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5 Tips for Raising a Child With Autism

URL: https://pixabay.com/photos/happy-boy-autism-kid-childhood-3404807/


Raising a child with autism is difficult. The costly treatments, special education needs, therapy, and autistic kids’ assisted devices can strain the family finances, especially those not covered by insurance. Since each autistic child is unique, caring for them can be a full-time job for particular families. Some children may have difficulties with verbal communication. This communication challenge may compound you, the parent, with anxiety and stress.

Parenting an autistic child requires support from family, paid caregivers, and others. The lack of support leaves the parents with little to no time for socialization, hobbies, exercise, rest, and more. However, implementing the right strategies can help you and your family cope. This article discusses five tips for raising a child with autism.

1.   Start treatment immediately

Once you feel that something is wrong with your kid, don't wait to see if they'll outgrow the issue or assume they'll catch up later. Children with ASD have greater chances of treatment success if they start early. Seek immediate medical assistance. If your child shows any signs of autism spectrum disorder, you’ll likely be referred to a specialist who treats children with autism disorder, such as a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatric neurologist, or developmental pediatrician, for an evaluation. With the help of platforms like Encuadrado, you can find the right specialist for your autistic child.

2.   Learn more about autism

Learning more about autistic spectrum disorder equips you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices that make your child’s life easier. Learn everything you can about this disorder through online research or enroll in a short autism course and educate yourself on available treatment options. Consult non-profit and governmental organizations about autism, stay updated on recent research findings, and ensure the information sources you’re looking at are reputable.

3.   Join support ASD support groups

Raising an autistic child comes with many challenges. As such, most parents may feel isolated. Joining autism support groups can significantly help you as a parent. Through these groups, participants share information, including details about new programs or therapies, advice on engaging with various autism professionals, and experiences and stories of living with autistic kids.

The support groups are a safe platform for parents to let out their frustrations because of their emotions and be validated and understood. You can join different types of groups, including professionally-led, peer-led, educational, and family autism support groups.

4.   Focus on your child’s strengths

As a parent, you might focus more on your child's deficit areas. Nonetheless, recognizing their strengths and talents and building on them is essential. So, identify your autistic child’s abilities and strengths and use them to enhance their development. Tools such as a developmental assessment and an IQ test can help you know more about your young one’s learning and thinking skills.

5.   Take time for self-care

Parenting an autistic child can be stressful and overwhelming. Your child could be sensitive to your anxieties and stresses, intensifying their reactions. Prioritizing self-care and practicing mindfulness can help you reset and build self-compassion in high-stress times. You can exercise, go out with friends, sleep early, or go to the spa. This prevents burnout and enables you to take better care of your child.

Endnote

Taking care of an autistic child is challenging. However, implementing these tips for raising a child with autism can help make the journey easier.

ASD Level 1: Quick Facts for Teachers

"Would you have a simple summary, kind of a snapshot, that describes the most relevant aspects of ASD Level 1 that I can give my son's teacher so that she can get a basic understanding of this disorder without having to read a book on it?"

Sure! Just copy and paste the quick facts below, and give it to the teacher...

ASD Level 1:
  • is a developmental disorder, not a disease or a form of genius
  • affects language less, but does present with difficulties in appropriate speech and communicative development
  • affects the way a child relates to others
  • is a highly functional form of autism
  • leads to difficulties in reading non-verbal cues
  • is characterized by social interaction difficulties and impairments related to a restricted, repetitive, stereotype behavior
  • is not the result of "bad parenting"
  • is often confused with ADD and ADHD
  • is not classified as a learning disability, but it is a disorder that impacts learning
     
Treatment:
  • can help children learn how to interact more successfully with their peers
  • focuses on the three main symptoms: poor communication skills, obsessive or repetitive routines, and physical clumsiness
  • involves medication for co-existing conditions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and social skills training
  • is geared toward improving communication, social skills, and behavior management
  • is not a cure, but there are a number of different interventions that have been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with ASD
  • mainly helps to build on the child’s interests, teaches the task as a series of simple steps, and offers a predictable schedule
  • requires an interdisciplinary approach (i.e., speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists and developmental pediatricians all may be involved in treatment)
  • should be tailored to meet individual needs
  • strives to improve the child's abilities to interact with other people and thus to function effectively in society and be self-sufficient
  • is a complex process that involves spending time with the child, gathering background information from parents and teachers, directly testing the child, and integrating information into a comprehensive picture

Facts as reported by children with ASD Level 1:
  • To talk to a person with ASD may be like talking to a college professor.
  • Having ASD is like being on a different planet. 
  • Sometimes having ASD is really annoying because, for example, at school, I get special treatment or other people pick on me because I'm weird or different.

    Resources for parents of children and teens on the autism spectrum:
     

    ==> Videos for Parents of Children and Teens with ASD
     
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     COMMENTS:

    •    Anonymous said... I agree my 8 year old son has ASD and we just stayed in constant communication. With the teacher, principal and assistant principal. They all were wonderful with my son. We take each day as it comes. The one problem we have is what sets him off today May not set him off tomorrow
    •    Anonymous said... I would create a snapshot on YOUR child. The problem with a book or a checklist is that it may or may not apply to your son. That is who the teacher should be concerned with. Any prior experience with or knowledge of children with autism should be thrown out the window because every child is so unique.
    •    Anonymous said... They are sensitive, they can't read facial expressions so they cannot predict what may happen so any changes need earliest notification to reduce stress, fear and the urge to run.
    •    Anonymous said... They understand express their thoughts and emotions but will not necessarily notice, be bothered by or understand yours / others. This is a skill that is not innate to them but can be learned. Oh yes and they are amazing.

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