How do I help get my sister with Autism more social?


Question:
My sister is turning 21 at the end of the month and has SDC which makes her at about a 10 year old in most of her mind and emotions. She goes on alot of sites for role playing ( like RENT and differnt things) but is addicted to the computer and when we do get her friend to come over she just glares at her and refuses to talk to her because she can no longer go on the computer. My parents, i have to addmit have not helped the situation at all and may have put her in reverse. What are some ways to get her out and about ? Should I block the internet all together? What has worked for you?

Please be kind and mature there are plenty of jerks in the world you dont need to add to the number.

Answers:
I'm really sorry to hear that you are in this situation. Seeing your sister is 'addicted' to the internet you may want to put a message on her computer so it's the first thing she sees when she goes on. For example:

When she goes to sleep go to the computer she uses and open word, notepad or Wordpad (word programs) and write a message to her if you want to be mean and scare her of the computer write something like: You will die if you don't get off the computer! Or get pictures of her favorite things, like if it were, let's say spongebob squarepants: get pictures of things and places that have to do with spongebob and Copy+Paste them on and write something like "A new spongebob amusment park is opening today!" Make it something tempting, like an advertisment.

Before she can even start becoming social you'll have to make her more active and even before that simply concentrate on getting her of the net, whether it's reading, a job or any other hobby (preferably an active one like a sport) and to get her attention drawn to these hobbies print out some pictures and imformation on them and before you just pick something, make sure it can be done at home or locally.

I can't think of much more but i'm sure a sister that's as determined as you will help her all the way to to the gold medal.

Good luck!
Ginevra
my heart goes to you> please just look out 4 your sis and try to get her interested in anything she with your love and help will get through. I think you r a star! god bless sweetheart xxxx
First off, let me commend you for caring about your sister and wanting to help her. Supporting a friend or family member who struggles with autism can be exhausting. Sometimes it can be frustrating if you don't see results from your efforts, but know that even if you can't see positive change, you are making a huge difference by simply staying involved in her life, and consistently caring.

In my opinion, getting a professional involved will make a huge difference in the efficacy of your intervention. You simply cannot effect a lasting behavior modification without the knowledge base, resources and experience of an autism specialist.

You mention that you do not have the money to involve a professional. I realize that this is a challenge, and will require more work on your part, but it sounds like you are motivated to follow through on this. I would do some research and find a professional who is willing to support your sister on a sliding scale fee or pro-bono. Depending on how severely the autism affects her functioning, insurance might cover the costs of professional support, if you have any.

One thing to watch out for when searching for an autism specialist: make sure that you are not going with the cheapest option for only that reason. Make sure that the person you choose to work with has the necessary training and experience to hold and guide your family through this process successfully.

You also mention that your parents are contributing to your sister's challenges. I don't know your situation firsthand, and it is possible that they are simply not in a place to be helpful. If, however, you are able to get them involved, and they are willing to be educated and change some of their behaviors to support your sister, it would make a huge difference, and help her greatly.

I wish you the best of luck, and again I commend you for your courageous love of your sister!
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