When you learn that your child has a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it can be overwhelming. The vast amount of information on the internet can be helpful, but it can also be confusing. At Opya, we understand that parent training is as vital as your child’s therapy. You need to feel secure about how to proceed, what daily tasks and procedures should be prioritized, and whom you can ask for trustworthy advice. With the holidays approaching, we’d like to share tips for a safe and fun experience for your child.
We can help you prioritize your first steps, remind you to breathe and provide guidance for what comes after the first steps. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time you need, and don’t be hard on yourself. You can reach us by completing our online contact form or simply call us at (888) 300-OPYA.
Five Tips for Parents with Children Diagnosed with Autism
Your primary physician has probably provided you with a list of therapists, educators, and medical professionals who can support your child through each stage of development and ensure positive growth.
In addition to the support of professionals, there are things you can do every day to help your child and provide opportunities for learning and fun. Below are five tips to keep in mind.
- Create routines – A daily schedule will be your greatest tool. Because children diagnosed with autism have difficulty transitioning from one activity or task to another, going over the day’s plan in the morning helps.
- Set boundaries – When your child’s therapist comes into the home, as Opya clinicians do, it is a good idea to create literal boundaries between learning or therapy space and family space.
- Focus on the positive – Positive reinforcement is a core principle of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, which is widely used for children diagnosed with autism.
- Don’t isolate – We know it can feel overwhelming to go out into the world, given the unpredictable nature of autism. It may seem easier to stay home because you don’t want to trigger certain behaviors or expose your child to potentially unpleasant situations.
- Make time for self-care – You are not much good to your child if you burn out. And burnout can creep up on you if you are not careful. Rather than having a meltdown one day because you are exhausted and have run out of ideas, be proactive. Set aside time for yourself whenever possible.
This list is far from exhaustive, but it is a start. Contact Opya today for more tips for parents with children diagnosed with autism
