“Autism doesn’t come with a manual, it comes with a parent who never gives up.”
Taking care of kids with special needs can be exhausting and difficult at times. Every day is a journey for parents with autistic kids to guide them in life. It completely changes their lives, their routines, and their priorities. Constant attention and care are required to take good care of them. Even if they somehow manage all that, it is a completely different scenario when they go out in public. At home, it might be easier to care for the children. However, in an unfamiliar environment, it is not easy to predict their behaviour, which makes it difficult. Parents have to constantly worry about their children throwing temper tantrums or getting scared or frustrated.
To an outside person, it might seem like a child throwing a regular temper tantrum. They will judge the parents for not raising their children properly and not disciplining them when they are in a public space. So, as a parent of a child with special needs, what can you do to make sure your children are well behaved at home and in public places?
Take it slow and steady
Start small. Begin by taking them to the homes of your relatives and close family friends. Get them familiarised with being away from home. Start by just driving out to their houses and returning. Slowly progress by spending more time there.
Interaction is important
Many parents avoid their autistic children from getting in contact with other people. These parents think they are protecting their children. Some might even do it out of embarrassment. But all you are doing is limiting your child’s development. When they interact with people, they will slowly become comfortable communicating with others and will learn how to behave around people. Do not underestimate your children and make sure you encourage your kids to socialize.
Following a healthy routine is key
For children on the autistic spectrum, following a familiar routine can be helpful. Having a schedule laid out for your kids can help them do things on their own after a while. Unfamiliar situations might throw them off. So try to get them into a routine and help them follow it. Slowly let them do some of the tasks on their own and only interfere when necessary.
Teach your children about social etiquette
Many things normal children figure out on their own might be unknown to your child. Teach them what is the expected behaviour in public and what they can do and shouldn’t do. You shouldn’t expect your child to learn quickly and behave as you wish for when they are surrounded by unknown people. They might not understand everything at once, but with patience and proper training, you can get them to understand a great deal.
Know your child
Every child is different. Doesn’t matter whether they are autistic or not. Everyone will have some things that trigger strong emotions and things that help them calm down. Observe and figure out what can help your child’s development. Have a plan to use when they throw a temper tantrum or go out of control in public. It can be a toy that comforts them, a song you sing or it can even be a candy they love.
For those of you who do not have an autistic child, we have some advice for you too.
Not every child with autism looks the same.
Not every autism is the same.
A child can be looking normal but still have autism.
A child can appear to have no easily visible signs and still have autism.
You can’t just see a child and figure out if they are autistic or not. So, the next time you see a parent trying frantically to get their child under control or trying to calm them down, don’t be too quick to judge. Instead, we hope you will follow these:
- Do not shout at them or get angry with the parents.
- Talk to them and see if they need assistance.
- Give them space and time to get things under control. Do not rush them
- Try not to make any comments on the child’s behaviour or the parent’s competence.
- Please try not to go off and give them parenting advice. Most parents in such a situation would be hoping for people to give them some space.
- Try not to crowd around them. It might cause the situation to become worse.
- Try not to be awkward around them or show them pity.
- Be kind in your actions. It is not something for just this occasion- it is something we ask of you when interacting with everyone.
We hope you find these tips helpful. For all parents out there, we wish you all the best. We offer you our love and support through every challenge you have to face. Happy parenting! 🙂
Exam Smart Tips
Exam Smart Tip #1 – How to Encourage Our Kids to Speak Better?
Exam Smart Tip #2 – How to avoid carelessness?
Exam Smart Tip #3 – Establishing Routines!
Exam Smart Tip #4 – Let’s Read Carefully!
Exam Smart Tip #5 – Beating the Exam Fever!
Exam Smart Tip #6 – How to Eat Right for the Exams?
Exam Smart Tip #7 – How to Avoid a Meltdown?
Exam Smart Tip #8 – Taking Stress out of Tests
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