A local autism advocate is offering guidance to parents on how to spot potential signs of mistreatment in their children with special needs, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and responsive to changes in behavior.
ABC of NC, a prominent organization, provides a comprehensive range of behavioral and therapeutic services for children and young adults across the autism spectrum. These services are designed to support individuals with varying needs, ensuring that every child receives the care and attention they deserve.
School principal Cindy Andree-Bowen, an experienced advocate for children with disabilities, highlights that recognizing signs of mistreatment can be a challenge for parents, especially since these signs often depend on “how” the child communicates. She explains that children with autism express themselves in unique ways, and understanding their needs requires careful attention.
“Within the autistic population, approximately 30% of those individuals are non-speaking,” Andree-Bowen said. “Which means they don’t communicate with spoken words or minimally speaking, which means they might have some spoken words, but they’re not conversational.” This distinction is crucial for parents to understand, as non-speaking children or those with limited speech may struggle to communicate discomfort or distress.
One of the key signs that parents should boldly watch out for is a change in behavior, as children with autism may express distress in subtle yet important ways.
“What you might notice is avoidance behaviors of certain locations or people. Like you might see a child who used to like going to a place who then is fearful of going to that place.” Andree-Bowen said. A sudden fear or anxiety about a previously enjoyable activity or environment could be a sign that something has occurred to make the child uncomfortable. This shift in behavior may indicate that the child is experiencing something troubling, but may not be able to verbalize what is happening.
Andree-Bowen also points to another important sign that parents should be aware of: the repetition of phrases.
“When a child starts repeating a phrase, especially if it’s a phrase they don’t typically use, it can be an indication that something is wrong or that the child is trying to make sense of a situation they are unable to articulate fully,” Andree-Bowen explained. “What to watch out for” here is the context in which the phrase is being used, as it may be tied to a distressing experience the child is having. If parents notice this behavior, it’s important to take it seriously and investigate the possible cause.
In situations like these, Andree-Bowen emphasizes the importance of open communication between parents and educators. The next step for parents, she advises, is to speak with a trusted teacher or staff member who regularly interacts with the child. By sharing their observations and concerns, parents can gain valuable insights into what might be happening in the child’s school environment.
“Say, ‘My child has started acting a little different in these ways,'” Andree-Bowen said. “‘Can you tell me what this might be about? And the teacher might be able to share instances from the school day.” This conversation allows for a collaborative approach in understanding the child’s behavior and uncovering any potential issues.
Andree-Bowen stresses that the ultimate goal of these conversations is to create a supportive and safe environment where the child feels comfortable enough to express their feelings.
“Definitely validate the child. Don’t dismiss their dysregulation or distressed behaviors,” Andree-Bowen said. “You want to provide comfort and basically become the detective and advocate for them to kind of figure out what is the source of this.” Parents should act as strong advocates for their children, seeking answers and ensuring that their children feel heard, respected, and supported.
By remaining vigilant and proactive, parents can help ensure that their children are protected and that any signs of mistreatment are addressed promptly and effectively. Through open communication and a commitment to understanding their child’s needs, parents can help foster an environment of safety and trust for their children with autism.
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