| Many families like to take yearly photos. However, if | | | | so preparations can be made. |
| you have an autistic child, getting them to pose for a | | | | - Don't force your child to take the picture. If your child |
| picture is no easy task. The autistic child might not | | | | won't sit still, don't stress him or her out to get the |
| want to sit still or may even be bothered by the bright | | | | picture taken. Candid shots work just as well and can |
| lights. However, there is hope in getting that picture | | | | be endearing. |
| finally taken. Here are a few tips. | | | | - Let your autistic child get used to the camera. Let |
| - Before you pick a photographer, you may want to | | | | them look at it (but don't touch) and get comfortable |
| ask parents of autistic children where they have | | | | with it. This could help them relax and get ready for |
| gotten their photos done. There could be a | | | | the picture easier. |
| photographer in your area that handles autistic children | | | | - Your child might not want to sit during the photo |
| and knows what to expect. | | | | shoot, and that's is perfectly fine. Let them stand or |
| - Pick a time where your child is generally in a good | | | | even lay down. The photographer should be able to |
| mood. Many autistic children tend to run on a schedule | | | | work around your family's needs when it comes to |
| and you can usually tell when they are going to be in a | | | | taking the photo. Let your child do what is going to |
| better mood. | | | | make them most comfortable. If the photographer you |
| - Some autistic children have a favorite cloth or a | | | | choose doesn't accept this, just find one who will. |
| favorite object. Bring it with you to the photo studio. | | | | - A photo doesn't have to be professionally done. Your |
| This can keep them calm and relaxed through the | | | | autistic child might respond better if you are the one |
| process and help get the photo done faster. It can | | | | taking the pictures. You can also take pictures doing |
| even be included in the photo. | | | | every day activities, during family get-togethers or |
| - Your child might respond better in the home. Have | | | | holidays. Many family's photo albums are full of special |
| the photographer come to your house and take | | | | moments. Yours doesn't have to be any different just |
| pictures. This will be easier on you as well because if | | | | because your child is autistic. Take photos of them |
| your autistic child does have a bad reaction you are | | | | whenever you get a chance. |
| already home and can soothe them quicker. | | | | Taking photos of your autistic child doesn't have to be |
| - When going to a photographer, let them know you | | | | a stressful experience. Like anything else your autistic |
| have an autistic child beforehand. This will help the | | | | child has ever done, make them comfortable and don't |
| photographer prepare any way that they need to and | | | | force them to do anything. Make it a fun time and |
| they may even have suggestions. If your child has | | | | enjoy the situation. The pictures will get taken and look |
| problems with bright lights, let the photographer know | | | | great. |