How to Promote Self-Confidence in Your Child on the Autism Spectrum
Early on, the youngster with High-Functioning Autism (HFA) or Asperger’s (AS) begins to notice that his peers can do certain tasks easily that are very difficult for him. As a result, he may begin to feel bad about himself. He may receive frequent criticism, or at best, luck warm praise. For example: “You are making progress” (with what exactly?). “You are doing fine” (how fine?). “You are doing better” (better than what?). Criticism damages self-confidence, and general (i.e., non-specific) praise is often too abstract to be meaningful to concrete thinkers. By making a regular habit of commenting on the positives, and by offering specific comments on what their HFA youngster is doing well, moms and dads will promote desired behaviors and boost his or her self-confidence. Specific praise includes phrases such as: “You are listening carefully. I’m proud of you.” “You are sitting properly and looking at me.” “You cleaned the table after dinner.” “You finished the assig