Navigating Public and Private Behaviors: Empowering Autistic Children for Safety and Social Success

Understanding what behaviors are appropriate in public, and what behaviors are important to be done in private is extremely important in today's society, especially for autistic children. This is an important concept for safety reasons, and also for helping our children to be socially successful. The question is, how do we teach our kids what's acceptable to do in public versus what should be kept private?

Is it okay to pick your nose in public? Why are some people okay leaving the bathroom door at home open, but not at school, or a friend's house? There are many grey areas, and family differences, which means that this concept can take time to teach and learn.

Karen Nohelty is the Director of Research at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders and speaks extensively on the topic of public and private behaviors. She suggests a few things that can make a significant difference in teaching this concept. First, parents should model appropriate behavior. If you want your child to change with the door closed (in and out of the house), then you should do the same. Nohelty also suggests that parents start conversations on this topic early. For example, talk about body parts, and knock on your child's door before entering to show respect and boundaries. Teach these things at home from a young age, so when they spend more time outside of the home, they have a head start. Nohelty also suggests setting clear boundaries and talking about these things in a matter-of-fact way. For example, you can say, "Only pick your nose when you are in the bathroom. Always wash your hands afterwards."

Nohelty wrote a comprehensive article for Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, going into detail on how to teach autistic children the concept of public and private locations. From navigating those gray areas to ensuring their safety and social integration, this article covers it all.

It's time to equip our children with the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence and grace. Remember, teaching public and private behaviors is a journey we're all on. Let's empower our kids to shine and thrive.

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