A Useful Guide For Parents On How To Parent A Child With Autism
Parents with an autistic child often face many challenges, whether it be getting the child to do something they don’t want to do, or figuring out how best to teach them.
This guide will talk about some of the ways parents can deal with these situations—whether at home or in public. Parents must try their hardest not to get discouraged and keep practicing.
ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is a form of behavior modification. This type of treatment has been proven to be the most effective for children with Autism, and it is usually what’s recommended by professionals.
ABA uses positive reinforcement (often in the form of “A+” tokens) and rewards for good behaviors to train new skills. With time and dedication, you can perform autism therapy at home for your child without professional help.
This type of therapy also teaches parents how to alter their behavior to get the results they want (e.g., using distraction instead of yelling).
Teaching Children New Skills
Everyone knows that it is easier to learn something new as a child than an adult, but this is especially true with autistic children since their brains are still developing. Since repetition is key when teaching autistic children, it’s important to find activities and games that can be repeated often.
There are many different ways to teach new skills to autistic children-through flashcards, picture books, songs, or even video games. One way to make sure your child is learning is to keep a progress chart and mark off each skill as they learn it.
When going out in public, always bring along whatever tools you need to help your child with the task at hand (activity sheets, books, snacks, etc.).
The Power Of Music
People with autism have a special connection to music, so it can be very useful in teaching them new skills. There are online videos of autistic children dancing or making finger movements along with the beat of certain songs—an activity that would not be possible without their love for music.
Turn on some tunes wherever you are at the park or playroom and watch your child light up with joy. You can also use songs as cues for desired behaviors (e.g., “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” means go potty).
Social Stories
One thing that parents must understand is that most autistic children do not like change, whether it’s getting out of the house or switching from one activity to another. This anxiety can cause many problems when going out in public, so it’s important to teach children about change through a social story.
Write a paragraph that explains the situation to the child as you would if talking face-to-face (e.g., “We are going out now.“). This will help your child understand what is going on and reduce anxiety when doing something new.
When Dealing With A Child In Public
Many parents have described taking their autistic child out in public as a nightmare since they often have a meltdown or tantrum whenever they don’t want to do something or go somewhere. It’s important for parents of autistic children not to lose their temper since this only makes matters worse, but there are many practical things parents can do if their child has an episode in public.
If your child is having a meltdown, try to stay calm and remove them from the situation if possible. If this is not possible, try to distract them with something they are interested in (a toy, food, etc.).
Remember that it’s important to keep your child safe and avoid any type of physical altercation. When going out in public, always bring along whatever tools you need to help your child with the task at hand (activity sheets, books, snacks, etc.).
This will help minimize the chances of a tantrum occurring. It’s also important to be patient when dealing with an autistic child and understand that they may take longer than other children to finish an activity or respond to a question.
It is very important for parents of autistic children not to feel discouraged. Parenting any child can be difficult at times, but it’s especially tough when raising a child with autism. Many different therapies and treatments can help, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals or other parents.
With time, patience, and practice, you will be able to handle anything that comes your way. Difficulties may arise when trying to get an autistic child to do something, but it is not impossible.
Many parents have found success in following these tips and using a positive reinforcement system. Remember to stay patient and never give up!
