Posted on September 7, 2007 in latest news
Children with autism tend to misbehave not because they want to irritate you but because due to certain external factors which they themselves are unable to understand. Parents need to keep this fact in mind while dealing with autistic kids. Here are tips which will help you deal with your autistic kid in a better way.
- Know Your Child: It is very essential that you know your child. Your may feel that your child is giving you a difficult time but remember the child does not do it on purpose. The child does it because he/she is facing a certain problem and is unable to deal with it. This frustration causes the child to get aggressive or violent. Observe and study your child.Is your child extra-sensitive to sound and light? Does she need lots of sensory input? Is he likely to misunderstand a close approach? The more you know, the easier it is to troubleshoot a situation.
- Modify Your Expectations : Have a realistic expectation from your child. To complete a task is easy for a normal child but for an autistic child it is a very complex task. You need to be very patient with your child. Set goals which are short term in nature. Gradually your child will learn to deal with long term tasks.
- Modify the Environment : Safety is a very important factor you need to keep in mind while dealing with an autistic child. Autistic children have a neurological problem which prevents them from distinguishing tasks. They will not know that by cutting their hand with a knife they are harming themselves. Therefore avoid keeping any kind of objects around them which may harm them. Creating a safe environment around them is a must.
- Consider the Possible Sources of the Behavior: Many children on the autism spectrum either crave or over-respond to sensory input. By carefully observing your child, you may be able to figure out what’s setting him off.
- Remove Overwhelming Sensory Input : Remove any kind of sensory input which the child finds overwhelming. This way you will avoid your child from being triggered of by unwanted stimuli.
- Provide Sensory Input: If your child is crashing into couches, climbing the walls or spinning in circles, chances are she’s craving sensory input. Some people recommend bear hugs; other suggest squeezing youngsters between sofa cushions, rolling them up like “hot dogs” in blankets, or providing them with weighted vests or quilts.
- Look for Positive Outlets for Unusual Behaviors: Every behavior of your child can be converted into a positive one. While climbing the entertainment center may be “bad” behavior, climbing at a rock gym can be a great way to build muscles and friendships at the same time. While spinning at the grocery store may be odd, it’s ok to twirl on a tire swing. What’s a problem in one place may be a virtue in another!
- Enjoy Your Child’s Successes Every time your child makes an improvement appreciate him/her. Make them feel special and wanted. Acknowledge their achievement no matter how small it may seem.
- Worry Less About Others’ Opinions: It’s not easy, we do understand but it’s important to remember that your child is behaving in a certain manner because he/she is autistic – it is not their fault. Remember they do not mean to embarrass you intentionally
- Find Ways to Have Fun Together: It’s not always easy to associate autism and fun. But if you think about it, rolling your child up like a hot dog, bouncing on a trampoline or even sitting and cuddling together can be a lot of fun. Instead of worrying about the therapeutic value of each action, try just enjoying the silliness, the tickling, the cuddling…and most importantly your child
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