When you find out that your child has autism, you could feel devastated. You might think that your child cannot have a good life ahead.
But according to Dreamweaver House, they can have a happy, purposeful, and regular life with a proper upbringing.
You have to think that your child just needs special care to ensure that they’ll have a better tomorrow. But how would you deal with them?
Here are a few ways to help them with their daily lives.
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1. Create a Routine
One of the main challenges of a parent with a child with autism is dealing with their mood swings. They tend to have different moods instantly, which would require you to have a lot of patience.
Processing changes isn’t something they are good at. Even a sudden small task could be difficult for them to do, and it could affect their mood swings.
And in some cases, that triggers their aggressive behavior.
But when you create a routine for them, things could go easier. You need to be strict with the schedule as much as possible.
You have to wake them up, feed them, drop them off at school, and do other things at the same time every day. Using a calendar or a notebook can help you keep posted on your kid’s daily tasks.
Of course, changes in their routine are inevitable, but you have to introduce the new tasks slowly.
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2. Have Fun With Them
Regardless of their condition, they are still children. Having fun with them can help improve their day-to-day lives.
Activities such as painting, reading, listening to music, or using sensory swings have therapeutic effects on them.
According to Fox News, imaginative play can also help their minds become more creative. And in some institutions, they are used for therapy for autistic children.
Just make sure to include it in the routine you set for them.
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3. Understand Their Sensitiveness
Many children with autism are hypersensitive to sensory stimulations. They can have sudden mood swings because of certain sounds, lights, and even tastes.
However, there are also other kids who are under-sensitive to these things. The best thing to do is to study which of these things stimulates them the most and causes their negative reactions.
It is possible that they can react negatively to more than two things. So it is best to create a list once you’ve identified which ones affect them.
If you encounter new ones, include them as well. Be sure to avoid these things to avoid triggering them.
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4. Make Communication Easy
Another main challenge for both parents and their children with autism is communication. Many parents find it difficult to establish clear communication with their kids.
But as a parent, you have the responsibility to teach them about clear communication.
You can start with something simple by avoiding long and complicated instructions. It is best to keep it simple for them. And when you tell or ask them something, give them time to answer before asking the next question.
It is also helpful to use gestures or pictures to make them understand what you are trying to say.
Although they suffer from poor communication skills, a publication in Harvard shows that PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) can be a tool to help them improve their speaking skills.
It is a series of cards with different pictures that can help them create sentences.
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5. Be Consistent
Making your child feel comfortable is essential, and to achieve it, you have to be consistent in everything. Whether it is about their schedule or specific social skills, you have to create an environment where they can be harmonious.
When they are learning something in their school, it is highly recommended that you set a time to continue the lesson at home. This will make them understand more that it isn’t just for school activities, but they can apply it as well in real life.
They might think that their activities in school are only for that place, especially for socializing.
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6. Keep Them Healthy
We know that they have special needs, but they still need to be physically healthy. This means scheduling them for regular checkups is essential.
And when they reach their early adolescence, you can have them undergo an annual physical test. They also need to go to the dentist and optician.
Aside from medical checkups, their nutrition can also help with their well-being. So make sure to feed them healthy food and include simple exercises in their daily activities.
Show Them Your Love
With these things mentioned above, always include your love for them. They will surely cherish what you are doing, especially if it is for their daily lives.
You can give them a comfortable space by guiding them in their daily tasks.
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