CM Club- do any of you look after children with autism?

[FeelingOld]

I have a couple coming to see me tomorrow evening about looking after their 8 year old who has autism.
I have no personal experience of autism but am keen to help this couple as they desparately need some time with their 2 other children who have in their own words 'had to sometimes take a back seat'.
They just want odd days during school holidays and the odd saturday morning/after school.
I just don't want to get out of my depth here, I do not want to take the child on if I can't meet his needs, it wouldn't be fair to him or his parents.
I sort of have a list of things I want to ask them eg routine, what happens if he is alarmed, what he likes doing, what to avoid etc but can any of you with experience offer me any advise or tell me any questions I need to ask them.

Thanks

I would wait to see what the parents say, it may be highly likely that they present you with a list of possible problems and how to solve them.

I don't know if this is much help, but anyways, at least the thread has been bumped and with a bit of luck, someone from the special needs topic may find it

Only once, but that was in a private day nursery with others supporting. I agree with Chandra, you need to speak to the parents to gain an understanding as to the level of autism the child has. You have done the right thing, to be prepared with questions etc. Autism sounds scary, as do most special needs, but it could only be a mild form, something which you could easily 'cope with'.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

i was chatting to lady yesterday who has 2 sons with autism ages 13 and 16 she explained it to me that that both boys have no common sense, no sense of danger at all she said she finds it very hard to find childcare. also said they destroy her house and that upsets her alot plus she doesnt know when they will be able to look after themselves.

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Well they came to see me with their son and were able to give me quite a good picture of their son and didn't mind at all that I had quite a few questions for them. Anyway they liked me and he came for the morning today and we have had a lovely time. Like you have mentioned he sees no danger and needs routine and is a little messy but none of this was a problem.
Not sure when he is coming again (as we have decided for the moment he should come on my slightly quieter days like today when I only had my own 2 children + I other mindee)but Mum was very happy to be able to take her other 2 children out today and give them her full attention and was happy that her son had such a good time here.