Reading time is 3 mins
.
.
YOU ARE NOT HELPLESS AGAINST AUTISM!
Autism is a congenital neuro-developmental disability. 1 out of every 59 children born into the world is born with a risk of autism. The only known treatment of autism today is intensive and continuous special education with early diagnosis.
The attitude of families is very important in the autism treatment process. First of all, parents should accept that the child has autism. The biggest problem starts with the fact that mom and dad do not accept this situation. After accepting, the process is moving faster and more positively. Parents should know their children very well.
They need to observe which situations or stimuli help their children’s appropriate or inappropriate behavior. Which situations the child finds stressful, which situations calming, it is important to observe and know such situations in order to prevent some behaviors.
1- Avoid Comparing Your Children with Their Friends
Comparing children who have been diagnosed with autism with other children and focusing on their Decencies are among the inappropriate behaviors. Parents should accept their children as they are with their existing individual characteristics.
Parents should know their children’s differences and support their children’s achievements. Unconditional love and acceptance in the treatment of autistic children will facilitate the smooth progress of the process.
2- Advice to Parents
In the treatment processes of autistic children, it is very important for families to get to know “autism” closely. In addition, there are some rules that parents should pay attention to. I have compiled for you the rules that should be taken into account in the treatment of autism.
– Education is the main element of treatment. The intention of education is the education of parents and children. The positive behaviors of the child should be increased with education, and inappropriate behaviors should be tried to be reduced.
– It is important to treat the child consistently. A father should not allow behavior that a mother does not allow, either. Common rules should be established. If a promise is made to a child, it must be kept. The child’s trust must be ensured. Parents-teachers should work in cooperation. A consistent attitude should be displayed, and it is important to correctly apply the rules and techniques applied by the child’s teacher at home.
– Rewarding appropriate behaviors, using positive reinforcement is one of the effective practices. Therefore, it is very important to be a good observer and take advantage of opportunities to offer rewards. The child should know which behavior he is rewarded for.
– It is necessary to support the child’s self-confidence. Asking a child for a behavior and skill that he cannot do damages his self-confidence. Forcing him, overloading him, shakes his self-confidence or causes him to close down. Create environments where he can experience the pleasure of success. Support the work that he can do alone.
– An overprotective approach prevents the child from acting independently. It is necessary to give the child the opportunity to do something on his own.
– It would be correct behavior not to allow more TV and computer use than necessary. This prevents the child from socializing. It should be ensured that he does activities together with someone rather than playing games alone.
– The child’s environment should be arranged by the caregiver, grandmother, grandmother, etc. choosing the right people and informing them plays an important role in the life of children with autism.
– He should determine the interests of the child and try to create situations that will attract his interest. It is necessary to ensure that he participates in activities based on the things he loves the most.
– Do not give the child the reaction he wants every time he wants. Surprise your child.
– It is necessary not to restrict the child from social and physical environments, not to lock him at home. The looks of the people around, the questions should not affect the parents. Children’s connection with the environment should be increased. It is important to take to the park, home trips, go out on the street together, walk, go shopping, introduce and explain the environment, answer questions in terms of supporting the child.
While trying to fulfill all these things, parents may be forced. Being a parent of a child with autism takes energy and time. Coping with autism requires a lot of patience.
Parents may feel exhausted, helpless, tired. Before getting to this point, parents need to get help and support right at that moment. Because the most important thing on this journey is that mom and dad are in good condition spiritually and psychologically.
“Be Aware, Extend Your Hand…”
Special Education Teacher and Psychologist
Antalya MedicalPark Hospital
.
.