Raising a child with autism is a loving yet challenging journey. There are victories and milestones to celebrate along the way, like your child starting school for the first time. There are also trying times that can leave you feeling drained and at your wits end.
While every parent’s journey is different because of the unique and diverse needs of children on the autism spectrum, there are best practices you can follow that can help bring more balance and predictability to life and ensure you and your child are in a position to thrive.
Let’s look at four of those best practices that we believe can have the biggest, positive impact on you and your child.
Best Practice #1 – Create a daily routine for your child.
Many children with autism like routines and having a schedule to follow. Knowing what’s going to happen throughout their day removes uncertainty that can be stressful for them. By reducing their stress, children are less anxious, they can better regulate their emotions, they’re more receptive to learning, and they can gain confidence and be more independent. Plus, and this is a biggie, you’ll be less stressed, too!
Giving your child a routine to follow everyday also helps them to learn how to transition from one activity to the next, which can be difficult for kids with autism. Kids learn time management skills as well, because they have a set amount of time to complete a task. A routine provides a clear order of things to be done and teaches them what is expected.
The ideal routine should be:
- Written down and shared with your child. Add pictures and provide step-by-step instructions if needed for a particular task they are learning, like brushing their teeth. You can also include a place where they can check off an activity they’ve completed. Make it fun for them, but keep it easy to follow.
- All-inclusive of every activity they are to do. Think of it as their day planner. Even schedule times of play and relaxation.
- Realistic and doable for your child and for you. Be sure to acknowledge and reward your child’s accomplishments and effort with each activity. Positive reinforcement goes a long way!
For inspiration creating your child’s daily routine, check out these printable examples created by a parent of children on the autism spectrum. If you and your child like using technology, getgoally.com offers apps for creating and using daily routines via your smart device. There’s also a built-in gamification aspect that lets your child earn points and rewards for successfully following their schedule.
The key to success with creating a daily routine is sticking to it. It will take time for your child to get used to following the routine, so don’t give up or be afraid to revise it to make the flow more natural for your child.
Best Practice #2 – Include time for self-care in your daily routine.
A parent’s autism journey is a marathon, not a sprint. You need to take time for yourself as often as you can to ensure you can give your very best to your child. Like the routine you create for your child, you should schedule time for self-care and stick to it, even if feelings of guilt start creeping in.
Just 15 minutes a day doing something you enjoy or simply relaxing provides a needed distraction that can reduce your stress and have positive effects on your health. The key with this best practice is balancing your needs with your child’s. It won’t be an even split, obviously, but you can still get out of balance, and the result can take its toll on you and your child if you don’t make self-care a priority.
When it comes to self-care, be sure to:
- Get enough sleep, choose healthier food options, and exercise.
- Set boundaries for what you can and can’t take on.
- Spend time with friends and family that care about you and want the best for you and your child. They’re your support system.
- Consider respite care to get a much-needed break from being a caregiver.
Best Practice #3 – Enroll your child in ABA therapy.
ABA therapy is the gold standard when it comes to treating the symptoms of autism and helping children reach their full potential. Extensive research shows that children who start ABA therapy early as young as two achieve better outcomes later in life.
The goal of ABA therapy is to increase behaviors that are helpful and decrease behaviors that are harmful or impede learning, so children with autism can be as independent as possible. And that means less stress on you.
During ABA therapy, children can also improve developmentally in many critical areas of life based on their unique needs, including:
- Language and communication skills
- Social skills that contribute to success in school and throughout life
- Attention, focus, memory, and academic skills
- Self-care skills, like bathing and toileting
- Fine and gross motor skills, like using their hands and being physically active
Another great benefit of ABA therapy is that it empowers parents of children with autism to learn basic ABA therapy techniques they can use with their child in real life situations. Group parent training can also provide parents with a built-in support group!
The best ABA therapy providers will have earned accreditation as a Behavioral Health Center of Excellence®. You can save yourself time and frustration trying out providers by searching for accredited providers at the source: BHCOE.org.
Best Practice #4 – Accept that you’re going to make mistakes.
This best practice might be the most difficult if you tend to be hard on yourself. You’re going to try different approaches with your child that don’t work. You might think that you’ve failed, but that’s not the case. With each new thing you try, you’re getting closer and closer to what does work, and that’s a great thing. Cut yourself some slack, and enjoy the small victories. You deserve it as a parent of a child with autism!
If you live in North Texas or the Boulder area in Colorado, the awesome team at The Behavior Exchange would love to help you and your child with autism live your best lives through fun, caring, and expert ABA therapy. Contact us today.
