Guiding A Child With Autism Through The Pandemic

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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

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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

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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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

Tips For A Strong Marriage Of Parents With ASD Kids

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The teachers of my son since he was in Playschool until kindergarten have repeatedly told me to bring him to a neuro-developmental specialist and consult with autism influencers for additional support and guidance. They said he was displaying unusual behavior like being too hyper and overly impulsive. He was also manifesting delays in several developmental skills like his cognitive functioning and motor skills.

Continue reading Tips For A Strong Marriage Of Parents With ASD Kids

Teaching Sex Education To Your Special Child 

Sexuality, for the neurotypical individual, is often a topic learned through informal channels. For those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), they have a harder time to learn about it through the same channels as the neurotypical individual. This situation poses a challenge, especially for their parents, since misinformation and misunderstandings may arise and may be learned by their special child.  

 

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  Continue reading Teaching Sex Education To Your Special Child 

What To Do If Your Husband Has ASD

Living with someone who has an autism spectrum disorder or ASD is completely challenging. You have to understand that marriage is going to be difficult to handle. Notwithstanding this difficulty, it is still possible to live a happy life. There will be problems and struggles along the way, but as long as you keep your vow to stay for the rest of your life with your autistic husband, then everything will become more comfortable as days go by. The trials will be apparent during the first few months of the marital union. However, the longer you stay in the relationship, the more you will realize that your partner’s mental condition does not get in the way of your marriage.

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Continue reading What To Do If Your Husband Has ASD

Teenage Diary: Introducing Boyfriend To Parents

The thought of introducing your boyfriend to your parents is terrifying. What if they will not like the person that you are currently dating? What if your teenage lover ends up making a big mistake in front of your mom or dad? What if something goes wrong during the introduction? These are just some of the things that are probably making you feel anxious about this matter.

 

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Continue reading Teenage Diary: Introducing Boyfriend To Parents

Needing Autism Spectrum Therapies

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the common mental illnesses in children. Kids with ASD have difficulty connecting with others in the community or organization. Experiencing different challenges, which hinders developing social and play skills while forming friendships or relationships. Their behaviors, skills, and learning are different from those who do not have this condition, making it hard for them to act normally in typical situations for other kids every single day. Kids also have trouble understanding what they feel, as well as how other individuals feel. This is where Autism spectrum therapies can help.

Most of the time, those young ones also encounter trouble in learning and communicating in school and within the community. Because of this, children with ASD often struggle with so many things in their lives.

Autism Spectrum Therapies

“Traditionally, intervention for children with ASD has focused upon reducing interfering behavior and teaching language, academic and self-help skills.” Marlene Driscoll, MA, LMFT said. If you are one of the parents with kids suffering from ASD, then be sure to read the rest of this article. In this write-up, we are going to address the favorite combined questions asked by other families who also have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD):

Few Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Therapies

“Is There Something I Can Do About It?”

Luckily, you can find many positive ways how you could handle austism spectrum disorder, especially through autism spectrum therapies. All you have to do is to understand what are the symptoms and implications of the illness. The best part is, once you have a clear understanding and overview of the disorder, it will be easier on your part to deal with its condition. After this, what you need to do is to know the exact diagnosis of your child’s mental health.

This is where you need to see a doctor and engage in autism spectrum disorder therapies for consultation. “It is important to help children with autism notice when they are stuck on details. Over time they can get in the habit of recognizing when they are focused at the detail level and learn to zoom out to see the big picture.” John Strang, Psy.D. explains.

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“Should I Bring Him To A Counselor?”

Therapy for autism can help your children and family in so many ways. As such, it is highly recommended that you find the perfect counselor or therapist who has the expertise, the tools, and the commitment to handling a medical condition of a child. A good therapist could teach your little one how to act and respond accordingly and communicate appropriately. They can also help with the improvement of social skills. Its treatment sessions will be made personal and exclusive for your child. This means that your kid will receive special training and attention during meetings with his counselor.

An autism treatment therapy plan that is tailored exclusively is created based on the attending circumstances and essential matters and data that exist in your child’s case. “Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.” Chris Corbett, PsyD said.

Behavioral approaches are the most effective treatment for ASD. Applied Behavior Analysis or ABA is an evidence-based intervention that is widely accepted by career healthcare professionals and is also used in school and treatment clinics. You can check out some resources or websites about the endorsement and effectiveness of ABA.

There is no cure for ASD and currently no medication to treat it. But there are some medicines that help with the management of related symptoms like depression, anxiety, seizures, insomnia, and trouble focusing. Science research shows that medication is most effective when it’s combined with behavioral therapies like ABA.

“What Makes Him Special?”

A child with ASD is undeniably an individual with special needs. This is the reason why kids with ASD must be given distinct attention at all times by their leading providers. As much as possible, you must never leave your child all by himself. You must have the services of someone responsible as well as a passionate and dedicated team who will have the passion to watch over him while you are away.

Take note that your kid can be awkward in a social group. He usually has no idea what to do, talk, or act and can have issues with communication. For this reason, it is imperative that someone must be there to offer him assistance and check on their progress at all times. Keep in mind that ASD has adverse effects too and this is something you need to expect and prepare yourself with.

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Final Thoughts: In A Nutshell

If you still have other questions that are not answered in this article, a smart thing to do is to do research. Read more books about its condition and progress. Do not hesitate to check videos and documentaries highlighting ASD benefits, therapies, and clinicians’ treatments. You can also check out websites and partnership organizations like autism speaks to know more about ASD. At the same time, as clients, you can also ask your questions about your child’s growth to their counselor or psychiatrist.

Do not be shy or hesitant when it comes to asking questions or making inquiries. Remember always to make your child feel that he has his family’s full attention, love, and support.

Autism Spectrum Therapies FAQs

Which therapy is best for ASD?

What therapies may be used to treat an autistic child?

How do you treat ASD at home?

What is the most effective treatment for ASD in adults?

Does ASD worsen with age?

What does occupational therapy do for ASD?

What is the difference between Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and occupational therapy?

Is ABA therapy harmful?

What is behavioral therapy for ASD?

What are the 3 forms of early intervention for ASD?