Q: All autistic children are capable of learning. They simply need to find a strategy for proper information absorption.  If an autistic child is not learning, it is not because they cannot learn, but because there is some barrier. Too much noise in the environment, an untreated anxiety disorder, or bullying are examples of issues that can impede learning. Limited communication skills may also prevent them from demonstrating what they know. Learn to accept that autistic children may always have differences, and should not be evaluated on the same basis as their neurotypical classmates. Autistic children should be evaluated in relation to their own growth and learning over time Understand that not all autistic children can use the same techniques that you use when teaching a certain subject. Some autistic kids may pick it up very quickly. Autistic kids may have uneven skill profiles. Make sure that the material is appropriate (including supplying more advanced material as needed). An autistic child isn't going to act like a non-autistic child, and that's okay. Many autistic differences are adaptive; the child acts this way for a reason. Instead of trying to teach them to suppress their natural body language and pretend to be non-autistic, accept their differences and focus on teaching skills that will be more helpful.   Eye contact can be distracting or painful for autistic people. An autistic child may prefer to look at a different part of you or stare into space to help them listen better. Fidgeting is normal and helps with coping skills. Turning away is not a sign of rejection, but a sign of being overwhelmed. Movement disabilities may cause jerky, clumsy, or overly forceful movements. Facial expressions may look distant, odd, or exaggerated. This usually isn't on purpose. Autistic children may need extra processing time and thus respond more slowly. Some autistic children may struggle with sarcasm, idioms, puns, and jokes. When talking to them, be as precise and specific as possible. Say what you mean when you want them to do something. For example, instead of telling them "Perhaps you should go back to the drawing board," say, "I want you to try this activity again." These can be confusing, as autistic children often have trouble processing sequences, particularly spoken ones. Give them extra time to process what you say as some autistic children have problems processing what they hear.  If the child can read, write down the instructions. If the child is still learning, written instructions with pictures might help. Give instructions in small steps, and use short sentences whenever possible. Some autistic children learn to communicate via sign language, pictures, or a voice output device. If the child uses any of these to communicate, learn the system so that you can effectively use it. For example, you may need to print out different pictures of food. At snack time, have the child point to what they want. Autistic children sometimes struggle to process spoken words (especially from recordings due to odd acoustics), so seeing written words can help them understood what is being said. This can help both those who can and cannot yet read.   Children who cannot read yet will associate printed words with spoken words. Children who can read may benefit from being able to see the words as well as hear them. If a child has a favorite television show, record the show with the closed captions and incorporate the show as part of the reading lesson.
A: Assume that all children are competent. Recognize how autistic body language can be different. Speak in clear, precise language. Avoid long verbal commands or lectures. Communicate with the child using functional aids if necessary. Use closed captions on a television.

Q: If you have a birthday coming up, be sure to let your family know you are trying to save money and that you would prefer money instead of a gift. Ask your parents to take you to a bank to help you set up a bank account. You can earn interest on the money you deposit into your account, and setting up a savings account (versus the old fashioned piggy bank) will make you less likely to spend on a whim. Many major banks allow teenagers or even younger children to open accounts - check online beforehand. If you are worried that you will spend your money instead of saving it, you can also limit the amount of money you can withdraw out of your account each month. While having a debit card is convenient, consider forgoing this option, as it makes it easier for you to spend, rather than save, your money. It’s never too soon to start budgeting your money! Maybe you want to save money to buy a computer or a nice Christmas gift for someone. Determine how much you will need and how long you have to save. Create a monthly saving goal so that you have enough money when you need it. If you have any money already in your wallet or bank account, ask you parents if they can open up an account at a stock brokerage for you. A good brokerage for kids is Robinhood since they charge no commissions and have no minimum deposit. Do research on some good stocks and ETFs to buy. This is one of the most effective ways to grow your money quickly if you are smart and careful about it. You can also ask an expert for some advice.
A: Ask for cash instead of gifts. Start a bank account. Plan long term. Invest.

Q: Life in a circus isn't all glamorous as it's made out to be. If you're working with a traveling circus, you might have to deal with moving around a lot, and you will probably have to do your own makeup and need to buy or make your own costumes. Working with circuses requires a lot of dedication just to stay optimistic for shows. If you're working for a legitimate, big business circus, most odds and ends (like costumes) will be handled for you. But if you're working on a smaller circuit, you may need to take certain expenses on yourself. Consider it the price to pay for doing something you love. You will, without a doubt, run across people that will say "No.” You will be told to give up, people won't hire you, and you will get injured or run the risk of being injured if you are a performer. It's very important you be able to push through these walls – or perhaps trapeze your way over them. If you are dedicated and love performing, you will find a job that works for you, and you will be able to continue performing. No one makes it on their first try. You have to hear a chorus of rejections before you finally "get your break." It could take months, it could take years, but you've got to trust that eventually it'll happen. If you don't believe in you, no one else will. Being a circus performer is almost like being an athlete – your career will be over well before you feel like you're "old." And when you do near the end of your run, your body will have been rung through the wringer. You could be in tiptop shape or you could need two knee replacements. It won't be easy, but hopefully the physical stress is worth it. In fact, your body basically means your job. If you don't take care of it, you could be out of a gig in no time. It's important to sleep, eat right, stay healthy, and, above all, stay safe. The last thing you want to do is compromise your career because you made poor decisions. How does circus work pay? Although it differs from circus to circus, it mostly depends on the job, the show, and the length of which you're working. For example, a circus might pay their performers at the end of each week, or (although it's less common) after the show closes. If you're a performer that hires out to circuses, then you'll mostly be paid after the job ends, although they can choose to pay you weekly, sometimes even after each show (although that is highly uncommon, too). This aside, you should probably want to work in a circus for your love of the work first, the money second. What’s more, every role gets paid differently, too. If you’re at the bottom of the ladder, you may be getting $300 bucks a week; if you’re a featured performer like an acrobat or a contortionist, you could be making between $40,000 to $70,000 a year. Don’t forget – you’re getting free room and board, too. The perks just keep on coming.
A:
Understand what you're getting yourself into. Be determined. Be ready for the physical demands. Don’t do it for the money.