How to Connect with Kids Who Have Special Needs

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Children with special needs are some of the most amazing people on the planet. While there are always challenges when working with any children, the unique personalities of these kids necessitate that you approach them with the right attitude and knowledge to facilitate thoughtful connection. Here are five tips to help you to connect with children with special needs so that you can reach them in meaningful ways.

Observe Them Carefully

“Special needs” is a designation that encompasses a wide variety of challenges. You will learn more about the child and how to engage with them if you are diligent about observing them carefully.

For example, while you may be able to count on a typically developing child to communicate verbally, this may not always be the situation with a child with special needs. Being on the lookout for nonverbal cues will help you to learn how the child is trying to communicate. It is important to remember that all behavior is some type of communication and your job is to interpret that communication to support the child's changing needs.

Take an Interest in Their Interests

One of the best ways to reach a child is to take an interest in the things that interest them. This is true of all children, but especially those with special needs. Explaining that you enjoy what sparks their interest will make them more likely to open up and share more of their thoughts with you.

For example, it is nearly universal that most children with autism are fascinated with trains. Because trains are usually classified by model, type, and size, it makes sense that children with autism are drawn to this toy. You can get down on the level of the child with special needs by helping them to play with their autism trains and sets.

Use a Variety of Cues to Reach the Child

Children with special needs respond favorably to a wide array of auditory, tactile, and visual cues. Having the right cues in place as you try to communicate with the child can make a world of difference in the success of your efforts. If the child is older and can read, written cues on note cards can help them to remember instructions or steps in a process.

Auditory cues such as clapping, snapping, or whistling may be helpful when trying to get the attention of a child that may not be responding to typical verbal cues. Children with autism are also more likely to respond to tactile cues such as gently touching their shoulder when you approach them to let them know that you are near and ready to engage with them.

Be Flexible Yet Consistent

One of the keys to working with children with autism is to remember to be flexible. Not all children are created equal in terms of development and that is especially true when you are dealing with any type of special need. Being flexible and adaptable to the situation will ensure that you are better equipped to handle the child's needs.

While it is important to be flexible, it is also vital that you continue to be consistent. You can be consistent in your message while still being adaptable to changing situations. A child with special needs has a desire to know what to expect. By being consistent, they will always know what is expected of them.

Have a Plan, A, B, and C

All children are unpredictable, making it important that you have a plan in place before you engage in any activity. Because kids with special needs may be particularly unpredictable, it is also a good idea to have some backup plans ready to go.

You also want to make sure that you have an exit plan in case things do not go as planned. Being able to diffuse any escalating situations will help you to connect with the child and enjoy your time together.

Kids with special needs will respond to you the most if you continue to have a positive attitude in all interactions. Following these tips while remaining positive will help you to nurture and grow these relationships in thoughtful ways.