Many psychologists may have noticed how much they love trains and buses for children with autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Amanda Benett explains the phenomenon as follows:
"I see several possible reasons for the widespread attraction of individuals on the autism spectrum - regardless of their age, to these means of transportation.
First, trains / buses have wheels and this will appeal to those whose sensory interests include watching objects spin. This is certainly common in children with autism. In fact, spending an extraordinary amount of time spinning and spinning toys is among the signs that a young child may be at increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Second, trains can be categorized into different models, types, sizes, and so on. For some individuals with ASD, the ability to organize objects into categories is very appealing. I have had some patients who can share more details than I knew existed for different types of trains / buses!
Trains also come on timetables. This, too, attracts many people with ASD and is consistent with the need for predictability and the tendency to memorize and recite information. In fact, we have learned to utilize the strong pull of schedules to help individuals with autism learn and participate in community activities.
Plus, trains have features that can support a sustainable and evolving interest throughout life. For example, many children - including children of the spectrum - love train characters in videos and TV shows like Thomas the Tank Engine and Chuggington. For older children and adults, trains / buses can be fun to build and have mechanical features that can be interesting to disassemble and reassemble.
Cilado qoftë arsyeja, kur një person me ASD tregon një interes të fortë për një temë, unë shpesh inkurajoj kujdestarët që ta përdorin atë si një motivim ose shpërblim për të përforcuar sjellje të tjera të dëshiruara. Shumë nga familjet e mia përdorin "marrjen e trenit ose autobusit" si një motivim për fëmijën e tyre për të përfunduar një vizitë mjekësore pa zemërim. Shumë prindër gjithashtu përdorin kohën duke parë videot e trenit (të disponueshme në YouTube) për të shpërblyer një fëmijë për qëllimet e sjelljes, si trajnimi i tualetit ose kryerja e një detyre të papëlqyer.
Për më tepër, një interes pasionant si trenat, për shembull, mund të ofrojë një mundësi të këndshme për t'u angazhuar me fëmijën tuaj - për të folur me ta.
I encourage you to take advantage of the many enjoyable communication opportunities that this particular interest brings to your child and family.
In addition, trains and buses are simply interesting means of transportation. A group of strangers traveling with each other to different destinations. Interesting or not? "
Burimi: Autism Speaks
