Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging and can cause a lot of frustration on your part. Do not feel sorry for yourself if you are suffering from raising your kid who has special needs. Keep in mind that what you are feeling right now is only usual or average. According to a therapist, autistic children have certain peculiarities and issues that may be difficult to handle, which is why it is not new for a parent to feel stressed and anxious most of the time. If you believe that you need advice on how to become more relaxed in raising your child who has ASD, then be sure to read this article from start to finish.
First of all, it is crucial on your part to remind yourself that there is nothing that you can do to turn back time. Stop wishing that your child was different and did not have his medical condition. You need to begin accepting the reality that your child has autism spectrum disorder, and all he needs is the unconditional love from you. Never make the mistake of making your kid feel inadequate just because he is different from the other children surrounding him. Remember, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.” John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS explains.
At the same time, you must always understand that other people feel compassion and sympathy for you. As such, do not reject any help or assistance that others may offer you. Be willing to have an open mind and avoid being judgmental against other individuals who only want nothing but to help you in any way they can. Below are some of the things that you must consider if you’re going to learn the best ways on how to handle your child with autism:
Be Consistent In Everything You Do
It is a fact that children with autism have difficulty in retaining things to their brain. As such, they tend to be forgetful because they cannot keep the memory for a long time. Because of this, it is essential or crucial on your part to be consistent in every single thing that you do. Take note that your kid is observing the way you act or talk, which is why you must do the right things at all times whenever he is around. Be mindful of what you say and do because one mistake can bring in a lot of difference. “Healthy boundaries are necessary for self-care, and healthy relationships and most people are not equipped with these important life skills.” Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC said.
Learn About Autism
“Often, kids, teens and adults on the spectrum spend a lot of time trying to be “normal”, fighting sensory overload and overwhelm, fending off personal quirks, and trying so hard to “fit in”,socially and otherwise.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains. As much as possible, do not just wait for people to give you advice on how to raise your child. The best or vital thing to do is to make a conscious effort to learn about autism spectrum disorder. Read several resources that can help you become an expert about the illness. Lucky for you, there are already thousands of available resources that you can read online. All that you must do is to double-check the details of the source of the article to ensure that you will not get a piece of false information. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you can already dispense with the expert advice of a medical professional. It is still essential to continue bringing your child to a doctor’s office for a checkup regularly.
Give Rewards When Necessary
You must also learn about positive reinforcement wherein you will let your child know whenever he has done something great so that he will feel motivated to do it again in the future. Be careful in using this method of disciplining a child with autism so that you will not end up having issues in raising him. Know when it is the right time to give rewards and when it is not. You cannot keep on rewarding actions that do not qualify as great deeds. It is crucial to be sure before you give a prize or reward. If you are not sure how to do this right, feel free to read the commentaries or journals published by psychologists. These materials contain everything you need to learn about the said topic.
Conclusion
If you are tired about raising your child, do not worry because that feeling will soon fade. What is essential is that you take the necessary steps to refresh your mind and recharge yourself. Take some time off or ask for help from other people. Do not sway people away from your life because you are embarrassed about getting their support or assistance. Instead, be open to whatever they are going to do to help you in your day-to-day endeavors.