Big Brother To An Autistic Kid Parent Advice

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I have high functioning autism and went to schools for kids with autism most of my childhood. I also had two Big Brothers from the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. They were good BB's, but of course they didn't understand me very well, which lead to a falling out with the first one.

I'm thinking about becoming a Big Brother to a kid with autism. They're out there and they're hard to place needless to say. I think I could do a good job helping mentor a kid with autism.

Is there any advice any parents of kids with autism would like to give me, in imagining I was going to mentor your kid? Do's and don't's. What to be careful of or watch out for. If it were your kid what would you want me to know? What would you like the most from a mentor to your child? What way do you think I could best benefit a child with autism?

As far as past experience goes, I day cared my brother's kid for several years. Very NT, but still very sensitive and highly intelligent.

Read in the parents forum! and ask questions in the parents forum if you need to ask any questions. People around there are very helpful.

And I guess that you must be prepared to meet some parents with an attitude towards autism that lies very far from the general WP attitude.

Good luck, I think it is a good idea, apparently many NT parents have no idea what it is like to be autistic.

This is just something to be aware of, in case it happens so you won't be caught off guard or take it personally. If it happens, it won't likely be because of something you said or did, or some kind of "vibe" you put off, it will be because parents of kids with autism learn to become hypervigilant.

If the child is under 8-9, be aware that the parents might be highly suspicious of your motives to work with small children. Because you are a man. I know that isn't right, but when my daughter was younger, she had 2 male therapists and a few of the moms I knew were rather shocked that I let them anywhere near her. Their perspective is that our kids are at high risk for sexual abuse. And many people find it odd when men want to work with children younger than...well, for some, younger than middle school or at least 4th grade. But maybe BB/BS starts at an older age, I don't know.

I would make sure you are aware of any meltdown triggers, sensory issues, dietary or health issues, adaptive issues (can't tie shoelaces etc.) you know that kind of thing. Also, I would ask about the child's special interests so that you could plan out your time together.

I am sure there is more. That was off the top of my head, for now.