| Managing an autistic child can be difficult at times, | | | | your child. |
| which is why having autism strategies in place can | | | | 8. Try using visual aids like flash cards or picture |
| make the difference between coping and feeling | | | | books when communicating as these can help get |
| overwhelmed. The strategies don't have to be | | | | your message across and cement understanding. |
| difficult or complex, it's really simply a matter of | | | | 9. Try to be as consistent as possible with |
| ensuring that your child feels secure, comfortable, | | | | everything you do involving your autistic child. This |
| and calm, so that they can grow and develop in a | | | | includes punishments. |
| positive environment. | | | | 10. If an autistic individual is not coping, he/she |
| It's important to remember that a number of the | | | | requires a "safe" place where they can retreat in |
| behaviors autistics display are those that they | | | | order to calm down and de-stress. |
| have developed in order to provide security and | | | | 11. If your child is not coping with a situation, |
| certainty to the world that surrounds them. Some | | | | consider if underlying causes (I.E. confusion, stress, |
| of the behaviors that an autistic child naturally | | | | fear, pain or over-stimulation) could be a factor |
| develops are designed to shut out situations they | | | | and try to remove that cause. |
| find too difficult to cope with. Thus applying the | | | | 12. When the stress levels of an autistic have |
| right approach can help a parent reach their | | | | reduced, encourage them to return to group |
| autistic child instead of being shut out. | | | | activities or situations. |
| The following is a list of 15 different autism | | | | 13. Speak to the school to see if a buddy system |
| strategy suggestions parents can utilize to help | | | | could be introduced to help provide academic and |
| them manage their children with autism spectrum | | | | social support. This involves pairing autistic kids |
| disorders: | | | | with non-autistic peers. |
| 1. Provide a predictable environment and daily | | | | 14. Before attempting to alter or discourage a |
| routine | | | | behavior that you think is inappropriate, carefully |
| 2. Prepare your child in advance for any changes | | | | consider if this is necessary, as the behavior you |
| that need to occur to the routine, don't spring | | | | are trying to diminish may be replaced by |
| surprises on them. Keep in mind changes should | | | | something worse. |
| only be made when absolutely necessary. | | | | 15. Don't take autism behaviors personally, find |
| 3. Activities should have structure. | | | | ways to de-stress yourself and remember that |
| 4. Distractions should be kept to a minimum, | | | | laughter is often the best medicine when you're |
| especially when communicating, so don't try | | | | at your wits end. |
| competing with the TV or lots of background | | | | For discover more autism coping strategies sign |
| noise when giving instructions. | | | | up for the free newsletter below. |
| 5. Ensure you have your child's full attention when | | | | In addition, parents need to keep in mind that |
| trying to communicate with them. | | | | education is one of the best autism strategies |
| 6. When giving instructions they should be simple | | | | they can apply in their efforts to manage their |
| and direct so there is no room for | | | | child's autism. The more information one knows |
| misunderstandings. | | | | about autism, the easier it will be to cope, |
| 7. When instructions are given, you need to allow | | | | understand the needs of autistics, and help |
| enough time for your child to process them. | | | | provide them with the best environment to grow |
| Autism strategies require patience - don't rush | | | | up in. |