Babysitting an autistic 6 year old. Tips?
Hi I’m 19 and I recently got offered this nanny job for my boyfriend’s little nephew. I love kids and this is a dream job for where I’m at right now and I absolutely adore this kid. I have an okay amount of knowledge about autism but mainly through friends and older family members and I’m not sure how to best support this kid. He is 6 and mostly nonverbal. I know the basics like not being loud and reading body language but I’m definitely under prepared and trying to do research. I’m a fairly calm and gentle person especially with kids. I speak in a soft but not “baby voice tone” to children and I’m patient. I think that’s one of the reasons I was asked for this job. I’d like to know what some fun and sensory safe activities that aren’t on screens I can do with him. I’ve got some ideas like crafting and drawing but I’d like ones that can be educational or fun sensory-wise. I’d like to know how I can support him in times of stress instead of make it worse or do nothing helpful. Ive babysat him before and he’s very attached to his iPad which can lead to frustration when I try to take it away to have some no screen time. I’d like to plan engaging activities to keep him present. I’ve never babysat for more than a few hours and never for many days and I just want to be prepared the best I can. Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated