If you’ve recently learned that your child has or might have autism spectrum disorder, you’re probably wondering and worrying about what comes next. No parent is ever prepared to hear that a child is anything other than happy and healthy, and an ASD diagnosis can be particularly frightening. You may be unsure about how to best help your child or confused by conflicting treatment advice. Or you may have been told that ASD is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you concerned that nothing you do will make a difference.
While it is true that ASD is not something a person simply
“grows out of,”
there are many treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioural therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child’s special needs and help them learn, grow, and thrive in life.
When you’re looking after a child with ASD, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Being emotionally strong allows you to be the best parent you can be to your child in need.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
There are numerous recognized signs and symptoms that could indicate whether a child is autistic or not. By identifying early signs of autism among children, parents can help them as early as possible. However, keep in mind that every child with ASD is unique, and the same goes for the severity of specific symptoms that arise during their early childhood. Communication and Interaction Attributes Most children with ASD possess these communication and interaction attributes or barriers:
Not maintaining eye contact
Not responding to their name
Not showing any social responsiveness or expressions
Not getting involved in simple interactive games
Not using gestures or showing less body language
Not sharing any interests with other people or objects
Not pointing or looking at what you point towards
Not noticing other people’s emotions or feelings
Interests and Behavioural Traits Most children with ASD possess these interests and behaviour traits or issues:
Arrange objects in an orderly manner
Distress with minor changes
Utter the words or phrases repeatedly
Play with toys the same way consistently
Focus on specific parts of objects
Obsess over a narrow range of interests or objects
Follow to certain routines firmly
Engage in repetitive body movements
Display unusual reactions to certain sounds, tastes, sights, touches & smells
Other Autistic Related Characteristics Most children with ASD possess these other characteristics:
Delayed speech & communication skills
Delayed movement, cognitive & learning skills
Hyperactive & exhibit impulsive behaviours
Possibility of seizure disorder
Unusual eating & sleeping habits
Suffer from anxiety & excessive stress
Tips For Parenting a Child with Autism
There are many general parenting strategies that parents can pick up to support the family’s well-being. Implementing these tips in the household lessens the stress of parenting a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Be mindful that every autistic kid possesses atypical signs from one another, so take what resonates and leaves the rest.
Support child with autism from a place of love
Mutual acceptance of ourselves as parents and our little ones support a smoother ASD parenting journey, mainly in the early years. Acknowledging that it will be challenging at first gives parents the right push in helping their autistic kids. Instead of focusing on their differences and comparing their child with others, parents should support autistic kids from a place of love. Celebrating small wins and encouragement from a positive standpoint will help your child more than anything else.
Patience & positivity work together in autism parenting
Speaking of supporting children with ASD from a positive standpoint, patience plays a vital role in ensuring that as well. Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder involves trying out a diverse set of techniques. And from there, through trial and error, parents will grasp what is best for their children. Furthermore, be mindful about not getting frustrated when they do not respond to the approaches.
Adhere to schedule alongside everyday activities
Besides being consistent in daily routine, parents should stick to a coherent approach in interaction and guidance. A consistent set of ASD parenting methods allow autistic kids to learn much more effectively. Communicate with education experts or therapists about the specific set of techniques so you can apply them at home as well. In addition, insert playtime and make time for enjoyable family time outside the house. This allows parents to have a breather from home, and at the same time, autistic kids will familiarise themselves with the outside world.
Connect non-verbally with a child with autism
Spot the non-verbal cues displayed by your child in different situations and learn about what triggers them. Even when a child with autism spectrum disorder does not utter a word, their reactions or actions will be the language that connects both parents and kids. Also, parents should keep an open mind and try to listen to what an autistic child has to say if they wish to express their perspectives.
Get the support you deserve & seek help
Support is not just plainly for children with autism. Parents of an autistic child should find time and involve themselves in autism support groups for parents to share their journey. Whether online or face-to-face, such support groups allow parents to open what they have in mind as participants are on the same journey. The autism community in parent support workshops such as the We Care™️ Workshops is full of loving families and team members. Via We Care Parent Workshops, parents of an autistic child will have the opportunities to learn about all-things autism in a supportive environment. In addition, with an increase in the know-how of ASD parenting, participants have learned how to take care of themselves.
Put your health first
With a healthy body, mind, and soul, only by then, you will have the momentum to take care of someone. As parents of an autistic child, slowing down from time to time allows recharging for a body and mind in good condition. Find time for self-care and do what you like when getting overwhelmed. Hence, take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally so you can take care of your family. Music Therapy Can Help Children with Autism Relate Better
However, according to Premium Times, the president of Ferdinand Effah Music Heritage Foundation, Stanley Effah, has said music therapy may help children with ASD improve their social interaction and communication skills. He said he was inspired to set up the foundation due to his 11 years’ experience raising a child with autism. He said his child has improved since he adopted music therapy while also undergoing other therapies.
Mr Effah said he believes music therapy is a way to help children living with the condition connect better.
He said:” I was inspired to set up this foundation because of my son Ferdinand who was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. He is 13 years old now and I have been struggling trying to manage the situation and see how we can get the best out of it.” “Over the years, we have tried to engage in various therapies and at a point, we discovered that he loves music, so we decided to focus on music while also engaging in other therapies.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one out of 160 children live with Autism worldwide.
Statistics also show there are 135 million established cases of autism in the world and more than one million children and teenagers suffering from this condition live in Nigeria.
Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder is not easy. Nonetheless, parents should not be afraid to seek others’ help and support as everyone deserves support. In addition, parents should be mindful that it is not an obligation to do everything independently. Your child needs your love and care to make sense of this world. So now is the time for you to step out and know that getting help is not a weakness.
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