Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that parents can notice in children from early childhood. When a child has difficulties in social functioning and interaction with other people, cannot speak, shows unusual behavior with limited interests for the usual children’s activities, then parents suspect that their child has autism. Diagnosis can be a difficult moment for parents because they do not know what to expect and how to behave. Many people wonder what will happen with the future of their child and whether they will manage to help and recognize all the child’s needs.
Still, in these situations, no matter how hard it is, parents must accept the situation and try to cope with it. The first thing is that parents must know that their child will need more attention, tolerance, patience, and above all a lot of love and understanding. With love, understanding, and a constant struggle for progress, parents together with their child take serious steps to overcome many obstacles.
Parents Must Build Harmonic Relationships in the Family
Good and stable relationships in the family are very significant for the child with autism because the child feels harmony in the house and becomes happier. Parents should never blame each other for the autism of their child, nor be tortured with the environment. Instead, they should read a lot about autism, like the autismparentingmagazine.com which offers many useful advice and solutions. The house where the child lives should be a secure zone full of positivity, love, and game. Through harmonious relationships, without judging and pressure, parents can expect positive changes and progress in their children.
A Lot of Persistent Work Is Needed
The process of acquiring certain habits can be long-lasting and difficult, but parents should organize regularly and daily some routines useful for their child. For instance, parents should insist on their child adopting habits like brushing teeth and everything connected with hygiene. It would be useful for a child to learn to eat independently, to pour food into a plate, and to clean the mouth with a napkin after the meal.
If parents do these things on time and are consistent enough, then the results will not be missed. Parents should also respect the will and needs of their child, and listen to him or her carefully. If a child enjoys music, then they should connect the sound of that music with some habit that should be adopted.
Encourage Your Child All the Time
Always be positive and encourage good behavior in your child. Pay attention and seek appropriate behavior. When you notice even the slightest progress, praise your child with a compliment, smile, or warm embrace. Sometimes you can encourage your child with food or candy, or with some new toy or game. Try to find out what is the thing that motivates your child the most, and encourage that behavior.
If a child shows destructive or negative behavior, the best way is to ignore it, parents should never comment loudly or put even the mildest pressure on a child that struggles with autism. Parents should always be helpful if a child cannot do certain things and give their child time to react. Sometimes, your child will need more time or will not understand what you are asking for, so be there to help, encourage and motivate. You need to speak calmly, slowly, and clearly, to get the proper answer.
Find a Support
Some parents feel ashamed when they cannot achieve any progress with their child who struggles with autism. You are not ought to know everything, so you should never feel frustrated and lost. There are many associations for children with autism where you can go and ask for advice and help. It would be good for parents to look for support from professionals like psychologists and pedagogues.
Also, they should connect with other parents who have children with the same disease and listen to their experiences and practical advice. Mutual support will just empower parents’ desire to struggle more and help their child and themselves. If parents accept the situation with simplicity and comprehension, then everyday life will look normal, the family will function well and parents will form a close relationship with their child who has autism.
Be Mindful of Other Children
In a family where parents have other children, except the one who has autism, parents should pay attention to them as well. Parents must dedicate their time and have to talk a lot because children can sometimes feel rejected or ignored. They need to have their own space, spend enough time with their parents and enjoy their usual activities.
Parents must take care of themselves and never neglect their own needs. They should dedicate time to their partner and friends, and learn not to feel remorse if they are having a good time or feel happy. It is always good to have time to rest, build other social contacts, and enjoy the activities that fulfill you. It is the only way for parents to endure a long process that requires a lot of energy to provide all that is needed for their child with autism and the rest of the family.
Taking all these things into consideration, we can conclude that parents’ struggle with the disease of their child requires a lot of energy, patience, and determination. It is not easy and you cannot demand of yourself to always feel calm. There will be moments of exhaustion and frustration, but you should never give up or surrender. Small steps of your child toward improvement will motivate and make you happy and proud of your child and yourself because you will be aware that you are doing the right thing.
Read more from Eighty Mph Mom!
Small Eating Changes You Can Make for a Healthier Life
Strengthen Your Child’s Lungs: Keeping Your Kids’ Breathing Healthy
