Is it difficult for your child to sit still for more than 30 seconds? Do you laugh at the thought of going to the movies with your child, because he may only stay in his seat as long as the popcorn lasts, if that long? Does your child’s teacher send home notes about his constant out-of-seat behavior? If so, you are not alone!
Children with Autism tend to have very busy bodies, and may have difficulty sitting down for homework, meals, work, and sometimes even bathroom time. Why is it so difficult for your child to sit still in a chair or on the floor? And why does he seemingly sit for a lot longer on the couch or in the car on a nice cushiony seat?
Whenever a child with Autism displays undesirable behavior, we should always think of two things: First, what is he trying to communicate? After all, behavior is communication. Secondly, what sensory issues are involved with this behavior, and how can we make it easier for him?
Let’s explore some possible reasons why it is so hard for your child to sit still:
1. Communication
Your child may be trying to tell you that he does not want to sit to do his work or eat, or perhaps he does not want to be around people. If this is the case, try giving him the words to express himself. After all, while we have to teach him that sometimes we have to do things even if we don’t want to, it is okay to feel that way. You could try using pictures or symbols to help him communicate his thoughts, and model the appropriate way to express himself. If he jumps up from the table and runs away, take him by the hand, bring him back to the table, and ask him to say, “Mom, I need a break.” It is important to state his request in the first person, so that he will repeat your exact words. Then you can say, “Okay, go take a break.” or “I understand you want a break, but it is dinner time. First dinner, then break.” Be sure to repeat his request verbally, so that he knows that you understand what he is asking.
2. Sensory Issues
- Sitting on a chair, floor, or hard surface may feel like sitting on pins-and-needles to your child. Try placing a pillow, cushion, or seat disc on his chair. You can find out more information on seat discs here: http://www.nationalautismresources.com/seating-disc.html
- If your child’s feet don’t reach the ground, it may make it difficult for him to stay still. You can try tying a Thera-Band® to the front legs of the chair. Your child can either rest his feet on the band, or push his legs against the band to provide feedback to his joints. You can find more about Thera-Bands® here: http://www.thera-band.com/store/index.php?CategoryID=11
3. Movement
All children need exercise and movement throughout the day, and children with Autism often even more so. It helps them to be in a better mood, focus, sit still, and in general creates calmer children. Before you ask your child to sit for an activity or meal, encourage him to move around or do some exercises. You will be amazed at the results.
If you find something that works at home to promote in-seat behavior, be sure to share it with your child’s teacher. These activities can often be modified for the classroom setting.
Your child does not always have to be seated to do his work. While it is important to teach in-seat behavior and have expectations for your child, it is also important to respect his need for movement. If he is getting his homework done and stays on task, by all means, let him stand at the table to do his work.
For those times that in-seat behavior is required, here are some great exercises and activities that may help your child:
Reminder: Always supervise your child during exercise and activities that involve movement.
- Stretching
- Playing Simon Says.* This is a fun activity that teaches imitation skills.
- Bouncing on an exercise ball. Hold your child’s hands as he bounces up and down on the ball. He may like this even better than sitting or bouncing on the ball independently.
- Jumping on a trampoline.
- Jumping rope.
- Doing jumping jacks. This is a great gross motor skills exercise and can really tire your child out!
- Doing the Wheelbarrow. Hold your child’s feet and let him walk around the house on his hands.
- Playing freeze. Play some fun music and encourage your child to stop when the music stops. This activity also helps with listening skills and following directions.
- Using a scooter board around the house. Have your child lie on his stomach on the board and propel himself forward using his arms.
- Swimming. If you have access to a pool, let him swim, swim, swim! Swimming is an amazing way for your child to release energy, and can be very calming.
Remember, if your child is displaying difficulties with sitting still or does not want to sit in a chair, he is trying to communicate something to you. There is a reason for every behavior. Respecting your child’s need for movement can be a major factor in creating a calmer household, and some of these sensory and movement solutions may just make your day run a lot smoother.
* Simon Says is a children’s game where 1 player takes the role of “Simon” and issues instructions (usually physical actions such as “jump in the air” or “stick out your tongue”) to the other players, who then carry out the instructions.
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Editor: Ymkje Wideman
Photo Credit: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net