Babysitting an autistic child can be a challenge, meaning it may be difficult for you to find a babysitter for you child. You may also worry about leaving your little one with someone else who doesn’t know how to care for him or her. These tips can help!
How can you help prepare your child’s babysitter? 8 Tips for babysitting an autistic child :
1. Provide a way to communicate with your child
If your child is non-verbal, or not communicating with words and sentences just yet, it is essential that your babysitter knows how to communicate with him or her. A simple and clear communication system may be the difference between a fun evening or an evening filled with frustration and meltdowns. Adapted sign language is a great place to start.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE SIGNING POSTER HERE AND YOU WILL HAVE THE FIRST 9 SIGNS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD.
2. Prepare some activities for your babysitter to do with your little one
These activities are fun and simple to put in place :
Free printable Fish Bowl Playdough Mat
25 Ideas for Sensory Boxes for Your Child with Autism
Train Sponge Painting : Sensory Activity for Kids with Autism
Get your free printable BABYSITTER INFO SHEET here :
Prepare your babysitter to stay with your child - without all the stress!
Use this free printable babysitter's information sheet to give your babysitter the tools necessary to take care of your child so that you can enjoy some free time without all the worry.
3. Prepare a meal in advance or specific instructions for eating.
Does your child follow a special diet such as a gluten-free autism diet? If so, make sure your babysitter knows exactly what your child can and cannot eat. If your child has food allergies or food aversions, make sure these are absolutely clear.
4. Explain any difficult behaviors that your child may have.
Leave detailled information so your babysitter knows what types of situations can upset your child, what behaviors to expect and what to do should they arise. Challenging behaviors can be one of the things about babysitting an autistic child.
5. Explain your child’s sensory needs.
Is your child sensitive to bright lights? Loud sounds? Certain textures? Write it down.
6. Prepare your babysitter to help your child go to sleep.
Will your babysitter come over so you can spend an evening out? If this is the case, she or he may be putting your child to sleep. Make sure you explain what to do at bedtime. When should your child go to sleep? Does your little one have a particular nighttime routine? Listening to classical music? Looking at the pictures in a board book?
7. Share your child’s favorite toys with your babysitter by listing them and putting them in an accessible box.
It is important for your babysitter to know what your child loves, so she or he can engage with your child more easily. Gather your child’s 4 or 5 favorite toys and put them in one place (such as a toy box) so that they are easy to access.
8. Ask for feedback.
When you get home, take a few minutes to chat with your babysitter. How did it go? Did your child eat? Go to sleep?Engage in an activity? What was difficult? Knowledge is power and if your babysitter has trouble during his or her stay, explaining what they can do to make things smoother the next time, will make it more likely that they’ll happily come back to stay with your child again!
Don’t forget to get your free printable babysitter info sheet here :
Prepare your babysitter to stay with your child - without all the stress!
Use this free printable babysitter's information sheet to give your babysitter the tools necessary to take care of your child so that you can enjoy some free time without all the worry.
Prepare your babysitter to stay with your child - without all the stress!
Use this free printable babysitter's information sheet to give your babysitter the tools necessary to take care of your child so that you can enjoy some free time without all the worry.
In addition to this list, make sure (as with any babysitter – for any child), that you leave the following information at home :
- A number where you can be reached
- The address of where you will be (or the general neighborhood)
- Phone numbers for emergency services in your area
Go put these 8 tips for babysitting an autistic child to good use! If you find the right person, and your give them the proper tools, you will feel more comfortable leaving your child with someone other than you soon.
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[…] I often hear that families have trouble leaving their autistic child with someone else, such as a babysitter or family member. Get more tips to help you feel comfortable leaving your child with a babysitter here. […]