Helpful tips for parents of autistic children

Parenting is a difficult endeavor as it is, but parenting a child with autism comes with a whole other list of difficulties. Here are some tips from parents of autistic children, that may make the process a little easier, according to myaspergerschild.com:

1. Cope with the grieving process: it’s natural and healthy to grieve over your child’s illness, but don’t focus on it and the negatives. Stay positive and capable, for your child and your family.

2. Look after yourself: Caring for an autistic child takes time, but if you don’t spend any on yourself, you’ll have nothing left to give. Takes some time out to exercise, make sure you eat properly, and even try to find some alone time.

3. Adapt routines: Autistic children thrive on routines, and become distressed when those routines change. It’s also important to adapt a routine that works for the child, instead of just fitting him/her into yours. Find a schedule that suits everyone.

4. Arm yourself with knowledge: The more you know about the condition, the better you will be able to deal with it.

5. Get support: A support system is crucial. And not just a family and friends system, but a group of people who are familiar with autism and may be able to help you out with the intricacies of the condition. People who understand exactly what you’re going through will be extremely helpful.

When your child has autism: Tips for parents

• Learn about autism. The more you know about autism spectrum disorders, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.
• Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kid’s “bad” or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your autistic child find stressful? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you’ll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing situations that cause difficulties.
• Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is “missing,” practice acceptance. Enjoy your kid’s special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else.
• Don’t give up. It’s impossible to predict the course of an autism spectrum disorder. Don’t jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.

A parent’s guide to autism treatment and support

If you've recently learned that your child has or might have an autism spectrum disorder, you're probably wondering and worrying about what comes next. No parent is ever prepared to hear that a child is anything other than happy and healthy, and a diagnosis of autism can be particularly frightening. You may be unsure about how to best help your child or confused by conflicting treatment advice. Or you may have been told that autism is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you concerned that nothing you do will make a difference.

While it is true that autism is not something a person simply "grows out of," there are many treatments that can help children learn new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioral therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child's special needs. With the right treatment plan, and a lot of love and support, your child can learn, grow, and thrive.

Don’t wait for a diagnosis

As the parent of a child with autism or related developmental delays, the best thing you can do is to start treatment right away. Seek help as soon as you suspect something’s wrong. Don't wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Don't even wait for an official diagnosis. The earlier children with autism spectrum disorders get help, the greater their chance of treatment success. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child's development and reduce the symptoms of autism.