March 19, 2022 · By Shopify API

Three Tips for Helping Your Autistic Child Thrive

Helping Your Autistic Child Thrive

You might have heard the saying, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” It’s a reminder that every autistic child is unique, and their path and life will be beautifully and wonderfully their own.

There’s another saying we like: “It takes a village.” In honor of that idea, we will look at three tips for helping your autistic child thrive. It’s not to say all autistic children are the same or respond the same way–far from it. However, history and experience show us practices and strategies proven to improve the lives of autistic children, and we want to share those tips with you!

Provide Safety and Structure

As you know, structure they can count on is essential for your autistic child. That’s why observing the following can make life easier for your entire family:

Keep a schedule: You’ve probably noticed how much your child benefits from a highly-structured day. It’s not in your head! Keep to your set routine as much as possible, including regular times for meals, bed, bath, waking, etc. This also means limiting disruptions to the schedule.

Be consistent: In the same spirit as keeping a regular schedule, maintaining consistency means maintaining familiar things for your child. For example, your child’s therapist uses one technique, but their school uses another. This type of inconsistency can be extremely confusing and upsetting. Try to learn as much as possible about how your child is being taught and supported, and aim for consistency in and out of the home.

Make a safe space within a safe space: Your home is already a safe space, but your ASD child needs an area all their own. Carve out a special place just for your child and let them know it’s their refuge. This space might include an autism swing, bean bag, weighted blanket, sensory toys, or anything else that helps your child relax, decompress and feel calm.

Connect With Your Autistic Child Nonverbally

Each child with ASD is unique, and their communication styles will vary greatly. As their parent, no one knows your child’s distinct “language” better than you. The great news? You don’t have to touch or use spoken language to connect with your child in meaningful ways.

You’re aware of your child's many nonverbal cues to get your attention. Whether they’re hungry, tired, scared, or looking for something they lost, you might notice facial expressions, sounds, gestures and, finally, the dreaded tantrum. Often, a meltdown is a child’s last resort when we miss their nonverbal cues.

You might try keeping a journal of how your child communicates with you nonverbally. Write down certain expressions, gestures and sounds and what you think they might mean. Then you can see if the same nonverbal expressions are used in the same way in the future.

Get Help and Support

That village we were talking about? Don’t be afraid to let them know you need help! Caring for a child with ASD can be challenging, rewarding, incredible and overwhelming. Those things may seem like contradictions, but they’re not! Being a parent is a complex job, and none of us should walk that road alone.

First, there’s the support your child needs through their education and therapy. This will likely require some research as you decide what’s best for your child.

Then, there’s the support you need as a parent! In addition to receiving help from family and friends, there are many ASD communities ready to offer support.

Don’t forget to join our Facebook Group and follow us on social media to access free teletherapy sessions, score discounts on sensory products and receive encouragement and support from sensory parents all over the globe!