Jack Washington – Working On The Puzzle

Counselor Answers: How To Be A Good Influence To My Autistic Daughter?

When I was still a child, my parents would always take me to family parties and introduce me to many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Whenever I thought I met them all, the next time they would get together, more relatives would turn up. But I did not mind that. As my pops used to say, everyone is somewhat related to you in the Latino community.

Most of my encounters with my extended family members were incredible. They would dote on the kids and keep offering us food. And when it was time to leave, it would be impossible not to come home with at least 300 bucks because the adults would almost always give you money.

If there were one awful encounter that I could recall, it would be that time when Regina and her three-year-old daughter, Mia, visited the United States.

Who Are They?

From what I understood, Regina was the wife of one of my dad’s second cousins. The cousin migrated to the US two years ago, but he only had the money to bring his family here now. Before I could get out of the car that day, though, my mom delicately informed me to be patient and gentle with Mia because she was pretty special.

Of course, no nine-year-old would know what that meant, but I nodded anyway. When we arrived at the party, I paid the usual respect to the elders. I immediately saw Regina as well, and I thought that she seemed like a lovely lady. Her English was not fluent yet, but I know enough Spanish to converse with her. Then, she pointed me to the garden, where she said Mia was playing with the other kids.

I did not need to be accompanied to that spot. As I neared the garden, one of my same-age cousins, Lola, came up to me and whispered, “Mia is special.” I heard that word again. Curious, I let Lola drag me to where Mia sat on the grass field.

When I was finally facing to face with the three-year-old, I did not see any specialness. For sure, Mia looked like a doll in her dress and all, but everyone did in this family, modesty aside. When I looked at Lola questioningly, she knelt in front of the little girl and started trying to talk to her in Spanish.

Lola had been speaking for five minutes straight, and Mia never looked up once. I wondered if she was shy, but my cousin did not use English on purpose to avoid scaring her. Even when the other kids flocked around the little girl, she continued sitting on the ground. Oh, that special, I thought.

What I Found More Shocking

The family gathering had not ended yet when I witnessed another shocking thing. I was on the way to the bathroom to pee when I heard a woman’s hushed angry tones and a child crying. I took a peek and saw that Regina was smacking Mia’s butt. From what I heard, she was upset because her kid kept acting oddly.

Since I grew up in the US, I had always thought that hitting a child was a major crime. But my parents said that it was pretty standard where they grew up, so I kind of understood if Regina implemented the same rule at her home; what shocked me more once that she was punishing her daughter for being different.

Fast Forward To 2021

Regina and Mia did not stay long in the United States. Dad’s cousin moved back with them, so we never saw them again.

As for me, I grew up to become a counselor. Everyone kept asking me why, and I could not always give them a straight answer. I mean, how could I tell them that I wanted to learn to counsel so that I could help children with special needs and teach mothers like Regina how to be a good influence on daughters like Mia? That would merely raise a lot of questions, so it was better to stay mum on that.

As I began practicing counseling, I realized that there were indeed many parents who kept trying to treat their autistic kids like normal children. Meaning, they would order them to do something, and then they’d get mad if the child could not follow simple instructions.

In such cases, I would remind the parents that kids with autism were wired differently from others. While regular children might understand an instruction at once, you need to keep reminding an autistic kid about what they should do. Hence, sticking to a routine for a long while was always my primary recommendation.

More importantly, even if such kids would not show many emotions, it did not mean that your hurtful words won’t sting them.

I’m hoping to visit my parents’ homeland and see how Mia is doing soon.

Beyond Counseling And Therapy: Helping ASD Adults Find A Job

As a counselor and therapist with a specialization in autism, I encountered many people in the spectrum of all ages. Some were lucky to get diagnosed early, so they could get immediate treatment and lead an everyday life. Others, however, spent their formative years in regular schools, wondering why they were slower than other kids intellectually and physically. Then, their parents would only consider the possibility of them having autism when they could no longer find a college or workplace to give them an opportunity.

One of my newest clients had a similar story to the latter. His name was Sean. He was an 18-year-old teenager when I met him for the first time. His parents did not go to college, so they wanted their only son to experience it. Even if they knew that Sean was not the brightest bulb in class, they hired a slew of tutors for years to help the boy keep up with everyone.

My husband was Sean’s new psychiatrist. I felt the need to emphasize the word “new” because Sean never met a mental health professional before my husband. His parents practically spent a fortune on finding the best tutors that their son could jive with, but they only decided to consult a psychiatrist when no college wanted to admit him.

When my husband referred the teenager to me, he suggested offering family counseling as well. I knew what that meant. I had seen enough of my clients’ families to realize that not all of them wanted to accept that they produced a child in the spectrum even if they already brought them out to seek mental help. In their minds, they were still hoping that the psychiatrists would not see anything odd in their loved one’s behavior or mentality. Thus, they could go back to believing that their son or daughter was merely slower than everybody else.

Is that healthy? Of course not.

Counseling Sean

I must say that Sean had already been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome before his parents set up an appointment with me. The news was already out of the bag, and all significant parties had been informed. From what my husband told me, the moment dad took it the hard way, given how much they cried throughout the diagnosis face and even afterward. I knew from there that I needed to help Sean’s family along the way, not only him.

But first things first – our primary goal was to help the boy. The parents were aware that sending Sean to college was currently not in the cards; it might take years before he could be ready for it. Besides, Sean mentioned that he did not even like studying, so it was not advisable to push him to do something he did not want to do. So, the next best step for him was to find a job.

“What are your hobbies, Sean?” I asked him once.

“I like building LEGO figures, making coffee for mom and dad, and identifying different linens,” he replied.

After that, I encouraged Sean’s parents to look up nearby toy stores, cafés, and linen shops that hired young people with autism. This introductory experience would be ideal for Sean as it would allow him to interact with different individuals and learn the importance of accountability. They eventually informed me that they went with Starbucks since it was only a walking distance from their home. Still, that’s not the only deciding factor for Sean’s family.

“Our son loved the environment there,” his mother informed me. “It’s never too crowded, so it won’t be overwhelming for Sean. He already knew some of the employees there, too. Best of all, they would train him to become a barista, which he seemed excited about.”

Excitement was a positive sign indeed. People in the autism spectrum were known for not being in tune with their emotions, but they knew how to express their likes and dislikes. And if they liked an activity, you could almost always bet that they would be into it for a long time.

Fast Forward To 2021

Sean had to stop working at his local Starbucks branch during the pandemic last year, which deeply upset him. His parents sought mental help again for their son to make sure that he would not do anything drastic.

When I talked to Sean, he articulated how bored he was at home. After acknowledging his feelings, I told him that he did not need to stop being a barista just because his workplace was closed temporarily. “Your parents and sisters can be your customers for now. You can take their orders every day,” I suggested.

That seemed to lighten up Sean, and that’s how he spent most of his quarantining days. Sometimes, my husband and I would swing by his place to get our “orders” and check on him as well.

Things got better come 2021 when Sean’s workplace reopened. He resumed working there, and last I heard, they were preparing him to do a barista workshop for other young adults with autism.

Frequently Asked Questions: What Is CBT Psychology, And What Are Its Benefits?

Have you recently been in a stressful or traumatic situation that you’re still not over with? Do you frequently experience troubles at work, at school, or with your family and other relationships? Do you have experience with addiction, whether personally or with someone else that you know? Do you feel that you need help in overcoming the challenges that have come your way? There are so many different kinds of problems that we can be facing. However, the important question is, do you know healthy and effective ways of coping with these problems?

CBT is a widely used form of psychotherapy to improve mental health. One of its core concepts is that our unhelpful thoughts and behaviors partially cause our psychological problems. This approach has been around for many years, with specific steps as its foundation. CBT can be used to treat a broad range of conditions. Also, while it cannot treat autism, it can help treat secondary conditions such as anxiety. CBT-based strategies are beneficial whether or not you are diagnosed with a mental health condition. As long as you are looking for healthier ways to cope with your problems, CBT can be good for you.

We might be unconsciously applying CBT strategies in our daily life. A professional psychologist can help us easily identify the effects of our thoughts on our daily life. Our cognitive processes have a significant impact on our behavior. CBT may seem like a simple process, but there are many research and scientific concepts behind the method.

Challenges are a part of life. However, these should not affect our overall quality of life. If your problems lead to depression, anxiety, or other emotional and mental difficulties, and you need help in dealing with these issues, CBT might be a strategy that you can use. Read the following FAQ if you are interested to learn more about its possible applications:

What are the benefits of CBT?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you manage overwhelming issues more realistically by disintegrating them into smaller portions. You are taught how to modify these negative patterns to enhance your behaviors and emotions. Unlike other talking therapies, CBT attempts to manage a person’s current problems instead of concentrating on his problems.

Is Psychology a CBT?

CBT is a psychological therapy that has been proven to be effective for various problems, including anxiety, marital conflicts, depression, severe mental disorders, eating disorders, and drug and alcohol use problems.

What is CBT, and how does it work?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy works by modifying people’s behaviors and attitudes by concentrating on their beliefs, thoughts, images, and attitudes. They hold and how these processes are associated with how an individual acts and behaves when dealing with emotional problems.

What are three of the goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy?

Below are the three basic goals of cognitive-behavioral therapy:

To assist the individual in modifying essential cognitive structures to prevent relapse
To alleviate symptoms and find a solution to the individual’s problems
To help the individual learn how to learn skills and coping techniques.

What is the focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy?

CBT focuses on altering the autonomic nervous thought patterns that can aggravate depression, emotional difficulties, and anxiety.

What are the key principles of CBT?

Below are the fundamental principles of CBT:

CBT needs a rigorous therapeutic alliance.
CBT is founded on a constantly growing creation of patient problems and a personalized conceptualization of each individual in terms of his cognition.
CBT prioritizes active participation and collaboration.

People, including children, are now beginning to value their mental health just as much as other aspects of life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the effective approaches to achieve better mental, psychological, and emotional health. This is possible through understanding how our thoughts and behavior affect our everyday life. We can find ways to change our behaviors and attitude by employing effective coping strategies.

For CBT to be effective, the therapist and individual must participate and collaborate through a rigorous therapeutic alliance. With a clear and common goal, you will learn the skills needed to cope with a difficult problem you are facing. You will also develop a better thinking structure to know how to deal with a similar future situation. Eventually, debilitating thoughts won’t hinder you from solving your problems.

As a form of psychotherapy, CBT does have many benefits, unlike other forms of therapy. Instead of dwelling too much on the reasons for your problems, CBT has a problem-focused and collaborative approach. Through CBT, you will learn how to break down a big problem and deal with individual pieces appropriately. You will also learn how to change your negative thoughts and behaviors.

CBT is meant for everyone facing a problem they cannot resolve, whether or not you’re diagnosed with a mental condition. The therapy process is designed to help people be mindful of their own automatic and subconscious thought patterns. People with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse benefit from CBT to help them face their worries and fears. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, alongside other non-pharmacologic interventions, shows promising benefits for children with autism.

Do you think you need cognitive behavioral therapy to help deal with personal issues in life? Do you know a child with autism who needs help connecting with others? If so, then you might need to consult with a cognitive-behavioral therapist. Their years of knowledge and experience in CBT have helped countless people improve their mental health.

Anxiety And Genetics: Frequently Asked Questions

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Just as autism has been found to have a congenital factor, there is also precise research revealing that our genes predispose anxiety. As a matter of fact, scientists observed a family relation for anxiety even before understanding how genes or DNA operates.

If you have a close family member diagnosed with anxiety, your chances of having it are approximately three to six times higher than a person who has no family member with anxiety. Your chances are even higher if you happen to have an identical twin that has anxiety, as you share identical genes, even if, say, you were raised in two separate households.

Today, all of us are aware that specific genes come with the threat of having anxiety. We are also aware that genes can be switched off or on depending on the triggers that you are exposed to in your environment. A complex condition like anxiety is most probably dependent on an array of activated and inherited genes.

Additionally, experts are working to find out precisely which genes may result in anxiety. They’ve found several different options. A lot of the genes they found did cause anxiety in many people, but not in everyone. Soon, there will be more research and studies done so that we will have a better understanding of why that is the case.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does anxiety run in the family?

Experts have discovered that anxiety disorders have a genetic predisposition and that these disorders have biological evidence, just like diabetes, allergies, and other conditions. Anxiety disorders may result from a multifaceted group of risk factors, including brain chemistry, life events, genetics, and personality.

How much anxiety is genetic?

People get a predisposition to being overly worried, and about 40% of the variability is associated with genetic factors.

What triggers child anxiety?

Events that occur in a child’s life can stress him out, which can be difficult for them to deal with. Serious illness, violence, abuse, or a loved one’s death can lead some children to become anxious. Additionally, children growing up in families where other members are frequently anxious or fearful can also lead a child to become anxious.

Can parents pass on anxiety?

Parents pass on to their kids the risk of developing mental health diseases, including anxiety and depression. Children can actually get hyperactive brain circuits that link all parts of the brain, leading them to become more susceptible to having depressive and anxiety disorders.

Can yell at a child cause anxiety?

If shouting at kids is bad, shouting accompanied by verbal abuse and insults can qualify as emotional assault. It has been found to have longstanding effects, such as low self-confidence, increased aggression, and anxiety.

Is anxiety all in your head?

Anxiety somehow begins in the head. Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives, as this is the brain’s way of preparing us for confronting danger or escaping it. The brain is getting us ready to face a stressful event.

Can you ever be cured of anxiety?

Unfortunately, anxiety cannot be permanently cured. However, there are several means to avoid it from becoming worse. Getting the appropriate treatment for your anxiety may help you deal with it more effectively to function normally and move on with your happily.

Can anxiety go away forever?

Anxiety does not disappear forever. Anxiety is just like any feeling that you may experience – happiness, anger, sadness, love, frustration, and so on. Just as you cannot ever avoid feeling these emotions, you are also unable to get rid of anxiety once and for all.

What is the fastest-acting anxiety medication?

Tranquilizers, such as benzodiazepines, are the most popularly prescribed form of medication used for treating anxiety. Examples include diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam. All of these work quickly, usually providing relief within 30 minutes to one hour.

What helps severe anxiety?

When done habitually, relaxation strategies like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and meditation can help decrease anxiety symptoms and improve emotional well-being. Also, regular exercise is a natural stress reducer and anxiety reliever.

What is a drug that calms you down?

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed form of antidepressants for treating anxiety. Examples include Lexapro, Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, and Prozac. SSRIs have been utilized to manage generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

What is the best mood stabilizer for anxiety?

Lamotrigine (e.g., Lamictal) may be the most potent mood stabilizer used for treating depression, although it is not effective for treating mania. The initial dose of lamotrigine must be very low and augmented very gradually throughout the span of four weeks or more.

Does anxiety lead to bipolar disorder?

Having bipolar disorder and anxiety disorder has been linked to reduced function and quality of life and a heightened risk of substance abuse and suicidal attempts. Another common symptom of anxiety disorder, insomnia, is also a suggestive trigger for manic attacks.

Is there a happy pill for depression?

Anxiolytic drugs Valium, Miltown, and Prozac (antidepressant) are known as ‘happy pills’ for providing amazingly effective results over the last fifty years. The first drug that became popular in the 1950s was Miltown.

Can a mood stabilizer help with anxiety?

Stabilizing a person’s mood is basically the priority in addressing anxiety. Polypharmacy is the principle in treating comorbid anxiety and bipolar disorders.

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Getting Help

The initial step in seeking help for anxiety is to visit your doctor. Anxiety is very common, and it is unlikely that your doctor would not be asked about it.

Various treatments are made available for anxiety, and there is tremendous support for many of those who have it. Therapy, medication, or a combination of these two are usually effective. The most recommended medications are SNRIs or SSRIs, which help improve the levels of specific brain chemicals. Cognitive-behavioral therapy teaches various strategies to help people deal with their anxious thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns.

Anxiety has a genetic connection, but it doesn’t necessarily imply that you are sure to have it or pass it on to your kids. Whether you will develop anxiety or not is complex and is also dependent on the situations of your life. This is why we cannot always know who has a higher likelihood of developing it. The most crucial thing you could try doing is to be aware of your anxiety symptoms and learn to manage them when they emerge.

Worrying Too Much About Your Child’s Autism (Mental Health Discussion)

Worrying about your child’s autism diagnosis is normal. As a parent, you feel a little pressured because you think that people around you are constantly asking you why your kid experienced a psychological problem. Understandably, you get frustrated with others judging and throwing negative comments about your child. Honestly, that is hurtful for a lot of reasons.

On the other hand, some can appear to be concerned, but their sympathy is not on point. Some would try and convince you that your kid is only having a rough time and that you should not get a little too anxious about their developmental delays. Some will also tell you that worrying too much is an exaggeration because it is as if they know that your child will soon be okay. But unfortunately, these words are unhelpful. It makes you feel like your child’s autism condition is not being taken seriously, which somehow makes you believe that your emotional and mental concerns are not valid.

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Parenthood, Autism, And Mental Health

Dealing with an autistic child is genuinely challenging. There is too much fear of the future. It is where you think too much about the negative things that might happen to your child once you let him go or once you are gone. Well, that is precisely what most parents like you are going through. Because you care too much for your child’s overall wellbeing, it scares you to think about keeping your eyes away from him even for a second. Most of the time, you catastrophize every unfortunate situation your kid encounter. And that is something that you must avoid permanently to save your mental health.

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This particular worry about your child’s future and how autism will affect him throughout his life is completely different from the common fears you have. It is not a thing that you can just shrug off whenever you want to or when people tell you to do so. It is the dreadfulness of your emotional and mental state because you knew it is your child’s future that is on the line. You feel the weight in your chest because you care deeply about the outcome of your decisions. You fear committing mistakes because you somehow knew that your child might suffer once you can no longer stay physically, emotionally, and mentally present.

It is okay to worry for your child’s sake. However, if that worry distracts you from doing the things you need to do, perhaps you might want to consider rearranging your thoughts. Because when that idea of worry becomes a mental condition, it will become impossible for you to care for the child anymore. The worse part, you become another source of the problem. You need to realize that fear and anxiety are two different things. Yes, both may work the same regardless of the root cause. Fear and anxiety trigger the same physiological response. It never plays out in the way you think about it.

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A Little Worry About The Whole Situation

A little worry is acceptable when you know that you can manage it. When you can find better solutions to the problem and stay positive despite the unfortunate situations in your child’s life, you can say that your mental health is probably better than ever. Honestly, it just a matter of positive thinking. Your child might be different in some ways due to his autism, but every child is different, whether autistic or not. Thus, every child you meet, engaged with, talk to, or spend time with will all be different. There is no constant dynamic there because every human is born different. So the real predicament here is not about making everyone accept your autistic child, but rather educate them that despite your kid’s situation, he deserves all the love and care the world has to offer.

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Final Thought

Always remember that the worst-case scenario is only a portion of what you play in your head. You may picture it as far more brutal from reality, but that is just it – a picture. It is always up to you how you handle the situation because, in the end, the mental and emotional state is all that will matter. It is okay to feel deeply terrified about the uncertainties of the future, especially for your autistic child’s sake. But you have to be mindful that there is always a solution to everything. It may not be the one you imagined it to be, but that is okay. As long as you understand your role in your child’s life, you can hang on to it. Worry if you must and fear uncertainties if you have to. But do not let that worry turn into a mental illness because your child needs you more than ever. Care for your mental health, and don’t let your child’s autism distract you from what you have to do.

Recognizing The Early Signs Of Autism With Children In The Family

Autism is a complex developmental condition that affects mostly kids. The condition can make interaction and information processing entirely exhausting and challenging. Though autism can get a general diagnosis, each situation is unique. That explains why family can see particular traits and behaviors in children. However, in case the kids come up with one or more than of the specific autistic traits, that does not necessarily mean they have autism. It is still essential to speak to a doctor or a specialist about the recognizable traits to find out more information about further evaluation.

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Difficulty With Eye Contact

Difficulty with eye contact is one trait of autism that gets commonly discussed. Some adults with autism usually talk about this as a nearly painful experience. Somehow, it hinders them from paying attention to something or somebody. And as for kids who can’t express themselves, it can be a lot worse. Because aside from the misinterpretation of the action, it can cause the children difficulty in social interactions. Some individuals might take it as a sign of distrust and disrespect. Also, children with autism tend to focus intently on an object rather than a person. They do not get involved in doing things that do not excite them.

Not Much Babbling

Another feature of autism in children that the family should be aware of is the kids’ inability to babble. Balling refers to the sounds toddlers make before they even start to talk. And as they get older, the sounds they make become more sophisticated. At younger years, children should have babbling conversations with people regardless of their words, being a bit clear or not. Because if the kids do not tend to practice babbling, then there is something wrong. That is because the situation of children can get diagnosed with severe language delays, primarily when they can’t communicate until the age of four to six years old. Unfortunately, at a distinctive time, children will have difficulty using spoken language effectively as they get older.

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Not Responding To Their Names

Most families might consider this a normal thing. However, children who do not respond to their names when called might be autistic. Usually, the family thought that it is part of toddlers’ undeveloped skills where they experience difficulty in hearing. Sometimes, they assume that the kids are just ignoring them when they call their names. But that is further from the truth. Kids with autism often don’t respond to people calling their names even if their hearing is fine.

The Use Of Gestures

Another thing that the family should look out for in children with autism is their gestures. These include waving, pointing, nodding, and shaking their heads. That is because many children with autism do not use these particular gestures. If in case they do, that is entirely not often. That explains why the kids tend not to understand other people’s gestures as well. It becomes difficult for them to follow instructions from adults. The whole experience of using gestures for these children with autism is too overwhelming. Though children with autism sometimes imitate people at the early stage, sometimes the entire experience is challenging. The family might see that autistic children are not copying the actions the way they are supposed to.

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Not Clear Shared Enjoyment

Children with autism can be quite difficult to handle due to their remodeled routines and activities. But, it is not their fault. Honestly, kids with autism have the desire to connect and share things with others for the sake of engagement and social interaction. They can show interactive expressions like laughing or smiling. However, it does not guarantee that children with autism may feel the same happiness as their playmates. Most of the time, the way these kids show their enjoyment is not how their family would expect. Sadly, most children with autism hyper-focus on things build with fabrications and half-truths.

Repetitive Actions

Repetitive movements or actions are the core features of autism spectrum disorder. But though that fits in the general diagnosis of the condition, every child can experience it differently. Some examples are when kids play with a toy, in the same way, all the time, fidgeting their fingers and touching their face every minute. Yes, it is not uncommon to see these behaviors in toddlers once in a while. However, kids with autism tend to do these repetitive movements much often than usual.

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Takeaway

Since autism spectrum disorder is becoming more common, the family should be aware of its early signs. That way, they can seek professional help and guidance immediately. The family must work together in securing the children’s early development from communication, play, and social interaction. That is because these are the areas that often children with autism experience difficulty with. The family should note that the early the intervention is, the better the outcome is for kids with autism.

Guiding A Child With Autism Through The Pandemic

The number of those infected with the Coronavirus and deaths continue to rise. In the absence of a vaccine, specialists and the government encourages us to stay at home to keep us from being infected. The lockdown is stressful for everyone, but children with autism are very much affected by this sudden change.

Children with autism are comforted by accomplishing their daily routines, and not being able to do so could immensely affect their behavior and development.

The children’s condition makes it more difficult for them to understand the situation. Since they are used to routines, some may resist adapting to the new normal. What makes it worse is that schools, therapy centers, and other facilities that can help them are also closed for health precautions.

Now that we have the time to guide our children during the lockdown, let’s use it to help them cope with the situation. Here are some ways you could help your child adjust to the new normal.

Explain The Situation Through Simple Terms

You have a gifted child who can easily understand the situation if you explain it in simple terms. You do not have to be technical about the Coronavirus. A child can easily follow you if you provide examples coming from their past experiences.

You can say that the virus is something harmful that would make them ill. Mention the last time they were sick and how difficult that was for them. By doing so, they would have an idea of why you have to stay-at-home every day.

Please focus on the four things they have to remember to be safe during the pandemic: social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, and avoiding touching their nose, mouth, and eyes. Aside from this necessary information, let them absorb the situation and wait if they have further questions. If they do not have more questions, it is time for you to check if they can apply what they learned.

Check Their Understanding Through Role Play

If you used a teaching method that your child has been used to, chances are they have absorbed the lesson. To check whether they have fully taken your lessons at heart, you can role-play the different situations to apply their learning.

You can pretend to shake your child’s hand and see if he or she would wash her hands properly, or you could ask him or her to gather his toys and place them at a safe distance from one another. Role-playing is also a good bonding activity.

A Period Of Adjustment

Children with autism function better when they follow a routine. Try to minimize the effect of the pandemic on their daily schedules. Wake them up at an hour that they used to and always give them meals and free time in the same hours.

Also, ensure that you provide them with a choice of what they want to do during their schooling hours so that they can still feel that they are in control. To manage their transition from one task to another, provide your child with visual schedules, timers, or cues.

Keep Your Children Calm

You can observe your child for any changes in their behavior. If they experience stress or fear, they will most likely have difficulty in expressing themselves. They may try to get your attention through tantrums or other challenging behavior. To avoid this, encourage your child to express their feelings through activities.

Examples Of Activities

There are different media through which children with autism could express themselves. Art and crafts are usually sufficient to calm them down. Choose positive sensory activities that you and your child can enjoy. Some examples are:

Painting – if your child is up to it, allow them to create a mess while painting. You can try a different medium to paint like water balloons or even just their fingers.
Polymer Clay – These are like ordinary clays, but it hardens when exposed to heat. You can mold your clay and turn them into cute accessories.
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“Parents need to give themselves some grace. Do your best but do not expect to be able to do everything that your child’s teachers and therapists do as skillfully as they do it,” says Cathy Guttentag, P.h.D.

As parents, you want to create an environment of growth and development for your children. However, always be reminded that today’s pandemic brings unprecedented times. You do not have to be the perfect teacher or therapist for your child, but you can always try. Leave ample room for yourself to learn more about your child and yourself through the pandemic.

Why I Home School My Kids

The lessons I learned from the 2019 home school event makes me realize that I was not the only parent who likes homeschooling. Others like me want their kids to learn while spending more time with them. While most people still prefer traditional school learning, here are some of the few reasons why I like homeschooling more.

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One of the reasons I like homeschooling for my kids is due to the progress of learning things at my kids’ own pace. My children develop their strategies to understand something without getting forced into it. They learned things based on their individual needs, and they do not try to compromise for the majority. They can explore everything under the homeschooling environment.
Contrary to what others believe, homeschooling does not make kids introverts. The truth is, I like homeschooling because I can limit the people my kids can socialize with. It becomes beneficial since there is a little less emotional and mental strain from being surrounded by different people. It lets my kids understand themselves better because they don’t have to put up other people’s mental and emotional issues at a very young age.

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Another thing I like about homeschooling is that it does not limit my children’s ability and creativity. There are only enough restrictions around the house so that they can explore things according to their desire. Homeschooling doesn’t count mistakes and supports experimental experiences. Homeschooling allows my kids to stay focus, so they tend to excel in a deeper understanding of things.
Optimal learning doesn’t happen in very crowded classes. Thus, it makes homeschooling the best choice for my children. There is no limited distribution of resources and educational materials. And as a mom, I can focus on teaching towards a non-testing standard. It does not require me to have any degree to become my children’s best teacher.

Managing COVID-19: Sensory Activities For Children With Autism

A stay-at-home setup can be particularly difficult for children living with autism. Since they can’t go to their special school or attend therapy, their daily routine gets disrupted, bringing more stress into their everyday lives.

“Depending on developmental levels, the difficulty of understanding why a routine is disrupted, how long it’s going to last, wondering when it’s over—all of that adds a lot of unknowns. It can add anxiety,” reveals Donna Murray, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Vice President at Autism Speaks for Clinical Programs and Head of the Autism Treatment Network.

If your child undergoes meltdowns because of the stress brought about by this global pandemic, then your go-to strategy is applying sensory activities. Sensory plays help regulate and prevent stress for those with this disorder. It not only distracts them from the environmental stressors around, but it also stimulates their five senses. This method develops fundamental life skills, improves creativity, and facilitates understanding.

With this in mind, here are some of the best sensory activities you can do with your kid with autism while in lockdown.

Paint With Shaving Cream

Children adore playing with shaving cream. That’s good since this is probably one of the cheapest sensory items out there. To start, spray some unscented shaving cream on a large and spacey countertop or a large container and let your child play with it. He or she may create the most creative artwork possible.

If you want to add a little bit of sizzle to this activity, you may incorporate a couple of drops of food coloring or tempera paint to the shaving cream. It will add a little excitement to your kid’s masterpiece.

Homemade Musical Instruments

You have an option to buy the most expensive musical instruments for your child. Are you aware, however, that building these treasures can be as exciting and fun as playing with them? Check out some ideas below:

Drums: Use plastic tubs as the drums itself and wooden spoons as the beater
Shakers: Fill empty plastic bottles with either dried beans or rice
Chimes: Attach shells or bottle tops on a string and hang them

Sensory Bottle

In this activity, you will need an old plastic bottle as your primary tool. Once you have gotten one, add a mix of water, a few drops of food coloring, and a pinch of glitter to create an eye-catching and unique toy for your kid. You may also drop a couple of marbles and buttons to keep the sensory bottle more colorful and exciting. After placing everything inside, seal the lid tightly through the use of a hot glue gun.

This activity may look simple, but it’s an excellent way for your kid to learn about the importance of focus and engagement.

Shredded Paper Bins

Kids love treasure hunts. Shredded paper bins work the same with that of treasure hunts – only that your child doesn’t have to run around the whole house.

The first thing that you should do is to look for scrap papers, either from magazines, old books, old documents, or used notebooks. Then, shred this using a shredder. The tiny bits you get from this should be placed on an empty bin. Make sure that you fill-up the container, or the activity won’t be as successful as you plan.

Once you have established your paper bin, drop small items into it. These may range from toys, utensils, little books, and other accessories that can camouflage with the shredded papers. After, create a list for your kid, which he or she will use as a guide to finding the ‘hidden treasures.’ All he or she has to do is to dig around and tick everything on the list. Simple as that!

Food Tasting Game

In this activity, you aim to let your child taste various types of food while blindfolded. He or she should be able to guess it in just three tries. As a parent, it is within your discretion on what you’ll place in your ‘menu’ – it may depend on what your kid likes or dislikes.

Keep in mind, however, that this food tasting game can also be a platform to introduce new textures and tastes. Your choices may revolve around bananas, yogurt, cereal, tomato sauce, jelly, rice cakes, and more.

This pandemic might be placing massive stress on everyone’s shoulders. But as a parent, you should look for ways that will ease the burden experienced by your child, and as mentioned, sensory activities can be your solution. So go and try all of these games now!

SPED Teaching Strategies

The 2019 SPED conference explains that teaching kids with special needs are never easy. There are lots to consider because the students require more than just a day of a lesson. There must be an assurance of understanding, patience, as well as improved communication. In this article, let’s try and discuss some of the important SPED teaching strategies teachers can use.

Source: flickr.com

Use Of Different Learning Style – Teachers should learn to incorporate teaching styles so that the kids can use different learning materials. However, not all children with a disability require the same type of learning style. Some may require visual, audio, and even kinesthetic approach. With those challenges, teachers learning strategies should be creative, highly intuitive, and detailed.

Use Assistive Technology – Children’s disabilities vary. Therefore, teachers should consider the use of devices and equipment to encourage a more student-friendly environment. Some of these learning technologies include hearing aids, cognitive aids, mobility aids, adaptive switches, voice recognition programs, and other devices to help children with a disability perform tasks.

Use Of Kid-Friendly Environment – Children with special needs need to have a relaxed learning environment. It will allow them to understand the importance of social engagement, where respectful behavior is a top priority. Therefore, teachers should consider the kids’ interest in a safe, trusting, and comfortable classroom.

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Use Of Standard Curriculum – There is always an educational standard even in SPED classes, so teachers must be aware of that. Since they will be the ones responsible for the children’s learning and achieving goals, teachers must understand the vitality of kids’ prior knowledge and learning capabilities. It will help avoid misjudgments between children who can learn fast and those who couldn’t.

Use Of Good Sense Of Humor – Kids love teachers with a good sense of humor. If that characteristic is present in a SPED classroom, students will enjoy school. They will appreciate teachers’ effort in imparting wisdom.