The world is yet to meet a parent who is cool with his or her child being Autistic. No one is ever prepared for such news; being told your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is heartbreaking. The news pierces so deep, the world stops’ rotating for a bit before you think of what happens next.
It’s normal to have uncertainties, to be confused, worried, scared, sad, name it, but then it’s not reason to abandon a child or give up. According to National Institute of Mental Health, Autism is “a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.”
Well, Autism is not something that you simply just grow out of or get cured of but then there are treatments that help kids acquire new skills and overcome several developmental challenges. An autistic child is a special child with special needs who requires special treatment from literally everyone around them be it home, school or generally everywhere they go. A little support here and there helps them thrive in life.
Kids born with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) begin to show symptoms very early stages of their life and then grow with it into adulthood. There is no clear reason unto why kids develop Autism even though most doctors blame it on ancestral genes. What’s clear though is that kids with ASD have difficulties relating with others and in making eye contacts. They will more often withdraw from people but when they choose to stay and interact, again they could speak for so long about things that fascinate them.
Having an autistic child may be heartbreaking more so if you do not feel any form of connection between the two of you, but then there is hope and that is what you should hold on to. First, an early intervention is the best way to achieve a successful treatment. Seek medical advice and commence treatment immediately.
As the doctors do their part medically so should you fulfill your parental guidance and care which then leads to the question. How do you handle an autistic child, we the Elimuzazi team are here to offer guidance though this journey.
- First and foremost, accept that your child has ASD. By accepting you save yourself the stress of either living in denial or delaying the child’s progress hoping it will miraculously go away. After acceptance comes learning more about Autism. The more you know the better equipped you will be towards making life-changing decisions for your child.
- Be consistent through this journey, there is no giving up on this one; it is a lifetime journey of care, guidance and learning. Kids with ASD usually have a hard time grasping things in a sitting or on one take, but by creating consistency you make it easy. Be in sync with the child’s therapist in order not to alter the mode of learning.
- Build a routine and stick to it, people with ASD are prone to schedule as it helps then learn new skills easily. A disruption or alter of the normal schedule throws them off balance instantly if need be for change, prepare them for it in advance.
- Encourage the kids by rewarding them for any good behavior. Just like any other child they respond well to positive reinforcements. So, when you applaud them for any good behavior, they feel good about themselves and focus on doing it more. Find mouthwatering rewards for them like more playtime, an extra fruit or snack or congratulation stickers for either their books or wardrobes. There will help with motivation.
- Curve out a safe, child-friendly and silent relax area for them. ASD kids also need some me time when they get to collect their thoughts and engage in things they love. Some read while others play or draw during these moments. Provide every safe item they could use to play in this secluded place and allow them to recollect. This is mainly known as a private corner which can also turn out to be a withdrawal or tantrum corner so watch how you introduce them to this. More importantly always watch but from a distance, do not disrupt them.
- Build a communication channel and remain approachable all the time. Connecting with an ASD child may be challenging but if you create a communication bond then it will be effortless. You should be able to read through your child’s moods at a glance, learn their love language and capitalize on it.
- Pay attention to how they react to things and within no time you’ll understand their likes and dislikes beyond their silent nature. It will also help you navigate through their sensory sensitivities.
- Curve out time for fun, play with them and take them out more often to help figure out their favorite things and places.
- Do not relent on treatment, consult your doctor for a workable treatment plan and stick to it. There are many treatment approaches but not all work for everyone, be sure to lias with your doctor and tailor your child’s treatment according to his or her needs. This means you must learn and understand your child’s every need and behavior. Know what sessions they enjoy and capitalize on them. Your presence through this journey is vital to success.
Raising an Autistic child can be nerve wrecking and emotion drenching, do not forget you in the process. Make out time for self-care and rest, your mental stability is more important in this journey than your physical presence. Take breaks if overwhelmed; a little breather can go a long way.
Everyone needs an accountability partner at least once in a while, join support groups, meet and interact with like-minded parents and learn from their journey. The challenges are the same but the approach is different, be around others for emotional support and options towards handling your child.
If it’s any consolation, you aren’t alone, there are millions out there like you so chin up and soldier on.