These money management tips for kids on the autism spectrum will help you explain money handling in a way that makes sense!

Several years ago, when my daughter was in elementary school several parents volunteered to help with money management. Part of the exercise included teaching the students how to manage a checkbook. As there were more students than there was time, the teacher enlisted us parents to help out. Long story short, who knew there were so many ways of managing a checkbook! Oy vey. Lesson learned? Money handling is not one size fits all!

But today’s post isn’t about that kind of money management or how to budget. Today’s post is literally about handling money. Here are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your Aspie how to pay for things whether you use a card, online methods, or old-fashioned cash.

Money Management Tips for Kids

Paying in person with a card (debit or credit)

(A note: this is not condoning getting them their own credit or debit card, but it is good for them to understand how to use them.)

Aspies are known for having trouble with their “place in space.” Teach them an appropriate distance to keep between them and the person in line in front of them (if there is one). Teach them when we are at the cash register there is an unwritten rule to give the other customer a bit of privacy. This translates into space. When it’s their turn, they will want space, too. Being self-aware is a good lesson to use here.

Teach your Aspie to look for cues when to get ready to pay. This varies from place to place but you get the picture. In other words, when they pay using a debit or a credit card teach them when to get it ready but also keep the card in their pocket (purse, etc.) until it’s time to pay.

When paying with a debit card, remind your child to never ever give out the PIN. (If the machine isn’t working, don’t give the cashier the PIN, either.)

It is also important to teach them to keep the card number away from prying eyes. This is easily done by concealing several digits with a few fingers. It’s all too easy these days for a thief to steal credit card numbers. That being said, there are times a cashier might need to key in the numbers. Teach them the difference.

Paying for things online

As you know, there are several ways to pay online from PayPal to personal cards to bank transfers. No matter which method you use, teach your Autism Spectrum child how to understand which sites are safe (look for the lock!) and which need Mom or Dad for approval.

It is also important to teach them when they buy things online with others around to make sure they have privacy when they “proceed to check out.” It goes without saying to remind them never to share passwords with friends or other family, no matter how close they may be. Contrary to what many believe, those on the Autism Spectrum can be very trusting. This is a good time to provide them with a few appropriate “lines” to use, such as, “I’m sorry, but I can’t give you that information,” as opposed to “I don’t want you stealing my information.” Also encourage them they do not have to elaborate, but do explain to them why this is a rule they must always keep.

Paying in person with cash

Going with the main theme of watching out for prying eyes teach your Asperger’s child to pay attention to their “place in space” when pulling out the wallet. Teach them to try to keep these contents guarded from strangers. It is no one’s business what is in someone’s wallet or purse.

Remember, most kids on the Autism Spectrum have some level of difficulty with motor skills (fine and/or gross). When my daughter was younger it took a very long time for her to develop the process of paying for anything in person. She struggled with motor issues and always had a heckuva time pulling out cash then counting it. Honestly, she initially would dump the contents on the counter and tell the cashier to “take what you need.” Seriously. (And, no, we did not allow that… This was a teaching moment repeated over and over again.)

In other words, it can be difficult for some on the Autism Spectrum to access cash, count the cash, and hand it to the cashier in a very short amount of time. Think about it; there are several steps involved plus potential issues with motor skills. Now, don’t let this stop you from letting them pay on their own. Instead, tuck this away so that you can pack patience and kindness the next time you are at the register.

All in all, each family has their own way of using money. It’s one of several important parenting talks we owe to our kids, isn’t it? The next time you work with your child on money handling, don’t take the easy way and physically pay for it all yourself. Take a moment to pass on these crucial skills to your child. Let them practice. It truly will pay off dividends in the long run!

~Julie Clark, Author of Asperger’s in Pink

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