Autism is a developmental disability that typically involves delays and impairment in Social skills, language, and behavior. Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it affects people differently. Some children may have speech, whereas others may have little or no speech. The good news is that there are a wide variety of treatment options which can be very helpful. SOME TIPS FOR PARENTS • Learn about autism spectrum disorders—especially the specific disorder of your child. The more you know, the more you can help yourself and your child. • Be mindful to interact with and teach your child in ways that are most likely to get a positive response. Remember, the earliest years are the toughest, but it does get better! • Learn from professionals and other parents how to meet your child’s special needs, but remember your son or daughter is first and foremost a child; life does not need to become a never ending round of therapies. • Behavior, communication, and social skills can all be areas of concern for a child with autism and experience tells us that maintaining a solid, loving, and structured approach in caring for your child, can help greatly. • Learn about assistive technology (AT) that can help your child. This may include a simple picture communication board to help your child, computer etc. • Work with professionals in early intervention or in your child’s school to develop realistic goals ,that reflects your child’s needs and abilities. • Be patient and stay optimistic. Your child, like every child, has a whole lifetime to learn and grow. • Make sure directions are given step-by- step, verbally, visually, and by providing physical supports or prompts, as needed by the child, children with autism spectrum disorders often have trouble interpreting facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Be as concrete and explicit as possible in your instructions. • Find out what the child’s strengths and interests are and emphasize them. Tap into those avenues and create opportunities for success. Give positive feedback and lots of opportunities for practice. • Build opportunities for the child to have social and collaborative interactions throughout the regular day. Provide support, structure, and lots of feedback to school. • If behavior is a significant issue for the student, seek help from expert professionals (including other parents) to understand the meanings of the behaviors and to develop a unified, positive approach to resolving them. • Have consistent routines and schedules. When you know a change in routine will occur (e.g., travel, social function or arrival of some guests) prepare the child by telling him or her what is going to be different and what to expect or do. • Work together with the child’s school personnel to create and implement an educational plan tailored to meet the student’s needs. Regularly share information about how the child is doing at home and school.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 10:15:41 +0000
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