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.

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.