After an autism diagnosis, parents want to know exactly how to approach the situation and provide their child with autism the best support and encouragement. As a parent, you want to be clear on this because you want the best for your child going forward. But there are still a few things all parents should avoid. Here are 9 things you shouldn’t do with an autistic child.
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Please note that the information provided here shouldn’t be substituted for medical advice. This article is solely for educational purposes.
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Don’t Make Children Think Autism Is Bad
This point may be simple to understand, but most autistic children end up finding themselves in a situation where they’re made to believe that autism is bad. As a parent, you’ll hear people trying to talk or act in a way that makes your child feel bad about their condition. It’s your duty as a parent to ensure that your child doesn’t believe such a negative connotation.
Don’t Complicate Their Tasks
Most kids with this condition need detailed instructions to perform a specific task. For example, if arranging their room requires a lot of steps, you can’t just tell them to arrange the room. If you do that, the child may get overwhelmed, and experience autism meltdowns.
You should also try not to tell the child every step from the start. Doing that will leave the children to their own devices. They need step-by-step instructions. Most times, they’ll be able to complete their tasks with no sensory overload once they understand what to do.
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Ignoring Early Childhood Signs
It’s important not to overlook the early symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Once you notice signs of autism, such as delayed speech, single words, or lack of social interaction in your child, you should quickly talk to your pediatrician about it. Early autism intervention is very important.
Refrain from Sudden Routine Changes
Most children with autism do well in a routine setting. While life can change routines within a few seconds, you should try not to change your autistic child’s routine frequently.
Any unnecessarily routine changes can lead to autism meltdowns, sensory overload, and sleep struggles. As a parent, understanding your child’s need for routine tasks helps make things a lot easier for everyone.
Avoid Comparison
Comparing your autistic kids with their peers is a typical example of what not to do with a child with autism. Every child develops at their own pace, and regression can also be part of ASD.
Instead, you can celebrate each of your kid’s achievements. It doesn’t matter if the achievements came later than their mates. What matters is that they were able to achieve them.
Don’t Punish Your autistic child for Stimming (Repetitive Behaviors)
Stimming, also known as repetitive body movements or noises is among the common characteristics of children with autism. Examples of stimming include spinning or flapping hands. These movements help most kids with autism control anxiety or sensory input.
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Punishing an autistic child for stimming can increase their anxiety, which will in turn add to their stress level. Instead of punishing the kid, gently redirect them to a less harmful alternative. This could be fidget toys, deep breathing exercises, or soothing activities. Check out these guides on Amazon to learn more about stimming.
Don’t Force Eye Contact
Many children with autism don’t feel comfortable with eye contact. So, try not to force it. Since interaction is important, find other ways of communication that the child feels comfortable with to communicate with them. Many verbal and nonverbal communication doesn’t need eye contact.
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Don’t Give Up on Your Child
As a parent, you’ll always be the best support system and advocate for your child. While it may be difficult if you build a supportive and good relationship with your kid, you’ll surely set them up for a bright and fulfilling future.
The truth is that autistic children who receive enough support from their parents have a better chance of being successful autistic adults. Ensure to seek professional help. Many therapies and developmental disorder treatments are available to make your kid’s journey easier. Check Amazon to find books on how to care for a child with Autism.
Avoid Blaming Your Child’s Challenge on ASD
You need to understand that ASD is a developmental disability and not the cause of all your child’s challenges. So, behavioral analysis and evaluation by a pediatrician or psychologist can help identify co-occurring issues like anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Hence, it’s essential not to neglect health professional help. Psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists are important partners in supporting your child.
6 Signs Your Child May Have Autism
Below are six signs that may suggest that a child could be having autism:
- Limited use or understanding of simple gestures, tone of voice, body language, or other nonverbal cues.
- Lack of eye contact
- Limited pointing or babbling by one year
- Prefers rituals or routines
- Hyperactivity disorder
- Experiences attention-deficit
Why Is Important to Know What Not to Do With Your Autism Child?
Your autistic kid needs your support, care, and encouragement. However, to do that, you need to know what causes autism and what not to do with a child with it. Despite having several well-meaning people out, they may be acting based on popular misconceptions about autism.
Learn about the condition so you can help your child with autism overcome depression. Research about the risk factors, and acquire the necessary social skills they need to live a better life. Also, remember not to be too rigid when it comes to learning. As you do extensive research, you’ll learn new to care for your child.
Want to learn more about autism? Check out these books on Amazon.
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