| How do autistic children cope in family | | | | understand certain behaviors they have. These |
| environments? This is one of the critical questions | | | | behaviors are manageable. |
| one wants answered, when one has learned, their | | | | Many parents with autistic children have |
| child has been given the diagnosis of autism. How | | | | experienced times when their child may not be as |
| will this affect their family life, and how can they | | | | interactive, 'cuddly', and communicative as a |
| make life manageable, for the child with autism? | | | | well-balanced, functioning child. The parent should |
| Autism studies show that, at least one in one | | | | not feel left out, if the child does not want to |
| hundred people are diagnosed with autism. Autism | | | | interact with them, or with other family members. |
| is a challenging and mysterious disorder, and | | | | Autistic children enjoy playing alone, being in a |
| affects each and every child differently. Diagnosis | | | | safe area, such as a corner, or a specified |
| is difficult, and treatment is long term, as every | | | | comfortable area. Loud noises, bright lights, |
| autistic individual reacts differently. It becomes a | | | | flashing lights, new people, and different |
| challenge for your child to feel safe in their | | | | environments may cause more stress for the |
| surroundings, without shutting them out from the | | | | child with autism and confusion. Understanding that |
| rest of the world. The home is where one wants | | | | this is not part of the lack of love from the child, |
| to focus on making it feel safe and comfortable | | | | is important, and will allow you to make the child |
| for the child with autism, and the entire family. | | | | feel comfortable and safe. |
| Family dynamics is different for everyone. Some | | | | Extended family could create unexpected stress |
| autistic children find loud noises and interacting with | | | | and negative behavior patterns for a child with |
| others to be stressful. In addition, having multiple | | | | autism. Relatives may not understand that an |
| children in the household can make it harder for | | | | autistic child might want to be alone, and they |
| the child with autism to communicate. Having | | | | may try to force the child to interact or socialize. |
| other children in the household may be | | | | This will result in issues and tantrums. It is |
| overwhelming for the senses of the autistic child, | | | | extremely important to educate extended family, |
| but it can be advantageous for he or she, to be | | | | on the disorder of autism, and why the child may |
| aware of new stimulus and activity that may | | | | behave in certain ways. Everyone who interacts |
| create a healthy environment. Other children in | | | | with the child, needs to respect their boundaries |
| the family can be taught to respect their needs, | | | | and choose ways that the child feels is |
| their space of an autistic child, and try to | | | | comfortable for his or her personality. |