When the winter melts away and spring is in the air, there is also a feeling of excitement that makes people want to go outside and rediscover nature. The winter snow has wiped everything clean and the world feels new again. For a person with autism, spring is an excellent time to learn new skills and work on developing their current skill set into something much more advanced.
Understanding Transition
Differentiating between different stages of transition can sometimes be a challenge for people with autism. Spring gives a chance to actually watch the winter turn into the green grass and beautiful flowers. It is a chance to see that from the cold of winter comes something beautiful and enjoyable. At some level, this is a lesson everyone can understand and appreciate.
That Spring Feeling Of Fellowship
Spring is an excellent time to work on social skills because the majority of people are very happy to see the seasons change. It is a great time to get your loved one out into social settings and help them to work on their communication skills. It is also a time to encourage them to speak to new people who would be more receptive than they would during the dog days of summer.
Spring is also a time for outdoor festivals, and they offer excellent opportunities for social interaction. Even if your loved one prefers to watch people doing things as opposed to meeting anyone new, they will get the chance to be out in social settings and gain a new sense of comfort.
Colors Blooming Into Form
Change is something that can be a challenge for people with autism, but spring has a way of putting change into a positive context. You can take your loved one on regular walks to examine how things look just as spring begins, and then help them to experience the change as the season moves towards summer.
Watching a flower bloom into color or the leaves opening on trees can be an exciting experience for anyone. It is the chance to see that the idea of change is not always a bad thing, and this is a lesson that can be carried on into other parts of their lives as well.
Enjoy The Fresh Air
Winter is a time when everyone stays indoors to get away from the freezing temperatures and intense weather. When spring arrives, that ability to take in the fresh air without the biting cold can be a positive experience for anyone. Once again, associating experiences with positive feelings will go a long way in creating confidence and building self-esteem.
When spring arrives, it presents opportunities for everyone to learn something new or experience something positive. It is an opportunity that should not be missed, and it is definitely a time to enjoy before summer arrives.
Eden II Programs helps the autism community by providing programs and services combined with lifespan support to improve the quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. Eden II has the greatest ability to help individuals with ASD reach their highest potential for independent, self-sustained living through high-quality ABA services, educational programs, adult day programs, group residential care, family support, respite, and a number of other services. Eden II Programs uses the evidence-based practices of ABA to develop skills, promote independence, and change lives for the better.
For information on programs and services available at Eden II, please visit us online at eden2.org or email us at info@eden2.org.
