I told him I made something for him, he actully waited for me while I got it out of my back pack. He did take it, and studied it for a second. He said thanks and we went our seprate ways.

He does talk, but I've only heard him talk to a little red-head freakly boy. Like actully asking him about a computer game. Maybe I'll track him down in the hall on Monday and see what kind of information I can get out of him. ;]

I did ask my mom, she said not to push it alot. She thinks I'm weird for wanting to befriend him, or something.

Anyways, thanks for the replys, they really mean alot to me.