Supporting Your Child With Autism: Resources and Therapy Options

If you have found out recently that your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) then you might be worried about what comes next. Of course, no parent is ever ready to deal with the fact that their child might not be happy or healthy. 

Moreover, diagnosis and treatment for ASD is very scary. You might not be sure about how to help your child. It is also possible to get confused about conflicting treatment options and guidance. Then, there are people who might have told you that ASD is a lifelong, incurable condition. 

More than confusing advice about treatment options, it is the idea that you can’t do anything about it – the idea that no matter what you do, it won’t make any difference. 

While it is absolutely true that autism is not a condition that your child will grow out of – it’s not baby fat! However, there are many treatment alternatives that can help kids acquire new skills to overcome a wide range of developmental challenges. 

From in-home behavioral therapy and free government services to school-based programs, there are multiple assistance options to meet your child’s special needs and help them learn, grow, and thrive. 

So, when you look after an autistic kid, it is also vital to take care of yourself. Being strong emotionally will help you to become the best caregiver for your child. The point is your child needs you – your support is vital for their growth. 

Stay tuned with us while we dive deep into the world of autism spectrum disorder and cultivate support for your children. 

But First, What Is ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)?

According to the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.”

While ASD is a genetic condition for many, it is probable there are other causes that are not known yet. In fact, scientists have even said that different causes of ASD act together, changing common behavioral patterns in people. 

At the end of the day, we are still learning about this disorder—its exact causes, to be precise, and how these can impact people.

A child with ASD will interact and behave in ways that are distinctively different from that of everyone else. 

Typically, ASD doesn’t have much to do with someone’s appearance – someone with ASD is not going to look any different in most cases. Rather, it is their behavioral patterns that vary significantly. 

For instance, while a person with ASD can develop advanced conversational skills, another might depend more on their nonverbal skills. 

On top of that, there are also cases where a person might need plenty of help with their everyday lives and cases where someone needs little to zero support. 

Typically, ASD can begin even before a child turns 3, and unfortunately, it can last a lifetime. However, it is also true that the symptoms improve over time. In fact, the earliest symptoms in kids can show up within the first year of their lives. 

However, in some other kids, symptoms might not show up until they turn 2. During this time, the child in question stops gaining any new skills or ends up losing the skills they once had. 

How To Support Your Child With Autism?

So, your child has been diagnosed with Autism recently. 

We understand that it can be overwhelming to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, several resources are available to support your family. 

For starters, there are local support groups and organizations for people with ASD. These groups host events, offer valuable information, and create networking opportunities for participants and their families. 

While it might seem like an invasion of your privacy to talk about your child with others. But remember, everyone is going through or has gone through what you are dealing with right now. 

Apart from online and local support groups, it is also vital to become familiar with various services as well as interventions available for kids with autism. These include social skill groups, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other programs, among others. 

Moreover, working with your child’s 

Working with your child’s healthcare provider, teachers, and other professionals can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your child’s specific needs and goals. 

Keep in mind that what works for one child may not work for another, so it’s essential to remain open-minded and flexible as you explore different options.

1. Check Out Behavior Therapy:

One of the most effective interventions for children with autism is behavior therapy, particularly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). ABA is a science-based approach that focuses on understanding and changing behavior by breaking down skills into small, manageable steps and reinforcing positive behaviors. 

Many families have found success with ABA therapy, as it can help children develop important life skills, improve communication, and reduce challenging behaviors.

For example, one family worked with an ABA therapist to teach their child with autism to brush his teeth independently by breaking the task down into simple steps and providing positive reinforcement. 

As more families embrace the flexibility of telehealth ABA therapy, it’s becoming increasingly accessible to those who may have previously faced barriers to traditional in-person therapy.

While ABA is a widely recognized and effective approach for children with autism, it’s important to remember that it is just one of many behavior therapy options available. 

Other approaches, such as Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) and the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), also focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and developing important skills. 

When choosing a behavior therapy approach for your child, consider factors such as their age, specific needs, and your family’s preferences and values. Working closely with a qualified behavior therapist can help you determine the best approach for your child and make adjustments as needed along the way.

2. Creating An Autism-Friendly Environment At Home:

Now, this one is important – you have to create a supportive and sensitive home environment for children with autism. 

So, what does autism-friendly mean? Of course, you and your family have to be sensitive to your child both emotionally and mentally. But at the same time, you also have to think about making your home physically autism-friendly. 

And it’s not difficult! Your home just needs simple changes like:

• A few sensory-friendly spaces.
• Stimulating toys.
• Dim lights.
• Low noise levels. 

Making such changes can actually make your child so much more comfortable at home, improving their ability to focus in their daily lives. Moreover, establishing daily routines and depending on visual schedules can help your child feel more secure. 

Apart from creating an autism-friendly home, you can also encourage your child to be more autonomous in daily life. 

You can help your kids do basic things on their own, like dressing up and preparing simple meals. This will not only improve their confidence but also prepare them for future challenges.

3. Foster Your Child’s Social Skills And Communication:

The two areas where your child is likely to face the most trouble are communication and social skills. But with the right efforts, you can help your child develop these skills – trust us on this one! 

You can use social stories, role play, and video modeling to teach your child not just to understand but also to practice social interactions. Moreover, role play is a powerful tool to teach your kid communication skills. Personally, we believe that role-play can help children to express themselves so much better. Plus, it also helps children interact with others easily. 

Then, there are assistive technologies such as communication devices that can offer additional support to your children, who typically struggle with verbal cues. For instance, you can check out speech-generating devices and picture-exchange systems for your child. 

Here are some tips to consider for fostering your child’s social skills and communication.

•  Be Consistent:

Kids with ASD have a difficult time applying what they have learned in a particular setting like school or their therapist’s office in a different setting like their home. For instance, your kid might use sign language for communicating at school. But at home, they face difficulty doing so. 

As a result, creating consistency in your kid’s environment is perhaps the best way to reinforce learning. You have to find out what teachers are teaching your child at school – what are their techniques? 

You can also explore the idea of having a few teaching sessions at home to make your child more comfortable. 

• Come Up With A Reward System:

Positive reinforcement goes a long way with kids who suffer from ASD. So, just make an effort to catch your child doing something good. You can also praise them when they learn something new. 

Moreover, you can reward them for behaving well – just give them a sticker or let them play with their favorite toys.

4. Find Nonverbal Ways To Connect:

It can be difficult to connect with an autistic child. But you do not actually have to speak or even touch to communicate and subsequently bond with them. You can communicate with nonverbal cues, such as exchanging glances, using tone, and using body language. 

Moreover, you have to understand that your child is also trying to communicate with you, even if they are not speaking to you directly. You just have to learn their language.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind while connecting with your child non-verbally! 

• Always Look For Nonverbal Cues:

If you are aware of your child’s antics and are also very observant, chances are you will easily pick up on your kid’s nonverbal cues. You have to pay attention to the different kinds of sounds, facial expressions, and gestures your child makes when they are hungry, exhausted, sleepy, or just want something.

• Find Out The Triggers Behind Their Tantrums:

It is natural to get upset when someone ignores or misunderstands you. In fact, it is no different for kids with ASD. In fact, when kids with autism act out, it is typically because you are failing to pick up their nonverbal cues. Also, throwing tantrums is also your child’s way of letting you know about their frustration and getting your attention.

• Pay Attention To Your Kid’s sensory sensitivities:

Most children who have ASD are very sensitive to smell, taste, touch, sound, and light. In fact, some kids are also under-sensitive to basic sensory stimuli. 

So, you have to find out what movements, smells, tactile sensations, sounds, and sights trigger your child’s disruptive or ‘bad’ behaviors. Moreover, you also have to know how you can get a positive response from your kids. 

It is not as difficult as it sounds. What does your child find enjoyable or calming? What does your child find stressful or uncomfortable? If you can understand what affects your kid, then you will be so much better at solving problems. 

You can also successfully prevent any difficult situation from happening, making your child’s everyday life better. 

The Importance Of Self-Care For Parents And Caregivers:

It can be challenging to care for an autistic child. In fact, it’s not just physically exhausting but emotionally demanding as well. Naturally, it is essential for caregivers, guardians, and parents to also think about their own well-being. 

As a result, identifying and subsequently managing caregiver stress is vital. It will help you to avoid getting exhausted. Plus, that way, you can maintain the energy and patience levels needed to support your kid. 

Moreover, building a solid support network around your child can create a valuable outlet for your child. Just get your family, friends, and even professionals to help your child build a strong support network in their daily life. 

You have to understand that if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your child. So, take some time off on some days and do what makes you happy – relax and engage in your hobbies. That way, you will be able to stay calm and maintain an optimistic outlook. 

You just have to remember that taking care of your own well-being isn’t selfish. In fact, it is a necessity—it will help you be the best caregiver for your kid. 

And It’s A Wrap!

In short, supporting a child with autism requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses resources, therapies, and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs. 

By understanding autism spectrum disorder, accessing support, implementing behavior therapy, creating an autism-friendly home environment, fostering social skills and communication, and prioritizing self-care, you can help your child thrive and reach their full potential. 

Always remember that you are your child’s greatest advocate and that with love, patience, and the right support, your family can navigate the challenges of autism and celebrate the joys and successes along the way.

Read Also:

• What Should You Look for in a Children’s Autism Center?
• The Top Pieces Of Advice For Australian Parents Who Deal With Autism Every Day
• How To Be Involved In Your Child’s ABA Therapy