Teach Your Child Proper Phone Skills

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS   We continue our focus on transitions with this second installment of ways to prepare your child for life after high school.     Granted, kids these days communicate mainly through texting, Facebook or Instant Messaging, but they still need to know how to start and end a phone call.     SKILL #2:   Teach your child proper use of the phone. For example: Initiating the call Say your name and who you are calling for. “This is Joe Smith and I’m calling for Bill.” Explain why you’re calling. “Hey Bill, it’s Joe from Spanish class. I have a question about the homework—do you have a second to talk?” Ending the call Explain why you have to hang up. “Thanks man, now I get it. Gotta finish my homework.” Say you enjoyed talking to the person and you’ll talk to him/her later. Say good-bye. “Later, dude.” Leaving a Voice-Mail Message Don’t assume you’re being recognized—say your name—and who you’re calling for. “This is Mike Jones calling for Tony.” Explain the reason for the call. “Tony, just wanted to see if you’re up for a  movie on Saturday. Gimme a call.” Say the day and time of your call. “I’m calling on Thursday around 4pm.” Slowly, give your phone number.  “You can reach me on my cell — 123-4567.” Say good-bye. “Hope you’re available on Saturday. Later, man.” Know how/when to call 911—and when not to. Know how to call for a cab/shuttle and to order take-out. Know how to retrieve messages on your phone. Mastery of telephone skills is an important step toward independence. Good luck!           As the mother of a son with autism, I’ve committed myself over the years to learning, understanding and sharing the most effective ways to nurture, protect and prepare a child with autism. Strategies with the potential to reap great rewards for our kids. Strategies for transitions and more, which I’ll gladly share with you.   And right now I’m offering speaking engagements to parent groups, educators, autism support groups, government agencies and community organizations.    Reserve your booking by calling 714-501-8735. The talk is free. The information is priceless.

 

Back-to-School Forms

Parents, while you’re busy filling out all those back-to-school registration forms for your student(s), don’t forget the one that can make a big difference for your child: 5 Steps to Understanding My Child. You can download it FREE  here or on my website [ http://www.autismresourcemom.com ]. Be sure that every one who works with your child has a copy — teacher, therapist, librarian, etc. Include any issues you want the teacher to be aware of. And get ready for a smoother school year.

 

 

Click here to see sample. Fill it out and give it to your child’s teacher at the beginning of each school year.