If you have a child with autism, you’ll understand the importance of a proactive approach when it comes to learning about the condition. Your child will be able to cope with their condition far better if you work closely with others involved in your child’s care, so the better equipped you are in terms of your knowledge, the better. It’s also important that you take care of yourself so that you can face any challenges that may come your way. You should ask your GP of any local autism groups, as these are a great source of information for managing your child’s symptoms and helping them to deal with the condition. Studies have shown that parent and family education can help to reduce family stress and improve the functions of your child. You can help them to become more independent simply by understanding the condition more, so that you’re better equipped to help them deal with the challenges they will likely face as they grow up. For example, be aware of your child’s educational rights – there are laws in place which can help handicapped children, including those with autism. In fact, where your child’s education provider is concerned, close communication is vital – your child will need support from more than simply their family unit, and their teachers will play a key role in their development. The more knowledge they have about the condition, the better you can work together to provide a supportive environment.
One of the best ways to manage autism is to learn the various ways to handle the range of emotions, fears and concerns that a child with autism may face. The challenges, both long-term and daily, that you and your other children face may increase the risk of depression or stress-related illnesses. It’s vital that you consider the ways to deal with these, so that you can reduce the risk for your whole family, as well as your child who is coping with autism. These may include getting involved in a hobby, visiting friends or finding ways to relax – seek out things you can enjoy which are separate to your general day-to-day activities. You should also look for support from other people – this may be friends, relatives or support groups. The latter is particularly important, especially in the early stages of diagnosis, as you will be amongst people who understand what you’re going through and can provide information and resources to you to make your life easier. Also, don’t forget the importance of speaking to your GP – they may be able to advise of counsellors who specialise in speaking with families dealing with autism. They can help your child deal with the emotions they will be feeling about their condition, as well as other family members who may be finding it difficult to cope with the stresses of this condition.
There are some key ways to help your child by developing a more structured home life for them. For example, consistency will help enormously to reinforce learning. You can achieve this by sticking to a schedule and try to keep disruptions to a minimum where possible. You may find it beneficial to create a home ‘safety zone’ where your child can relax and feel secure – visual cues and set boundaries will help in this situation. You should make time for fun, so that your child has time in the day to relax and enjoy themselves – this will help them to take their mind off of the stresses of their condition, as well as give you time to bond as a family. Lastly, you should pay attention to the visual signs of your child’s behaviour, such as their facial expressions or tone of voice – these will help you deal with their activity more effectively.