Is your child facing difficulties in socializing? Or, is he facing any communication problem? Does he repetitively stacks or lines up objects? Then better be careful. These behavioral changes may be as a result of autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD is a neural developmental disorder which affects approximately 1 in 160 individuals. It comes into notice in the initial 3 years of a child’s life and is most common in males. It is generally believed to be caused due to certain genetic or neurological defects. But, the exact cause of autism is still a topic of debate.
Autism does not have any particular treatment. An autistic child needs the help and guidance of health experts or professionals for their overall development. But the primary and the most important support system for these children are their parents. Parents are considered to be a symbol of patience and perseverance. The parents of an autistic child need to play a very tough role in order to motivate their child and to give them proper care and support.
The following tips will help you understand your autistic child, assist him and develop the confidence in him to overcome his anxieties:
1. Educate yourself
You can help your child to a great extent by educating yourself about the subject. By acquiring proper knowledge yourself you can find a solution to this disorder. Always be alert and keep an eye on your child because early detection followed by subsequent intervention and treatment will help a young autistic child develop himself to his full potential. You can always seek guidance from your doctor, talk to other parents, and read about the issue and get an idea about the causes and symptoms. Today, various public policies have come up for people having autism. So, you can also go through these and thereby give your child all the necessary facilities and most importantly education.
2. Focus on your child’s abilities
An autistic child may not be a good communicator. He also may not possess adequate language skills. But, at the same time he may be blessed with some other qualities like expertise in art and craft, music or mathematics. So, you as parents can motivate him and help him in improving his skills and make them perfect.
3. Create a safe home environment
Some autistic children have the habit of throwing tantrums, breaking objects and in the process injure himself. So, by creating a separate space and a safe environment at home, you can make him feel more relaxed, secure and comfortable.
4. Create some time for fun element
Try to have fun with your autistic child, play with him or sing with him and let him enjoy.
5. Schedule the day
Unlike normal children, an autistic child needs a schedule and routine in his life. Sudden changes can increase his anxiety. So, try to maintain a schedule and stick to it like you can always keep his things in the same place without any change.
6. Be consistent in your behavior: Therapists use different techniques to help your child like using certain words to communicate, certain signs, etc. At home, you can continue the same process and help your child develop.
7.. Know about your child’s diet change
According to certain parents, a diet free from gluten and casein helps an autistic child. Gluten is found in oats, rye, wheat and barley, whereas casein is a protein present in dairy products like milk. By consulting your doctor you can try a special diet for your child at least for a few days and see if there is any positive development.
8. Make your child independent from the beginning itself
Try to make your child independent from the initial stage. Let him eat himself, dress on his own and choose whatever he likes. Let him help you in the household chores like washing, cleaning, arranging toys and keeping them in the right place, etc.
9. Try to carry in the interventions at home too
Repeat the things at home which the therapists and teachers do to develop your child. Let him practice the already learned skills and keep a record of his progress. Also give him a reward or simply appreciate him.
10. Take a break
You as parents also deserve a break because dealing with an autistic child every day is a very difficult job. Take a break yourself and refresh yourself. You can try exercising, having a balanced meal, taking a walk and thus keeping yourself fit. Unless you are fit yourself you cannot help a child who needs special care and attention 24/7.
It is indeed very tough to be parents. Responsibilities come along with the joys and happiness of parenthood. But, whatever may come, parents accept every trouble with a smile and are still the guiding force in our lives irrespective of our age, status or position in the society.
