Parents’ active involvement in the diagnosis and treatment of their children with developmental disorders is crucial to the long-term success of the effort to educate those with autism.
As it is now recognized as a significant element in the long-term outcome of serious issues, the necessity of active parental involvement in the diagnostic and therapy process of children with various developmental abnormalities has been highlighted in recent years. The significance of empowering and educating parents to use their abilities to improve the quality of life for the family and the kid is also emphasized.
What is an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe, pervasive disturbance of a person’s development that persists throughout a person’s life and affects a person’s perception, thinking, and behavior. It is distinguished by significant challenges in the development of social and communication skills and mutual interactions. the individual who exhibits limited and recurrent stereotyped interests and actions and is surrounded by others.
It should be stressed that social dysfunction in children with ASD is extremely diverse. While some children actively want interaction but lack empathy or interact interactively, others lack motivation for interaction, which in certain circumstances results in avoidance of touch and eye contact. Additionally, people with ASD struggle to organize their emotions, which makes it difficult for them to communicate with those around them. This has an impact on their family and their ability to socialize.
The Parent’s Role in Autism:
One of the most challenging and perplexing jobs in life is raising a child with autism. Sometimes it is simple to overlook warning indications. Some parents may use the argument that their child is still young and that it is best to wait and see. Even worse, some parents may already be aware that something is off, but they choose to ignore it due to social pressure that makes it impossible for them to accept this.
It’s traumatizing for parents to learn that their child has autism, and it’s easy for them to place the blame on one another or themselves for either having produced “poor” genes or neglecting the child owing to other obligations.
Rather than blaming themselves, parents should focus on being supporting figures who can help them assist their children.
Since early intervention is crucial to the success of autism therapy, you should obtain a professional diagnosis and advice as soon as possible. Parents are regarded as co-therapists and are able to provide the necessary details about their child’s daily activities, growth, and course. They can also actively participate in therapy, support the therapeutic-educational process, and take the lead in asserting their child’s rights, educating other parents about the challenges of raising a person with autism, and providing support to them. Quality collaboration with specialist health and education professionals with expertise in the sector to ensure the growth and quality of life of their child, however, can have a good impact on the role of parents in utilizing their potential.
Parents Training:
Parent training is another way that parents may be involved, and it’s a really effective way to encourage skill maintenance and generalization in autistic kids.
Few public-school programs incorporate parent training as part of the Early Childhood Special Education curriculum, despite the fact that it is thought to be a crucial element of effective intervention programs for children with autism.
Autism and behavior management education for parents can boost their self-esteem and confidence while also influencing their children’s conduct.
Parents who are taught to teach and praise their children for good behavior demonstrated considerably less positive parent-child interaction than parents who were taught to focus on motivating and responding to their children. The crucial behavior modification program also helps to relieve the parents’ tension.
How to help a child with ASD?
Your child’s cooperation may be maintained and interactions facilitated by motivation and proactive measures. When deciding what you want to do with your child, take into account their age, developmental stage, preferences, strengths, and requirements. Plan your special time for when your child seems peaceful and environmentally conscious (recently ate, rested, no recent tears or tantrums, normal breathing rate, responding to you).
Advance environmental preparation (arrange materials, limit distractions, have motivating items ready and visible, set behavioral parameters). Use prompts, such as schedules, schedule terms, or schedule visuals, to assist your youngster comprehend the expectations and the order of the duties.
Choose an Activity:
Your child might only have a small variety of interests. Make an effort to provide options (using words or graphics) or build on what they find appealing. For instance, if your kid like vehicles, incorporate cars into a math game. Take a look at baseball cards together and chat about them if they like to discuss baseball statistics. Play their favorite song while you play if they enjoy music. Read a book or social story that features their preferred character, then pause to discuss it. Even naturally occurring routines like meals, bath time, or getting dressed can be participated in. To adapt the activity to their age and developmental stage, feel free to substitute materials or activity elements.
Additional Points to Consider:
It may be necessary to take breaks, switch up the activity, or use calming strategies if your child displays signs of boredom and irritation while participating in an activity. Try to wrap up the activity positively and try it again later. For the next time, follow what worked well and what was difficult for you and your child and learn from those experiences.
All children benefit from consistency, so stick at it and be proud of the parenting you’re doing every day.
