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How to parent an autistic child


Tips for Parenting A Child With Autism

Written by Debra Fulghum Bruce, PhD

Medically Reviewed by Neha Pathak, MD on September 28, 2021

As a parent, you’ve probably spent a lot of time thinking about your child’s future. Even more so if they have an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD diagnosis.

Apart from the medical care and therapies that you may line up to help your son or daughter, there are simple, everyday things that make a difference.

Focus on the positive. Just like anyone else, children with autism spectrum disorder often respond well to positive reinforcement. That means when you praise them for the behaviors they’re doing well, it will make them (and you) feel good.

Be specific, so that they know exactly what you liked about their behavior. Find ways to reward them, either with extra playtime or a small prize like a sticker.

Also, as you would with anyone -- on the spectrum or not -- prize your child for who they are. As a parent, loving your child for who they are is key.

Stay consistent and on schedule. People on the spectrum like routines. Make sure they get consistent guidance and interaction, so they can practice what they learn from therapy.

This can make learning new skills and behaviors easier, and help them apply their knowledge in different situations. Talk to their teachers and therapists and try to align on a consistent set of techniques and methods of interaction so you can bring what they’re learning home.

Put play on the schedule. Finding activities that seem like pure fun, and not more education or therapy, may help your child open up and connect with you.

Give it time. You’ll likely try a lot of different techniques, treatments, and approaches as you figure out what’s best for your child. Stay positive and try not to get discouraged if they don’t respond well to a particular method.

Take your child along for everyday activities. If your child’s behavior is unpredictable, you may feel like it’s easier not to expose them to certain situations. But when you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or a post office run, it may help them get them used to the world around them.

Get support. Whether online or face-to-face, support from other families, professionals, and friends can be a big help. Create a village of friends and family who understand your child's diagnosis. Friendships may be difficult, and your child will need support in maintaining those friendships. Support groups can be a good way to share advice and information and to meet other parents dealing with similar challenges. Individual, marital, or family counseling can be helpful, too. Think about what might make your life a little easier, and ask for help.

Look into respite care. This is when another caregiver looks after your child -- inside your home, outside of it, or both -- for a period of time to give you a short break. You’ll need it, especially if your child has intense needs due to ASD. This can give you a chance to do things that restore your own health and that you enjoy, so that you come back home ready to help.

You can identify or form your respite support team using these methods:

  • Ask your friends, family, and other parents you know for support connections you might not have thought about.
  • Check with your child’s doctors, therapists, and teachers for ideas or referrals. For instance, a teacher’s aide you really like might enjoy babysitting in their free time.
  • You can also post notices for childcare help in newspapers and online, local religious communities, and at colleges and universities near you. Be sure to check all references carefully.
  • Join a support group for parents of autistic children. Find out what works for others. You can find self-help communities by calling a local autism support center or looking online.

Take care of yourself.  As a caregiver, you need to keep your body and your mind in tip-top shape so you can face the challenges that crop up from day to day. This means slowing down and looking for ways to take care of yourself so you’ll have plenty of you (physically, mentally, and emotionally) to go around.  

Cut your stress.  Parents of kids with ASD often face more stress than those who deal with other disabilities. If left unchecked, caregivers can face breakdowns in relationships and even psychological disorders. Stress can affect your health, too.  Stay organized to help yourself avoid getting overwhelmed. This means finding time in your day just for yourself. Some important and even fun ways to do that include:

  • Pinpoint the real causes of your stress. If you feel overwhelmed, break down the major issues you’re facing into easier bites. You’ll feel better, and you’ll have a plan.
  • Meditation may help, too. Pay attention to your thoughts and the way you talk to yourself. It’ll help you weed out useless worries.
  • Exercise. You don’t need to go to the gym. Walk, work in the garden, swim, even dance in the kitchen. These are easy, effective ways to get some exercise.
    • If you want some adult company, take an exercise class. It’s a great way to recharge your batteries and meet new people.
  • Get some ZZZs. When you need to recharge your body and mind, you can’t beat the power of a good night’s sleep. If you need extra help winding down, meditate or do relaxation exercises. That can help your body get ready for rest.
  • Get creative with your food. You likely spend lots of energy making sure your child eats nutritious meals. What about you? Spice up your personal menu by trying different fruits, veggies, and cuisines. Scope out new recipes to keep things interesting.  And eat on a set schedule each day. It’ll help you keep your energy up and your system on track.

Get balance in your life.  This is the key not only to facing life's challenges, but also keeping a high quality of life. Your whole family will benefit. Book time in your weekly calendar for fun and socializing. Try these tips to add balance to your busy days:

  • Find your friends. Yes, you’re the parent of a special-needs child. But you’re a person, too. Remembering that you have your own identity makes you a better parent. Take time to reconnect and laugh with your friends. You’ll be glad you did.
  • Take up old hobbies. Track down your knitting needles, dust off the piano, or get out the golf clubs. Try new activities that catch your eye.
  • Take five every day. A few extra minutes first thing in the morning can center you and set the tone for the whole day. Gather your thoughts, take a long, warm shower, or jot some notes in a journal.
  • Make it quick.  Can your partner or other family members take over parenting duties for a bit? A quick walk around the block or short drive to the store -- by yourself -- will give you some much-needed time to yourself.

Helping Your Child with Autism Thrive

autism

There are many things you can do to help a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) overcome their challenges.

These parenting tips, treatments, and services can help.

A parent's guide to autism treatment and support

If you've recently learned that your child has or might have autism spectrum disorder, you're probably wondering and worrying about what comes next. No parent is ever prepared to hear that a child is anything other than happy and healthy, and an ASD diagnosis can be particularly frightening. You may be unsure about how to best help your child, or confused by conflicting treatment advice. Or you may have been told that ASD is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you concerned that nothing you do will make a difference.

While it is true that ASD is not something a person simply “grows out of,” there are many treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges. From free government services to in-home behavioral therapy and school-based programs, assistance is available to meet your child's special needs and help them learn, grow, and thrive in life.

When you’re looking after an autistic child, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Being emotionally strong allows you to be the best parent you can be to your child in need. These parenting tips can help by making life with an autistic child easier.

Don't wait for a diagnosis

As the parent of a child with ASD or related developmental delays, the best thing you can do is to start treatment right away. Seek help as soon as you suspect something's wrong. Don't wait to see if your child will catch up later or outgrow the problem. Don't even wait for an official diagnosis. The earlier children with autism spectrum disorder get help, the greater their chance of treatment success. Early intervention is the most effective way to speed up your child's development and reduce the symptoms of autism over the lifespan.

[Read: Does My Child Have Autism?]

When your child has autism

Learn about autism. The more you know about autism spectrum disorder, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions for your child. Educate yourself about the treatment options, ask questions, and participate in all treatment decisions.

Become an expert on your child. Figure out what triggers your kid's challenging or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your child find stressful or frightening? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you'll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing or modifying situations that cause difficulties.

Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from other children and what he or she is “missing,” practice acceptance. Enjoy your kid's special quirks, celebrate small successes, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved and accepted will help your child more than anything else.

Don't give up. It's impossible to predict the course of autism spectrum disorder. Don't jump to conclusions about what life is going to be like for your child. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.

Helping your child with autism thrive tip 1: Provide structure and safety

Learning all you can about autism and getting involved in treatment will go a long way toward helping your child. Additionally, the following tips will make daily home life easier for both you and your child with ASD:

Be consistent. Children with ASD have a hard time applying what they've learned in one setting (such as the therapist's office or school) to others, including the home. For example, your child may use sign language at school to communicate, but never think to do so at home. Creating consistency in your child's environment is the best way to reinforce learning. Find out what your child's therapists are doing and continue their techniques at home. Explore the possibility of having therapy take place in more than one place in order to encourage your child to transfer what he or she has learned from one environment to another. It's also important to be consistent in the way you interact with your child and deal with challenging behaviors.

Stick to a schedule. Autistic children tend to do best when they have a highly-structured schedule or routine. Again, this goes back to the consistency they both need and crave. Set up a schedule for your child, with regular times for meals, therapy, school, and bedtime. Try to keep disruptions to this routine to a minimum. If there is an unavoidable schedule change, prepare your child for it in advance.

Reward good behavior. Positive reinforcement can go a long way with children with ASD, so make an effort to “catch them doing something good.” Praise them when they act appropriately or learn a new skill, being very specific about what behavior they're being praised for. Also look for other ways to reward them for good behavior, such as giving them a sticker or letting them play with a favorite toy.

Create a home safety zone. Carve out a private space in your home where your child can relax, feel secure, and be safe. This will involve organizing and setting boundaries in ways your child can understand. Visual cues can be helpful (colored tape marking areas that are off limits, labeling items in the house with pictures). You may also need to safety proof the house, particularly if your child is prone to tantrums or other self-injurious behaviors.

Tip 2: Find nonverbal ways to connect

Connecting with an autistic child can be challenging, but you don't need to talk—or even touch—in order to communicate and bond. You communicate by the way you look at your child, by the tone of your voice, your body language – and possibly the way you touch your child. Your child is also communicating with you, even if he or she never speaks. You just need to learn the language.

Look for nonverbal cues. If you are observant and aware, you can learn to pick up on the nonverbal cues that autistic children use to communicate. Pay attention to the kinds of sounds they make, their facial expressions, and the gestures they use when they're tired, hungry, or want something.

Figure out the motivation behind the tantrum. It's only natural to feel upset when you are misunderstood or ignored, and it's no different for children with ASD. When children with ASD act out, it's often because you're not picking up on their nonverbal cues. Throwing a tantrum is their way of communicating their frustration and getting your attention.

[Read: Autism Behavior Problems]

Make time for fun. A child coping with ASD is still a child. For both autistic children and their parents, there needs to be more to life than therapy. Schedule playtime when your child is most alert and awake. Figure out ways to have fun together by thinking about the things that make your child smile, laugh, and come out of her/his shell. Your child is likely to enjoy these activities most if they don't seem therapeutic or educational. There are tremendous benefits that result from your enjoyment of your child's company and from your child's enjoyment of spending unpressured time with you. Play is an essential part of learning for all children and shouldn't feel like work.

Pay attention to your child's sensory sensitivities. Many children with ASD are hypersensitive to light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Some children with autism are “under-sensitive” to sensory stimuli. Figure out what sights, sounds, smells, movements, and tactile sensations trigger your kid's “bad” or disruptive behaviors and what elicits a positive response. What does your child find stressful? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? If you understand what affects your child, you'll be better at troubleshooting problems, preventing situations that cause difficulties, and creating successful experiences.

Tip 3: Create a personalized autism treatment plan

With so many different treatments available, it can be tough to figure out which approach is right for your child. Making things more complicated, you may hear different or even conflicting recommendations from parents, teachers, and doctors.

When putting together a treatment plan for your child, keep in mind that there is no single treatment that works for everyone. Each person on the autism spectrum is unique, with different strengths and weaknesses.

Your child's treatment should be tailored according to their individual needs. You know your child best, so it's up to you to make sure those needs are being met. You can do that by asking yourself the following questions:

What are my child's strengths – and their weaknesses?

What behaviors are causing the most problems? What important skills is my child lacking?

How does my child learn best – through seeing, listening, or doing?

What does my child enjoy – and how can those activities be used in treatment and to bolster learning?

Finally, keep in mind that no matter what treatment plan is chosen, your involvement is vital to success. You can help your child get the most out of treatment by working hand-in-hand with the treatment team and following through with the therapy at home.  (This is why your well-being is essential!)

A good treatment plan will:

  • Build on your child's interests.
  • Offer a predictable schedule.
  • Teach tasks as a series of simple steps.
  • Actively engage your child's attention in highly structured activities.
  • Provide regular reinforcement of behavior.
  • Involve the parents.

Choosing autism treatments

There are many different options and approaches to ASD treatment, including behavior therapy, speech-language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nutritional therapy.

While you don’t have to limit your child to just one treatment at a time, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to address everything at once. Instead, start by focusing on your child’s most severe symptoms and pressing needs.

[Read: Autism Treatments, Therapies, and Interventions]

Tip 4: Find help and support

Caring for a child with autism can demand a lot of energy and time. There may be days when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged. Parenting isn't ever easy, and raising a child with special needs is even more challenging. In order to be the best parent you can be, it's essential that you take care of yourself.

Don't try to do everything on your own. You don't have to! There are many places that families of children with ASD can turn to for advice, a helping hand, advocacy, and support:

ADS support groups – Joining an ASD support group is a great way to meet other families dealing with the same challenges you are. 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 experience can go a long way toward reducing the isolation many parents feel after receiving a child's diagnosis.

Respite care – Every parent needs a break now and again. And for parents coping with the added stress of ASD, this is especially true. In respite care, another caregiver takes over temporarily, giving you a break for a few hours, days, or even weeks.

[Read: Respite Care]

Individual, marital, or family counseling – If stress, anxiety, or depression is getting to you, you may want to see a therapist of your own. Therapy is a safe place where you can talk honestly about everything you're feeling—the good, the bad, and the ugly. Marriage or family therapy can also help you work out problems that the challenges of life with an autistic child are causing in your spousal relationship or with other family members.

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Free U.S. government services for children with autism

Under the U.S. federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), children with disabilities—including those with ASD—are eligible for a range of free or low-cost services. Under this provision, children in need and their families may receive medical evaluations, psychological services, speech therapy, physical therapy, parent counseling and training, assisted technology devices, and other specialized services.

Children under the age of 10 do not need an autism diagnosis to receive free services under IDEA. If they are experiencing a developmental delay (including delays in communication or social development), they are automatically eligible for early intervention and special education services.

Early intervention services (birth through age two)

Infants and toddlers through the age of two receive assistance through the Early Intervention program. In order to qualify, your child must first undergo a free evaluation. If the assessment reveals a developmental problem, you will work with early intervention treatment providers to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). An IFSP describes your child's needs and the specific services he or she will receive.

For autism, an IFSP would include a variety of behavior, physical, speech, and play therapies. It would focus on preparing autistic kids for the eventual transition to school. Early intervention services are typically conducted in the home or at a child care center.

To locate local early intervention services for your child, ask your pediatrician for a referral or use the resources listed in the “Get more help” section at the end of the article.

Special education services (age three and older)

Children over the age of three receive assistance through school-based programs. As with early intervention, special education services are tailored to your child's individual needs. Autistic children are often placed with other developmentally delayed kids in small groups where they can receive more individual attention and specialized instruction. However, depending on their abilities, they may also spend at least part of the school day in a regular classroom. The goal is to place kids in the “least restrictive environment” possible where they are still able to learn.

If you'd like to pursue special education services, your local school system will first need to evaluate your child. Based on this assessment, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be drafted. An IEP outlines the educational goals for your child for the school year. Additionally, it describes the special services or supports the school will provide your child in order to meet those goals.

Know your child's rights

As the parent of a child with ASD, you have a legal right to:

  • Be involved in developing your child's IEP from start to finish
  • Disagree with the school system's recommendations
  • Seek an outside evaluation for your child
  • Invite anyone you want—from a relative to your child's doctor—to be on the IEP team
  • Request an IEP meeting at any time if you feel your child's needs are not being met
  • Free or low-cost legal representation if you can't come to an agreement with the school

Caring for a child with autism when you are autistic

Research indicates that there is a genetic component to autism. However, many parents only discover they’re autistic when they research and obtain a formal diagnosis for their own child. If you’re autistic, you might face unique challenges when it comes to raising children who are also neurodivergent. Here are a few tips that may help:

Don’t hide your identity. Let your child get to know the real you. If you have certain quirks, such as repetitive behaviors or unusual body movements, don’t feel pressured to mask them in front of your child. By being yourself, you’re encouraging your autistic child to be themselves around you and creating an opportunity to bond over your similarities. You can also talk with your child about how neurotypical individuals may react to your behaviors and how to handle negative reactions. Aim to offer the type of guidance you could’ve used when you were young.

Remember to care for yourself. Caring for a child can be challenging if you struggle with sensory needs or require a highly structured lifestyle. For example, if you’re sensitive to sounds, a crying child may be a constant source of stress and discomfort. A child’s sudden tantrums can make it hard for you to stick to a consistent schedule, creating further frustration. To protect your own sense of well-being, it’s important for you to adopt coping habits that help reduce your stress in these types of situations.

[Read: Autism in Adults: Recognizing the Signs, Living with a Diagnosis]

If certain tasks seem overwhelming, look to other people for support. For example, if communicating with doctors and teachers poses a challenge, a parenting mentor or other parents with autism might be able to help you come up with solutions.

Build on your strengths. Everyone has specific strengths, and you’re no exception. Consider how your skills and talents can help you establish a supportive household for your child. Do you excel at visual thinking or design? Create educational posters for your child. Are you able to focus for long periods of time? Use that focus to research and study up on parenting practices and coping strategies. Are you good at problem-solving? Use your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to overcome challenges around the house.

Be patient with yourself and your child. Be willing to accept that you both have plenty of time to grow and learn. You might experience some setbacks. Perhaps, you lose your temper and feel ashamed by your reaction. Or maybe your child has a hard time fitting in with peers when they start school. Resolve to learn from bad experiences and find solutions, even if you have to make multiple attempts. When one of you does make progress, remember to acknowledge the growth. Offer your child praise and celebrate your personal successes as well.

Authors: Authors: Melinda Smith, M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Ted Hutman, Ph.D.

Ted Hutman, Ph.D. is Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Santa Monica, CA.

      • References

        Neurodevelopmental Disorders. (2013). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. American Psychiatric Association. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x01_Neurodevelopmental_Disorders

        Autism spectrum disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/

        Autistic children may inherit DNA mutations from their fathers | Science | AAAS. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.science.org/content/article/autistic-children-may-inherit-dna-mutations-their-fathers

        Five Tips for Autistic Parents from This Autistic Parent – The Asperger / Autism Network (AANE). (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.aane.org/five-tips-for-autistic-parents-from-this-autistic-parent/

        Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (ACT). (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/advocacy/education/idea

        Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Services | CDC. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/treatment.html

        Sensory differences—A guide for all audiences. (n.d.). Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences/all-audiences

      The Autism Revolution – Whole body strategies for making life all it can be (Harvard Health Books)

      Living with Autism – Including how to cope with stress on the family, make the home safe, and deal with sibling issues. (Autism Society of America)

      Life Journey Through Autism: A Parent's Guide to Research (PDF) – Guide to choosing treatments for your children. (Organization for Autism Research)

      Parent Guide to IDEA – Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the U.S. (National Center for Learning Disabilities)

      Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) – Learn all about IEPs in the U.S. for kids with autism and other developmental issues. (KidsHealth)

      How is Autism Treated? – Therapies and treatments. (Autism Speaks)

      Hotlines and support

      In the U.S.: Call the Autism Society National Helpline at 1-800-328-8476.

      UK: Call the Child Autism UK helpline at 01344 882248 or find help and support at The National Autistic Society.

      Australia: Call the Early Intervention helpdesk in Perth at 1800 778 581 or Get support for your child from NDIS.

      Canada: Call the Autism Canada Family Support Representative at 1-800-983-1795.

      New Zealand: Find helplines and support in your area at Autism New Zealand.

      Last updated: December 5, 2022

      How to Raise a Child with Autism Disorder: Society Articles ➕1, 06/08/2021

      The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing every year. In 2020, one in 54 American children suffered from this genetic disorder, which is 10% more than in 2018. In Russia, there are no such accurate statistics, and society is still wary of children with developmental disabilities. Plus‑one.ru figured out how parents of children with ASD can help themselves and their child. nine0005

      There are a lot of varieties of ASD, and doctors can make a correct diagnosis only by the age of five or six. Moreover, autism is one of the most difficult diagnoses, it is often confused with other diseases. Often, ASD is perceived as alalia (complete absence or quite pronounced speech deficiency). In a child with autism, deafness or blindness may be suspected at first, because the reactions to calls to him are either weak or completely absent.

      A complete medical examination will not only allow you to quickly make the correct diagnosis, but also eliminate the risks of developing concomitant ASD diseases. Often, autism is accompanied by other disorders, including epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. nine0005

      Even if the diagnosis of ASD has not yet been officially established, but doctors already suspect something is wrong, it is important to invest maximum efforts in the development of the child. Yulia Pronina, a psychologist at the Center for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled in the South-Western Administrative District, advises starting the rehabilitation of a child with ASD as early as possible, at two or three years, as soon as a developmental lag becomes noticeable. Pedagogical support can be effective when a speech therapist-defectologist and a psychologist deal with the child at once. The mother of a child with ASD, Natalya Osnach, who opened the speech correction center for special children The owl's club, adds that it is also important to find a qualified neurologist in case of need for medical support and be sure to do an EEG and MRI to rule out brain dysfunction. nine0005

      Among the methods of working with children with ASD, Yulia Pronina and Natalya Osnach single out adaptive physical education (AFC) and ABA therapy (Applied behavior analysis, or the method of applied behavior analysis). Children with ASD often have no contact with their body, it is difficult for them to perform movements according to verbal instructions. In the course of AFK, which combines elements of play, sports, relaxation and breathing practices, the child develops the ability to repeat after others, learns to feel his body and move in space, interact with children and adults. nine0005

      ABA therapy is more rigorous: in the course of it, the child's unwanted reactions are suppressed, the correct (socially approved) ones are fixed to automatism through encouragement. To do this, all complex actions are divided into small blocks, each of which is learned with the child separately. Typically, ABA therapy is used to correct various behavioral problems such as outbursts of uncontrollable anger.

      Because of this approach, ABA therapy is often criticized: its opponents believe that it is not necessary to force autistic children to behave "normally", it is more important to find the right approach to them. nine0005

      Is it true that there are many people with autism among geniuses, but they can be cured

      What is autism and how common is it in Russia? Try to repeat the syllables and words your baby says. This will please him. After asking a question, always pause, do not answer for the child: give him time to think. Words spoken aloud need to be reinforced with visual images. To do this, you can use pictures in books, special cards, a tablet. In games, stick to stereotypical actions, introduce new ones gradually. nine0005

      Children with ASD usually do not fear danger and are insensitive to pain. Therefore, it is important to secure the house: hide household chemicals, remove cutting and piercing objects, install locks on windows. You can use stickers, for example, on a hot water faucet. A proven safety rule of not opening the door to anyone when alone is at home, especially for a child with autism and severe speech delay. One way to convey it is to draw / find pictures and explain what needs to be done on them. nine0005

      A child with ASD finds it difficult to adapt in society. In order for him to master the rules of social behavior, you need to analyze each situation with him by roles and play in a clear sequence. For example, in order for him to remember the rules for crossing the street, play them several times with the child, ask him to repeat action after action every time you cross the road. Follow this procedure always without changing the rules. Also make your child have patches on outerwear with his parents' last name, first name and phone number, especially if he does not speak. nine0005

      You need to be prepared for the fact that, most likely, you will encounter misunderstanding even from relatives and friends. It is important to explain to people how to interact with your child, tell them about his developmental features. All this provokes additional stress. Do not ignore psychological assistance - it can be obtained free of charge at regional centers for psychological assistance to the population.

      You can also find support on specialized websites, for example www.ras-portal.ru (Information portal for parents raising children with ASD and ASD symptoms), and forums for parents of children with autism (Facebook forum "Autism. Help from parents and professionals "). nine0005

      “Many parents become depressed after learning about their child's diagnosis, and I did not escape this fate. You need to accept the diagnosis as soon as possible and love the child unconditionally. Then it will be easy to tell other people about problems in the child's behavior. Only by working on acceptance do you come to understand that successful children and their parents do not oppose you. They also have problems, but they are different,” says Lilia Fedotova, mother of an adult son with ASD.

      Many parents hesitate to apply for a disability for a child with ASD. But a disability pension will help pay for specialists. It is assigned after passing a medical and social examination and is paid by the pension fund at the place of residence of the parent. In addition, the status of "disabled" gives the right to a subsidy for housing and communal services, additional parental vacation days, free rest and reimbursement of medicines. nine0005

      In Moscow, parents of children with developmental disabilities can use the help of specialists from the Butovo State Center for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Disabled, which has the Steps Toward and My World programs. They help develop tactile, visual, kinesthetic and muscular perception, overcome negativism when communicating and establishing contact with adults and other children.

      Modern methods of correction allow people with ASD to form the necessary skills of social interaction. In addition, many with this diagnosis can achieve success in their professional activities. This is facilitated by the features of the disorder itself - focusing on a specific task, a tendency to perform monotonous actions and perseverance. nine0005

      Notable people diagnosed with autism include American director Stanley Kubrick and Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg. She was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. Others include founder of hedge fund Scion Capital Michael Burry and first-person American author of autistic experience Temple Grandin.

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      Author

      Ekaterina Varfolomeeva

      Illustration

      Konstantin Chernov

      Raising children with autism | Exit Foundation, Autism in Russia

      08/14/20


      TO PARENTS

      Mom of two children with autism on how to approach the dramatic increase in screen time and Internet addiction that autistic children and adults could experience during the pandemic

      During the period of quarantine, home isolation and school closures, the Internet made it possible to stay in touch with the world and receive information and education. Screen Time has both pros and cons. Technology itself is neither good nor bad, nor is it healthy or unhealthy. It all depends on how we use it, how we act, what we think and how we feel. And it's not the Internet itself that influences us, but what we browse through it, what we participate in, how often we do it, and how it affects our daily lives. nine0005

      NEXT

      Parenting children with autism

      08/02/20


      TO PARENTS

      Mom of two children with autism describes 7 possible household chores that a child can help parents with

      build or increase self-esteem, and, ultimately, this can make the child more independent in the future. These are also activities to share with grandparents, relatives and friends who may not understand how to communicate with a child with autism. nine0005

      Further

      Education of children with autism, self -service skills

      21.07.20


      to parents, specialists

      Mom of two autistic children about techniques and approaches, which can help learn to perceive and distribute time under autism

      Time in itself time is an abstract idea. To help your child understand what time is, you need to make this concept concrete, tangible and visual for him.

      NEXT

      Parenting, Methods and Treatment

      29.06.20


      FOR PARENTS, PROFESSIONALS

      A description of how to use video simulation to teach social skills to your child

      Does your child not greet or say "hello" to other children without your prompting? Does he not know how to ask questions about what the interlocutor is talking about? Can't he invite other kids to play? These are just some of the social skills problems a child with autism may have that can prevent them from making friends. One effective technique that can help children with these skills is video self-modelling. nine0005

      MORE

      Parenting with Autism, Communication and Speech, Techniques and Treatment, Social Skills who is at home all the time

      One of the most difficult tasks is to “occupy” children with autism with something for a long time. If your family is facing a crisis or a major change in life, it is very important that you can take some time off from your child and that they have some independent activities. Now I want to talk about how to use visual schedules for this purpose, providing choices, and how to teach children, whether they are your children or clients, to keep themselves busy for several hours a day. nine0005

      NEXT

      Parenting with Autism, Self Care Skills

      04/04/20


      AUTISM AND SOCIETY, AUTISM NEWS

      During the Coronavirus Pandemic, 'social distancing' symptoms lead to increased 'social distancing' symptoms disruption and loss of essential services

      The coronavirus pandemic has led to widespread school closures, changes in health facilities and drastic changes in daily life. This is a time of great stress and challenges for everyone, but autistic children and adults face particular challenges as they lose day programs, educational services, and individual health care appointments. nine0005

      Further

      Close people with races, raising children with autism, accompanying diseases

      12.09.19


      Parents

      Recommendations of the behavioral analyst for the use of the "Economy of tokens" as a method of promoting a child

      All parents want our children behaved well. They themselves must understand that it is necessary to behave correctly, right? Yeah, how. That's why all parents can benefit from the so-called token economy.

      MORE

      ABA Therapy and Behavior, Parenting Children with Autism

      8/20/19


      FOR PARENTS, PROFESSIONALS

      Several Techniques for Developing Healthy Self-Esteem in Children and Young People with ASD

      Autism Spectrum (ASD) is that very often constant attention is paid to their difficulties and skills that they lack. However, these children also have their own strengths, so it is very important to pay attention to their self-esteem and emphasize what they are good at.
      Learn more