( Everyday Life with Autism )

Here are a few basic tips to help parents, educators, and caregivers manage raising and educating children on the autism spectrum, while maintaining a work-life balance.

1- Birthing circumstances are very important. Premature Birth Can Alter Brain Wiring In Babies, study finds, according to the HUFFINGTONPOST.CO.UK. Researchers say that beeing born too early may explain the neurodevelopmental disorder such as autism and ADD. Dr. Hilary Toulmin from King’s College London said that next stage is to understand how premature birth is related to learning, concentration, and social difficulties. Researchers found that early-born babies show less connectivity between certain parts of the brain that affects the higher mental function. In addition, they found more connectivity between other parts of the brain involved in processing signals from the face, lips, jaw, toungue, and throat. The stronger connectivity could be related to early exposure to breast and bottle feeding.

Furthermore, the method of delivery can affect the baby too. Babies born with C-Section may face more challenges than in a natural labor. This decision needs to be discussed with your healthprovider, since every single woman is different and has her own priorities.

2- It is never enough to emphasize the importance of early interverntion. Parents, caregivers, or any person who happens to come in interaction with a child: if you start questioning or having doubts about the baby/toddler/child’s behavior or notice atypical signs, DON’T WAIT. Act upon the problem the soonest possible. Parents, consult with a health provider, like a developmental pediatrician, a neurologist, psychiatrist, or a child psychologist.

Screening for autism and diagnosing the condition is becoming easier and more accurate nowadays. Research shows that early intervention can hugely impact the course of the child’s and family’s future. Early intervention may not drop the “autism” label but can definitely move the child from a lower area on the spectrum to a higher one. How early can you get a diagnosis?

3- Dwelling on the fact that your child is confirmed autistic is not going to help her/him or the family. Clearly, the family is under the shock and this life-changing event will take time to grieve for. As parents, your job now is to move on to handle the new situation. Only then you’ll start feeling better. Find a support group.

4- Partners should support each other at this difficult time. Alas, many marriages get compromised because they don’t adopt the same perspective of their new life. Make sure not to get trapped in this dilemma. Nourish your relationship with your partner. Most importantly, take care of yourself.

5- Luckily, a range of home-based therapies are available for you to choose from. Parents can be the most effective and effecient therapists, for they know their child best. Educate yourself. Try out different strategies until you find the most appropriate. Adjust to your child’s needs, they keep changing over time.

6- Try to resort to activities that bring your child out of the house whenever it’s possible. Even a simple trip to the park where your child can kick/bounce the ball and meet people is great. Physical activities are crucial for development. Gross motor, fine motor, and mental development benefit hugely from a body in motion.

7- Nature is full of remedies. Sensory integration issuses can improve when in nature. The sunlight and fresh air boost the mood. Enjoy being outdoors with your child and practice with her/him some breathing execises. Try to relax, the journey is long.

8- In school, try to communicate as many helpful information to the staff to allow them to benefit from your experience. These information are so valuable. Teachers and educators: be good listeners, parents’ feedback can make your life much easier and can safe you a lot of temper tantrums you definitely don’t need in your classroom. Communication with parents is not a waste of time, it is actually a time and energy saver. Parents and teachers: keep a communication notebook going back and forth between home and school, so both stay on the same page.

9- No two kids with autism are the same. If schools are not providing the kind of education and services that meet your child’s needs, don’t waste your time, consider homeschooling.

10- Build on your child’s strengths. Math and language arts are great, but she/he may have a hidden talent that can give her/him a brilliant future.

Do your best and cheer up!

More tips?

nadia shanab