Being a parent is a huge responsibility as well as a great joy. The little ones change your life totally. Their happiness becomes your ultimate goal. You always want to see your child healthy. So, compared to an adult, children who have a health issue need more care and attention.
In such case, everyday simple things can make a difference, apart from the medical care and therapies that you may line up to help your son or daughter.
Dr. Promilla Butani, a child specialist doctor in Delhi, guides you how to raise your child if he or she has autism. Following are some key points:
1. Do not focus only on negative things: Just like every other child,child with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviours they’re doing well, it will make them (and you) happy.
Tell them particularly what you liked about their behaviour. Reward them often, either with extra playtime or a small gift.
Also, as you would with anyone else, prize your child for who he or she is. As a parent, loving your child for who they are is vital.
2. Be regular and follow a schedule: People on the spectrum like routines. Make sure they get regular guidance and interaction, so they can practice what they learn from therapy.
This can make learning new skills and behaviours easier, and help them apply their knowledge in various circumstances. Interact with their teachers and therapists and try to align on a consistent set of techniques and methods of interaction so you can bring what they’re learning home.
3. Include fun activities in the routine: Apart from education or therapy, doing activities that seem like pure fun, may help your child open up and connect with you.
4. Time is the key: In order to figure out what’s best for your child, You’ll likely try a lot of different techniques, treatments, and approaches as you figure. Remain positive and try not to get disheartened if they don’t respond well to a particular method.
5. For daily activities take your child along with you: If your child’s behaviour. is unpredictable, you may feel like it’s difficult to expose them to certain circumstances. But when you take them on regular chores like grocery shopping or a post office run, it may help them get them used to the world around them.
6. Get support from others: Support from other families, experts, and friends can be a big help. Another good way to share advice and information is support groups, here you meet other parents dealing with similar challenges. Individual, marital, or family counselling can be helpful, too. Think about what might make your life a little easier, and ask for help.
7. Take a small relaxation break: This is when another caregiver take care of your child for a small time frame to give you a break. It is needed and give you a chance to do things that restore your own health. You will get a break from routine and thus when you come back home,you are ready to help.
Hope this information comes in handy for all the parents who are dealing with child’s autism. If you have more doubts or questions to ask kindly feel free to get in touch at info@drpromillabutani.com.