I Need Advice

I work in a shoe shop and I fit shoes for children, e.g. school shoes, trainers, cruisers and walkers.

My boss informed me today that she has chosen me to fit an autistic child tomorrow. The parent phoned the store and has booked an appointment. My boss said I can take them to the back of the store where it is quiet as the child is sensitive to noise and also touch. I have to touch and poke their feet a lot to fit their shoes, so I am nervous about doing this.

I have little to no experience with autistic children, so I am asking for advice about what to do and what not to do. I do not know if the child is a boy or a girl and I do not know how old they are. The parent will be with them which hopefully will make them feel better.

Does anyone have any tips for me? I'm worried I won't respond correctly and I will upset the child, especially when I touch their feet.

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Lochlee · 51-55, F

The above comments are helpful. Perhaps you should also "prepare" yourself for odd behaviour and try to stay "unemotional" for the parents sake. It cannot be easy for them. And if the fitting is unsuccessful, accept that it is nothing you did. Good luck, may it go well tomorrow.

HKowned · F

Just work with how you would work with any other kid, since you don't know where they fall on the AS you don't know sensitive they are to the different senses...you could bring a stuffed animal with different textures for them to hold and touch while you put their shoes on, but again they might not need or want it based on the kind of autism they have. Just ask the parent for help when you feel you need it, by explaining what ur trying to do, and what the child could be doing to get the shoe on.

minarth008 · 61-69, M

I would suggest talking to the parent first, and explain to them what you will be doing, and ask them how they think the child will react, and their thoughts on how you should react. I would suggest staying calm, and relaxed, and hopefully the child will sense this and feel the same way.

ForeverIsOver · 22-25, F

@minarth008 Thank you.

mrmoose · 70-79, M

take time to just sit and talk with the child, ask before you touch

ForeverIsOver · 22-25, F

@mrmoose Thank you. I will explain what I will do before I do it so I don't startle them.

mrmoose · 70-79, M

@ForeverIsOver take as much time as you need, let the child get to know you, it's a process so it will take lots of time

sighmeupforthat · 46-50, M

relax.. and if something occurs make sure the parents are in control of their child.. if not the boss has to step in or else.

don't be afraid to talk with the boss.. unless they're a jerk about it.

ForeverIsOver · 22-25, F

@sighmeupforthat Thank you. Yeah my boss said I can ask someome for help if I need to.

Virgo79 · 61-69, M

Ask the parent what's ok and what's a no,no!
Also have your boss along side.☺

CallMeTex · 46-50, M

Let the parent or parents of the child be in control of the situation and follow their lead.

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