Helping your autism spectrum child can be challenging. However, there are many simple ways you can help that can make a huge difference.
1. Get an early diagnosis. The earlier the better. As soon as you think your child might be on the spectrum take action.
2. Be positive even when it’s hard. Even children who are lower functioning can tell when mom or dad is depressed or upset about have a child with autism.
3. Get your child the right kind of therapy that they need to improve and become a functioning adult.
4. Encourage your child to do whatever they can do. Focus on can rather than can’t.
5. As a mother do everything you can to stay at home and to avoid working outside the home. While every child benefits from having a stay at home mom, it is even more crucial for children on the autism spectrum. Fin a way to work from home, if you need the income.
6. Avoid treating your child as different or special to the extent possible.
7. Avoid using too many medications. There are natural supplements and vitamins that can help and in many cases are much better.
8. Read and learn all you can about autism and the various forms.
9. Be willing to make diet changes if necessary. Even though it can be hard on the rest of the family, it may be in the best interest of your child to do this.
10. Stay hopeful. Even if it may seem like your child will not be able to do a lot of things right now, many children on the spectrum make drastic improvements as they get older.
11. Make sure any other children you have are well educated about what is going on with their sibling. Teach them to be loving and accepting.
12. Give your child one on one time alone with you.
13. Do everything you can to bond with and to connect with your child.
14. Choose the right form of education for your child regardless of what other teachers or other doctors may say. You know what is best so make that clear.
15. Seek out and get support from others in your community.
16. Try to find other children on the spectrum with whom your child can be friends.
17. Get your child retested as they grow older since their diagnosis can change.
AnnaLaura Brown is on the autism spectrum herself having been diagnosed at age 5 with PDD-NOS. While her childhood was very hard she is now a thriving and successful adult. She offers hope, help and inspiration to other parents via her site http://www.aspectrumofhope.com