Autism is a neurological disorder that affects a person’s social interactions, communication abilities, and behavior. It is estimated that 1 in 68 children have autism, four times more likely in boys than girls (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). Families who have a child with autism often face many challenges. However, many ways exist to help manage autism and make life easier for families. Here are some helpful health tips for families on properly facing autism-related problems:
1. Understand Autism
There is no one cause of autism, and it is a spectrum disorder, which means that the symptoms and severity vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of autism include difficulty with social interaction, problems with communication, repetitive behaviors or movements, and a strong interest in specific topics or subjects.
Families must understand autism and its symptoms to manage the disorder best. There is a lot of information on autism, and families can seek support groups or counseling to help them cope. It is also important to remember that every child with autism is different, so what works for one child may not work for another.
2. Promote Positive Behavior
One of the best ways to help manage autism is to promote positive behavior. Many different techniques can be used, such as positive reinforcement, ABA therapy, and visual aids.
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding children for good behavior. This can be done with verbal praise, stickers, toys, or privileges. Finding what works best for each child and being consistent with rewards is essential.
ABA therapy is a type of behavior therapy that uses principles of operant conditioning. It involves breaking down activities into small steps and rewarding children for completing each step. Families who consider using ABA therapy for autism should consult with a professional to find out if it is the right fit for their child. This therapy can be done at home or in a clinical setting.
Visual aids can also help promote positive behavior. This could include using a picture schedule to help with transitions or providing visual cues for desired behaviors. Visual aids can be beneficial for children with autism who have difficulty understanding verbal instructions.
3. Establish Routine and Structure
One of the best ways to help manage autism is to establish a routine and structure. Having a set schedule can help provide a sense of predictability for children with autism, who often struggle with change. Routines can help with everything from sleep problems to meltdowns.
It is essential to be flexible when establishing a routine, as each child is different. Some children may need more structure than others, and routines may need to be adjusted as children grow older and their needs change. However, in general, having a routine can be very helpful for families dealing with autism.
4. Teach Social Skills
One of the best ways to help children with autism is to teach them social skills. This can be done through play, modeling, and specific social skills training.
Play is a great way for children to learn social skills. Pretend play, in particular, can be helpful as it allows children to practice new skills in a safe and non-threatening environment. Modeling is also a good way for children to learn social skills. Parents and caregivers can model desired behaviors such as making eye contact and sharing toys.
There are also many social skills training programs available that can help children with autism learn the skills they need to interact with others. These programs often use role-playing and other activities to teach children how to initiate conversations, take turns, and handle emotions.
5. Manage Sensory Issues
Many children with autism have sensory issues that can make everyday activities difficult. Sensory issues can include hypersensitivity to sound, light, or touch and hyposensitivity, which is a decreased ability to process sensory information.
There are many ways to help manage sensory issues. One way is to provide a calm and safe environment for hypersensitive children. This may involve using noise-canceling headphones or limiting bright lights. For hyposensitive children, providing stimulating activities such as swinging, jumping, or playing music may be helpful.
It is also essential to work on slowly introducing new sensations and activities. This could involve gradually increasing the music volume or adding new textures during playtime. It is essential to go at the child’s pace and stop if they become overwhelmed.
6. Help With Communication
Communication difficulties are common in children with autism. This can make it difficult for them to interact with others and express their needs. There are many ways to help children with communication difficulties, such as using alternative communication methods, providing visual support, and teaching social skills.
Alternative communication methods can be used when children are not able or not yet ready to use speech. These methods can include sign language, picture cards, and communication apps. Visual support can also help communicate with children with autism. This could involve using visual schedules to help with transitions or providing visual cues for desired behaviors.
Social skills training can also help teach children with autism how to communicate with others. This could involve role-playing activities or specific social skills training programs.
7. Seek Professional Help
Many families find it helpful to seek professional help to manage autism. Many professionals can help, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists.
These professionals can provide therapy and treatment for autism and advice and support for families. For instance, psychologists and psychiatrists can provide therapy to help with behavioral issues. Speech therapists can help with communication difficulties. Occupational therapists can help with sensory issues and fine motor skills.
Each family will have a different set of needs, and it is essential to find a professional who understands autism and can help address the specific challenges faced by the family. Many resources are available to help families find the right professional, such as the Association for Science in Autism Treatment or the Autism Society.
These are just a few helpful health tips for families facing autism-related problems. There is no right way to manage autism, as each child and family is different. However, these tips can help families find what works best for them.