Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurological condition that emerges in early childhood. Autistic Pride Day is observed on June 18 annually with the aim to raise awareness about autism and create a supportive environment for individuals with autism. Moreover, it is critical to do away with the misconception that autism is a disease while recognizing the unique abilities of those on the autism spectrum and accepting their differences. Therefore, we have curated an excerpt note with five tips based on An Early Start for Your Child with Autism,’ on Audible that will help parents with autistic children navigate this journey better.
Having Fun with Sensory Social Routines
Sensory experiences hold immense significance in the lives of children with autism. Take the time to explore sensory activities that engage and captivate the child’s interest. Help them participate in activities that will help them feel happier and more motivated to engage with others. “These routines teach your child that other people’s bodies and faces “talk”—that they are important sources of communication, and that people can send and receive emotions face to face. In sensory social games, you will share smiles, make silly faces, add sound effects and expressions to all kinds of games, and draw your child’s attention to your face. These routines can also help regulate your child’s emotions, energy, and arousal levels so that your child is as alert and attentive as possible to you and ready to learn from you.”
Unlocking the Power of Proper Sleep
Experts emphasize the significance of sleep for a child’s daily routine and overall well-being. They urge parents to establish a regular sleep–wake schedule, including regular times for naps, going to sleep, and awakening. “In general, there should not be more than an hour’s difference in bedtimes and wake-up times during the week and weekends. Plan bedtime activities carefully to help calm your child before sleep, because children with ASD can easily be overstimulated. Avoid large meals close to bedtime. Bathing, lullabies, the presence of a familiar toy or blanket, and looking at books together are usually calming.”
Helping Your Child Learn by Imitating
Imitation, driven by mirror neurons in our brains, is a powerful learning tool that connects observed actions to our own learning. In children with autism, the mirror neuron system may be less active, but proper experience can activate it. By engaging their attention and motivation, we can stimulate their mirror neuron system, supporting their brain development. These activities involve imitation of sounds, hand gestures, body/facial movements, and actions on objects — “You model it first, then hand over the object to your child so he can imitate you. If your child doesn’t begin to imitate, then prompt him to imitate you, show enthusiasm for your child’s success, and then let your child play with the object any way he wants to for a minute.” Your child may find variations more captivating when it involves simple yet intriguing actions on objects. “Excellent materials for working on theme and variations include play dough, art activities, musical toys, and complex arrays of things.”
Promoting Language Development through Speech
Effective parental communication significantly impacts language development, including in children with autism. Talking frequently using simple language and face-to-face interaction aids in developing language skills and expanding their vocabulary. Important practices include narrating activities, labeling actions and objects, and sustaining the child’s attention during conversation. “Just labeling the environment for the child is huge, even if your child can’t engage in a reciprocal conversation with you.” It is crucial to engage in conversation throughout the day, during both play and non-play activities. “For children who are not talking yet, you want to keep your sentences really short and to the point. Limit your language to simple words and short phrases to capture the key nouns and actions of your child’s movements.”
Inducing Learning during Play Time
To determine which play skills to teach your child, consider their current abilities and preferences. Expand their toy play skills by increasing the number of toys they can engage with and by encouraging more complex play. Start with toys that involve cause-and-effect interactions, such as nesting measuring cups, pan lids that bang, rolling pins, and dough. “Play skills involve handling objects in some type of cause-and-effect play, like putting blocks in a shape sorter, putting pieces in a puzzle, or driving small cars around on the floor.” Electronic toys or gadgets encourage solitary play among young children with autism. “So while you are working on expanding play, we suggest you focus on simple constructive toys, household objects, and pretend play toys.”
Parenting a child with autism is a journey filled with love, resilience, and discovery. Tune into ‘An Early Start for Your Child with Autism,’ on Audible to understand the uniqueness and brilliance of our children, embrace their superpowers, find joy in everyday moments, connect with a supportive community, practice adaptability, and effective communication to foster their growth. Enjoy the journey, cherish each moment, and witness the true magic of their journey. Happy Autistic Pride Day!
