Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you have a child with autism.
It can be an overwhelming feeling when you discover your child has autism. Many parents feel unprepared for what lies ahead in the future. There are going to me struggles; however, it is important to stay positive! There are all sorts of tools and resources available to you to help in your parenting journey. Here are some helpful tips for new autism parents.
Connect With Others
It is important to keep an open mind when you are speaking to others about your child. Try to stay open to suggestions and don’t dismiss ideas right off the bat. You may learn something new that could benefit your child. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help! There are many people who have been in the same boat and are more than willing to assist you.
Celebrate Your Child’s Accomplishments
Your child is going to develop skill sets over time. With that said, it is important to remain patient. When you notice that your child has made an accomplishment, celebrate it! It does not matter how small. For example, if you child has received good marks in school, take them out for ice cream! You want to make sure that your child knows they are doing a great job.
Discover Your Child’s Motivators
As a parent, you should know your child’s interests, likes, and dislikes. It is easier to parent when you know your child’s motivators. Sometimes, it can be extremely difficult to get a child to follow directions. However, incentives can be of great help to you. For example, maybe your child always throws a tantrum when they are told they have to eat their green vegetables. Tell them they can have their favorite dessert if they eat all of their veggies.
Consult An Expert Early
The more you know about your child, the better you can assist them. It is a good idea to get them evaluated when you suspect they are struggling with certain skill sets. For example, you may notice that your child is struggling on a social level. Your evaluator should be able to give you an explanation for your child’s behavior and provide you with some suggestions.
The Connections Therapy Center
The Connections Therapy Center serves families of children and adolescents with disabilities and special needs. We are a team of experts in the fields of pediatric speech, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and behavioral sciences. As a team, we offer intensive hands-on therapy for children and adolescents, as well as informative and useful resources for families. If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to help your family, visit us online or give us a call at (202) 561-1110 (Washington, D.C. office) or (301) 577-4333 (Lanham office). Want to get more information on how to help your child thrive? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and Pinterest.