Raising a Child with AUtism (Essay Sample)

Raising a Child with Autism
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Raising a Child with Autism
It is undeniable that raising a child with autism is difficult. There is a lot of study on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but there isn't much on raising and caring for someone who has it. Autism, also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects one out of every 100 children worldwide, and the frequency of the condition is constantly increasing. ASD is a neurological disorder that causes problems with social interaction, communication, and conduct. The following sections look at a few different approaches to raising children and assisting them in developing into the effective individuals they are capable of becoming.
When it comes to raising a child with autism, consistency is key. Children with ASD struggle to transfer what they've learned in one context (such as a therapist's office or school) to another, such as their home. For example, your child may communicate using sign language at school but never consider doing so at home. The best strategy to reinforce learning is to provide consistency in your child's environment. (Hutman, Smith & Segal, 2021) Learn what your child's therapists are doing and replicate their methods at home. Consider having your child's therapy take place in multiple locations to encourage him or her to transfer what he or she has learned from one environment to another. It's also crucial to maintain consistency in your interactions with your child and how you handle tough behaviors.
Sticking to a timetable may also be effective. When children with ASD have a much regulated schedule or routine, they farewell. This is related to the need for and desire for constancy. Create a routine for your child that includes normal meals, therapy, school, and bedtime hours. Make every effort to keep this routine as consistent as possible. If a schedule change is unavoidable, prepare your youngster ahead of time. Another suggestion is to reward them for their good behavior. With children with ASD, positive reinforcement can go a long way, so make an effort to “catch them doing something good.” Praise them when they behave appropriately or acquire a new skill, and be precise about the conduct you're praising them for. Other ways to reward children for excellent behavior include giving them a sticker or allowing them to play with a favorite item.
Creating a home safety zone may also give children a sense of security. Create a private space in your home for your youngster to unwind, feel comfortable, and feel secure. This will entail structuring and establishing boundaries in a manner that your child can comprehend. Visual clues can be extremely useful (colored tape marking off-limits areas, labeling items in the house with pictures). If your child is prone to tantrums or other self-injurious behaviors, you may also need to safety proof the house.
It can be difficult to connect with a child with ASD, but you don't have to talk or even touch to communicate and attach. You connect with your child by the way you look at them, the tone of your voice, your body language, and maybe the way you touch them. Even if your child never speaks, he or she is talking with you. All you have to do now is learn the language. Another useful technique for raising a child with autism is to be aware of nonverbal cues. You can learn to pick up on the nonverbal clues that children with ASD use to communicate if you are attentive and alert. When they're weary, hungry, or want something, pay attention to the sounds they make, their facial expressions, and the motions they employ (Hutman, Smith & Segal, 2021). If your child is throwing tantrums, attempt to figure out why he or she is doing so. It's only normal to be frustrated when you're misunderstood or disregarded, and children with ASD are no exception. It's common for children with ASD to act out because you're not paying attention to their nonverbal clues. A tantrum is their way of expressing their dissatisfaction and gaining your attention.
Make time for enjoyment and include recreation in your schedule. Even if a child has ASD, he or she is still a child. There must be more to life than therapy for both children with ASD and their parents. Playtime should be scheduled when your child is most attentive and awake. Consider what makes your child grin, laugh, and come out of her or his shell to come up with methods to have fun together. If the activities don't appear to be therapeutic or instructional, your youngster is more likely to enjoy them. There are numerous advantages to enjoying your child's company as well as your child's enjoyment of spending unhurried time with you. All children need to play to learn, and it should not feel like work.
It's critical to pay attention to your child's sensory sensitivity. Light, sound, touch, taste, and smell are all hypersensitive in many children with ASD. Some autistic children are “hyposensitive” to sensory stimulation. Determine which sights, sounds, scents, motions, and tactile sensations cause your child to engage in "bad" or disruptive behavior, as well as which ones evoke a favorable response. What is it about your child that makes him or her anxious? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? (Hutman, Smith & Segal, 2021) You'll be better at solving problems, avoiding tough circumstances, and generating positive expe