minimizes the stressors associated with taking a test.
Is your toddler at risk for having autism?
Provide Practice. Alleviate fears by taking practice tests whenever possible. Practice helps children get over the unknown aspects of testing that might build anxiety.
Using MRI scans during your child’s natural sleep at bedtime, researchers at SDSU are trying to identify early brain markers of autism.
Don’t Overdo it. Make study times consistent, but short. Study times of 15-20 minutes are optimal for children in grades K-3. For a nervous student, 10 minutes may be enough, with lots of encouragement and light-hearted fun mixed in. Use appropriate materials such as flash cards, oral practice and written tests. Practice reading and following directions. Provide a Quiet Study Space. Be sure that study time is protected and undisturbed by other noise or interruption. A special study spot with the child’s personal study materials may provide motivation for the task. Take an Honest Look at Anxiety and Failure. Help your child understand that everyone experiences some anxiety when doing new or important things. Anxiety and failure are a part of life. Famous athletes, scientists and other world leaders have tried and failed many times. Use failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
If you child is: 18-26 month old and has social or communication delays (or you suspect that s/he might), s/he may be eligible for our studies! Free developmental evaluation will be provided. Brain Development Imaging Lab sci.sdsu.edu/bdil To learn more: (619) 594-2500 or toddlerMRIstudy@mail.sdsu.edu
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Show Unconditional Love. Your child needs to know he is loved and valued no matter how he scores on a test. The test score is simply a reflection of how he did that day. Be a Good Role Model. Demonstrate healthy management of stress in your own life. How do you handle the anxieties of taking on a new job or volunteer position? What do you do and say when you make a mistake or fail in some way? Children are all ears when it comes to a parent’s ability to cope with stressors. v Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is a freelance writer specializing in articles on education, parenting and family life. October 2016 • SanDiegofamily.com •
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