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Autism & Boredom

Autism & Boredom

What do you do as a parent of a child with Autism to help them stay interested and happy throughout the day when everything seems to make them 'bored' or in other words they are uninterested about typical play things? For me the introduction of a new toy or item brings a lot of smiles at first. The 'excitement' lasts for awhile but it is not practical to always have something new on hand.

Boredom and Autism

It's difficult, as their attention span is so short. We were told to get a 'kooshie' ball for our daughter for school, which is basically a soft rubber ball with squidgy soft rubber pieces coming off it. I don't know whether it helps for the attention, but I do think that just fiddling with something in her hands when stressed does seem to cam her down.

I think it's a cas of trial and error with these things, like you say, there's only so many of these toys that you can keep up with.

Autism & Boredom Health & Special Psychology

You are talking about the image I have attached? I have given something similar to them. This one even had a glow object in it. It is amusing for awhile and then is only picked up on occasion when their eyes happen to rest on it or they have not literally pulled it apart to the point it becomes a hazard and has to be thrown away.. The ironic thing is having them hold that for a sensation means having them do something that is consistent and that is definitely not part of their portfolio.

Boredom and Autism

To be honest with you JB, I don't find that anything helps massively, and it becomes frustrating! I was sick of her school putting her in situations that she couldn't handle, and then suspending her from school when the situation escalated and she ended up screaming and shouting in school. I took it to the education authority, and have involved them within her education to try and get some fair treatment.

I admire you guys for homeschooling your boys. I know it must be really hard for you.
I wish I had some words of wisdom to give you, but bottom line is that I think you are both doing a great job, your boys are happy, secure and loved, and I think that's the most important thing that you can give them.

Boredom and Autism

Sounds like you are part of the same club we are in. I understand about the school too. We hate the looks and comments people give who view a situation (a child with Autism acting out the usual Autistic traits) and think they have it all figured out and ready to give you advice. Truth is as you said - Nothing helps massively. There is no period and time where you can say, OK now I get a break, possibly only when they are asleep. Thanks for the well wishes. We are counting the days and years to when they get big enough that other things can entertain themselves to some degree too, especially entertain themselves out of the chronic boredom syndrome.

Autism & Boredom

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Comments: If your child is under the ASD and she is hyper then you will find that nothing works well at home but in my situation the park does the job because it tires her out. She gets up with this enormous amount of energy and I try to figure out ways to help her be tired. The park does a good job and she is not so easily bored because there are swings, slides and an outdoor jungle gym.