Managing Autism

By Kasturie Nadasen

As a parent, discovering that there is something different with your child can be difficult, however when it comes to autism early diagnosis, usually between 18 and 36 months, makes a significant difference in the foundation years of a child’s development and growth.

There are also many things that can be done to help children with autism overcome their challenges, make daily life easier, and have a successful future, by learning all you can about the different autism spectrum disorders, and the latest intervention methods available, you can make a huge difference in your child’s life.

The Autism Awareness Group based in Merebank offers their services and share handy tips for raising a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs)

• Learn about autism – The more you know about ASDs, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about appropriate intervention options, ask questions, and participate in all intervention and therapy sessions.
• Don’t wait for a diagnosis – As a parent of a child with autism, the best thing you can do is to start intervention as soon as possible. Don’t wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem.
• The earlier children with autism receive help, the greater their chance is for an independent life. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child’s development and reduce the impact of autism on their life.
• Early detection is up to the parent – As a parent you are in the best position to spot the earliest warning signs of autism. The key is to educate yourself and know what’s normal and what’s out of sorts.

There are four main areas of development in which “Red Flags” may be noticed.

1. Communication – If there is no babbling by 11 months, no single words by 16 months, loss of speech/language at any age, limited or no eye contact.
2. Social – Limited or no eye contact when interacting with others, more interested in looking at objects than at people’s faces, prefers to play alone.
3. Behaviours – odd repetitive ways of moving fingers or hands
4. Sensory processing – over or undersensitive to certain sounds, textures or lights.

Accept your child

Enjoy your child’s special quirks and celebrate their small successes.

Don’t compare your child with other children. Abilities in children with autism vary greatly.

Never give up, it is impossible to predict the course of ASD. Don’t jump to conclusions about what life is going to look like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities. So stick with it, and trust your instincts.

Autism Support groups – Joining an autism support group is a great way to meet and relate with other families facing the same challenges. Parents can share information, get advice, and lean on each other for emotional support. Just being around others in the same boat and sharing their experiences can go a long way towards reducing the isolation many parents feel after receiving a child’s autism diagnosis. The Autism Awareness Group meets at the Merebank Community Centre, every 2nd Saturday of the month between 3-4pm. We here to assist you to be the best parent you can be, to a child with autism