A few days ago
Leo

I have a job taking care of adults with autism and downsyndrome..?

what should I do to entertain them they aren’t able to speak, they can walk around but for the most part they have the intelligence of a 2 year old, How should I approach this

Top 4 Answers
A few days ago
embroidery fan

Favorite Answer

Here are some ideas:

1) Music works really well, especially with the DS population. Put on music & lead everyone in a Conga (line) dance.

2) Pretend things, like pretend you are all birds, monkeys, kangaroos.

3) Give them Legos, Lincoln Logs, blocks & things to stack.

4) Give them paper & fingerpaints.

5) Give them crayons & butcher paper.

6) Play with a soft, big ball, with everyone in a circle on the floor.

7) Do puppet shows. They don’t have to be fancy, just have the puppets say things. Include the people’s names, to get their attention.

8) Make foods that are edible & mold-able like cooky dough that can be eaten and also cooked.

9) Make Jello thick so it can be eaten with fingers.

10) Get a “therapy dog” for the group, if permitted.

11) Approach each one and, talking softly, say nice things to them, like compliments about how nice they look, how you are happy to be working with them, etc., every hour or two.

12) Read easy books out loud to them, even if they don’t seem to be listening, like Dr. Seuss books.

1

A few days ago
Anonymous
As the parent of a son with Autism and a daughter with Down Syndrome, I take serious issue with your statement (regarding the adults you will be working with), that “for the most part they have the intelligence of a 2 year old.” I appreciate your wanting to help these very special and individually unique people, but your assumption is harsh and inaccurate. The first thing you have to do is to lose your pre-conceived ideas about their abilities. Try to dwell on their capabilities instead of their disabilities.

That said- I would recommend music- listening to, playing instruments to, dancing to (even if it’s just swaying in time to the tunes). I would also spend time outside engaging in a LOT of water play/activities. Preparing simple snacks, having them help you bake cookies or cupcakes, make jello or pudding, etc. in the kitchen is also fun. I would highly recommend art- drawing with crayons, markers, cutting with safety scissors and using glue sticks to make a collage, fingerpainting, painting with brushes, and so on. You will find your experience working with these wonderful folks rewarding and educational in ways you can’t even imagine. Best of luck, and God bless you.

1

A few days ago
blondbrainserenity
Not sure who would have told you that “most of them have the intelligence of a 2 year old”, but I am certain nothing could be further from the truth. I suggest before you do any work with these adults, you research both Autism and Down’s Syndrome.
1

A few days ago
‘head
most patients with this disorder are best taken care of with anticipatory guidance. you should know how to do this otherwise you shouldnt be in this job since these are special people and they need special caregivers.
1