Posted by Savneet Singh on Apr.28, 2009

©iStockphoto.com - mrPliskin

Hearing a diagnosis of Autism for their child can be very upsetting to parents. The guidelines issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics confirm that diagnosing a child’s autism and getting appropriate therapy early is easier on the child. Parents, family members, primary caregivers, pediatricians and other health care providers have intimate knowledge of a child’s development and can identify the first signs of emerging problems during the child’s development.

Earlier the identification is better for diagnosis. Parents can play a great role in initiating the process of helping their child learn to relate, communicate and think while the professional are screening and performing comprehensive evaluations. The start of educational and therapeutic programs may take some time. In the meantime, parents can take initial steps. Children benefit most by getting help in an early stages when their nervous system is growing most rapidly. Early diagnosis and treatment for autism can prove to be very effective in avoiding developmental delays.

Know Autism

The best way to help your newly diagnosed child is to know as much as you can about your child and the differences or problems he is having. The more you know, the more you can do to help your child. There is plenty of information available in books, web sites, articles, and professionals who offer support and information. But you have to be picky, because not all of this information may be useful or correct. You really have to work hard to find advice or a treatment that is really useful and works for your child. Get input from other parents. Review success and failure stories.

Help Educators and Professionals Understand Your Child

Try your best to tell whatever you know or you have observed about your child to the professionals. Parents know their children best. As a parent, you are the best source for professionals for gathering information about your child. You are aware of what sets your child off and what comforts him or her. This information will help educators and professionals to spend their time with your child in a more productive way.

Limit Expectations

As parents you might have some expectations with your child but you have to accept the fact that your child may not become the computer software professional or doctor that you hoped she would. She may not be on par with other children in developmental milestones and appropriate behaviors. You have to focus on smaller and reachable goals. The main concentration should be on helping your child reach her unique potential.

Respect Sensory Needs

Most children with autism either become frustrated or get overwhelmed by too much sensory input. You, as a parent must know your child’s sensory stimulation pattern. Adjust the environment according to his needs. For instance, if your child is shutting or blocking his eyes, create an environment of dim lights.

Spend Quality Time with Your Child

Although treatment at home is important, never forget your role as a parent who has to send love and warmth to your child. You may have very structured treatment plans at home. In this kind of situation, you may start behaving like the teacher or therapist of your autistic child. But do not forget to have fun and make him feel good in your company.

Guide Unsocial Behavior into Socially Acceptable Behaviors

You have a great challenge to channel unsocial behavior into socially acceptable behaviors, especially if your child has self-stimulating behavior. Adapt these behaviors to be more socially acceptable. For example make your child climb a jungle gym rather than the household furniture.

Encourage Child’s Strengths

Praise your child for what she can do rather than discouraging her for what she can’t. Praise her strengths. Let her not feel ashamed of her weaknesses.

Help Educators and Professionals Understand Your Child

Parents know their children best, and are aware of what sets them off and what comforts them. Inform educators and professionals of these things so that their time spent with your child is more productive.

Don’t Worry About Others’ Opinions

Do not think what other people are going to say about your child’s behavior. You may be worried that your child’s behavior can be perceived as odd, unruly, etc. People may think your child’s behavior as a result of bad parenting. But keep in mind to do your best and keep moving on.

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Posted under Alternative Treatments, Autism, Family.