MANAGING AN AUTISTIC CHILD

MANAGING AN AUTISTIC CHILD

Managing an autistic child can be difficult at times. But having autism strategies in place can make all the difference. 

How much easier would your life be if instead of feeling overwhelmed you have coping strategies in place that helped you

through the day?

Thankfully these strategies don't have to be difficult or complex, it's really all about ensuring your child feels secure, comfortable, and calm, so that they can grow and develop in a positive environment.

The following is a list of 15 different autism strategy suggestions

you can adopt and adapt to help you and your child connect:

1. Provide a predictable environment and daily routine

2. Prepare your child in advance for any changes that need to occur

to their routine, don't spring surprises on them.  Keep in mind

changes should only be made when absolutely necessary.

3. Activities should have structure.

 Distractions should be kept to a minimum, especially when

communicating, so don't try competing with the TV or lots of

background noise when giving instructions.

5. Ensure you have your child's full attention when communicating

with them.

6. When giving instructions they should be simple and direct so

there is no room for misunderstandings.

7. When instructions are given, you need to allow enough time for

your child to process them.  Remember patience is a virtue - don't

rush your child.

8. Try using visual aids like flash cards or picture books when

communicating as these can help get your message across and cement

understanding.

9. Try to be as consistent as possible with everything you do involving your child. This includes punishments.

10. If your child is not coping within an environment or an

activity, he/she requires a "safe" place where they can retreat inorder to calm down and de-stress.    

11. If your child is not coping with a situation, consider if underlying causes (I.E. confusion, stress, fear, pain or over-stimulation) could be a factor and try to remove that cause.

12. When the stress levels have reduced, encourage them to return to group activities or situations.

13. Speak to the school to see if a buddy system could be introduced to help provide academic and social support. This involves pairing autistic kids with non-autistic peers.

14. Before attempting to alter or discourage a behavior that you think is inappropriate, carefully consider if this is necessary, as the behavior you are trying to diminish may provide comfort and be

replaced by something worse.

15. Don't take autism behaviors personally, find ways to de-stress

yourself and remember that laughter is often the best medicine when you're at your wits end.

Finally, it's important to keep in mind that education is one of the best autism strategies you can take on board when managing autism behaviors.

The more knowledge you have about autism, the easier it will be to understand the needs of your loved one and help provide them with the best environment to grow up in.

                See http://www.essential-guide-to autism.com/autism.html