Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and happy. But when you’re suddenly told that your child may not be neurotypical, even if you don’t fully understand the term, it can feel downright scary.
But more than feeling scared, you feel unprepared. You don’t know what to do, even though you obviously want the best for your child. Confusion is normal – even more so when there’s so much conflicting information about autism.
Is it really incurable? Is it a lifelong condition? Will my child ever go back to being normal like the other kids? How do I even begin to deal with this?
What is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is a developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates, interacts, and behaves with others. It’s the official medical term for autism.
It’s called a spectrum disorder because every autistic person experiences different symptoms to a different degree. The diagnosis may be the same, but two children with autism will most likely behave in very different ways.
Some common types of ASD are:
- Asperger’s Syndrome – also known as the milder side of autism.
- Pervasive Development Disorder – the more severe end of the spectrum.
- Autistic Disorder – this is where symptoms get even more intense.
What Does Autism Look Like?
There are multiple symptoms that indicate autism, but it is only diagnosed if most of them are observed to affect a child’s ability to communicate, learn, explore, and build relationships.
Some of these symptoms are:
- Unusual body language like avoiding eye contact, physical touch, and using inappropriate gestures.
- Lack of verbal communication or difficulty learning to speak.
- Repetitive actions and movements, to an obsessive degree, like fidgeting and arranging toys in a certain order.
- Lack of interest in playing or interacting with others.
- Intense emotional reactions like crying hysterically or destroying things for no reason.
The First Step
Although it’s true that autism is not something your child can simply be “cured” of, many treatments and behavioral changes do help them improve. From therapy to schooling, there are resources available to help autistic children build their own skills and grow in life.
So, the first step is to not wait. If you suspect your child to be autistic, start the treatment right away. The earlier you do, the better results it will yield.
That’s not to say you’re too late if your child has now grown up and is no longer a toddler. Treatment works at every stage, but it’s usually faster when you start earlier.
Look for Autism-Specific Resources
Now that you know what autism is, what it can look like, and what assistance is available for your child, it’s time to talk about what you can do.
You’ve learned about autism. You probably spent a good amount of time understanding parenting as well. But what about autism-specific parenting?
Mainstream parenting advice doesn’t always address the unique needs of neurodivergent children. From sensory sensitivities to communication styles, caring for an autistic child requires special strategies, where you don’t only guide them but also encourage individuality.
Among all the different challenges, having access to the right resources makes a lot of difference. Whether it’s an early diagnosis, you’re exploring therapy options, or simply looking for a community that understands, finding your community is the best choice.
Look for an autism parenting magazine that not only offers expert advice but also real-life stories you can relate to. This will help you feel less alone, connecting you with other parents, caregivers, and professionals’ advice on parenting with autism.
Understand Your Child’s Needs
Nobody understands your child as well as you do, even though it may not feel like it sometimes, especially when they’re autistic.
The most common challenge of caring for an autistic child is understanding their sensory needs. A lot of children with autism tend to have a higher sensitivity to light, sounds, and certain textures.
Take your time and find out what your child’s triggers are. What stresses them out? What makes them feel uncomfortable? And what are some things they seem to enjoy?
If you figure out the answers to these questions, you’ll know how to tackle and prevent unwanted and difficult situations for your child, like having noise-canceling headphones or dim lighting.
Encourage Social Interaction
Not all children with autism communicate in the same way. Some are okay with verbal communication, while others are non-verbal and prefer communicating through gestures.
Effective communication is a significant part of parenting, whether your child is autistic or not. Figure out their communication style, observe their non-verbal cues, and pay attention to the expressions they make.
You’ll soon be able to tell what sound they make when they’re hungry and what gesture means they’re tired.
The next most challenging task for children with autism is social interaction. When you’ve worked on learning and improving their communication, only then push them to communicate in low-pressure environments. And let them proceed at their own pace.
Build Routine and Predictability
Autistic children have a hard time learning things because they struggle with consistency. If they learn to communicate with pictures at school and you don’t have the same tools at home, they’re not going to remember what they’ve learned.
Routine is comforting for them. Make a schedule for them and stick to it. Set regular times for school, therapy, eating, and bedtime. This also helps reduce the anxiety they feel and builds good habits.
Remember to always celebrate small wins (no matter how small!) and reward them for good behavior by praising them or giving them some extra playtime.
Seek Support
Taking care of a child with autism requires a lot of energy and patience. So, make sure you’re not neglecting your own health in the process. Connect with other parents, look for support groups, and engage in activities that prevent burnout.
Finally, keep this in mind: Children experience autism in different ways. Instead of wondering why your child isn’t “normal,” accept them. Do not compare them with other children. Acceptance is also a part of affection.
Yes, things might get frustrating at times. You might even want to give up. But giving your child the unconditional love they deserve will also help them learn better. And hey, you both have plenty of time to learn and grow!
Your child has an entire life ahead of them; make sure you become a positive part of it.
