Are you worried about your child with autism? Are you finding it difficult to help your child develop the necessary skills and communicate the way others do? Do you want your child to bridge the gap?

We will help you understand children with autism and guide you in catering to their needs.

To put in simple words, autism is a neurobiological disorder that affects social skills, language development and emotional development. It is a challenge that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. So, here we give you all the tried and tested strategies that will help you while dealing with the strengths and challenges of children with autism. It will help you to understand the various aspects that you need to take into account when working on the behaviour of an autistic child.

1. Watch your words

The words that we use have tremendous effects on our thoughts, which reflect on our behavior (actions). Using words like “it is a challenge to raise an autistic child” or “Autistic children are challenging to deal with” reflects that you think your child is the biggest problem of your life. This affects the foundation of your relationship with the child. Children with autism are very sensitive and receptive. We need to watch our words as it can give the wrong messages to them.

2. Look for nonverbal cues

It’s natural to feel upset when you are misunderstood or ignored, and it’s no different for children with ASD. When children with ASD act out, it’s often because you’re not picking up on their nonverbal cues. Throwing a tantrum is their way of communicating their frustration and getting your attention. If you are observant and aware, you can learn to pick up on the nonverbal cues that children with ASD use to communicate. Pay attention to the kinds of sounds they make, their facial expressions, and gestures they use when they’re tired, hungry, or want something.

3. Focus on positive behavior

Focusing on the positive behaviors in your child with praise and rewards will go a long way. Be very specific when you praise your child so he or she knows exactly what it is that you are rewarding. Find ways to reward your child for positive behavior that will reinforce their positive behavior.

4. Take your child along for everyday activities

If your child’s behavior is unpredictable, you may feel like it’s better not to take them to public occasions and places. Family functions, such as parties and celebratory meals, can be tricky with an autistic child. Pack a goody bag filled with sensory toys. This does not need to be expensive. Spinners, balloons and stretchy toys can be great to engage them. A pre-prepared goody bag can be the difference between being able to stay at the celebration or having to leave early with a distressed child.  Also, when you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or a post office run, it can help them get used to the world around them. Let them participate in day-to-day household activities.

5. Understanding their behaviour patterns

As the child grows older, their quirks may become more apparent. Behaviors such as rocking, flapping hands or bouncing (often called stimming) may mark them out. Because it draws attention to the child, some parents find stimming acutely embarrassing and try to stop it. But stimming isn’t just some annoying habit; it often gives a good indication of how an individual with autism is feeling. It can show their distress or joy. It puts them in a comfort zone from something intolerable.

6. Seeking intervention in school

Children over the age of three receive assistance through school-based programs. The Dubai Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) recommends the local school system to assess your child. Based on these assessments, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is drafted. The IEP outlines the educational goals of your child for the school year. Additionally, it recommends Learning Support Assistants (LSA) or special services that the school will provide to your child in order to meet those specified goals.

7. Special education services

Special education services are tailored as per your child’s individual needs. Children with ASD are often placed in small groups where they can receive more individual attention and specialized instruction.

About the Author

Dr. Alka Kalra is a renowned psychologist and a Professional Counsellor, who is known as a crusader for children who are misperceived as underachievers. With her passion for children who have hidden learning difficulties, Dr. Alka wanted them to never undermine themselves and realized that they have unique skills and strengths. To work with these children, she established Eduscan in 1995.

Within two decades in the UAE, Dr. Alka has changed the lives of numerous children who struggled at school due to their low performance. They are now in different parts of the works with successful careers. She also believes in training teachers as they touch many lives.

Community Development Authority (Dubai) certified psychologist Dr. Alka is known for the assessment of personality, aptitude, intelligence, and hidden learning difficulties. Dr. Alka has had the honor of receiving the university gold medal in Masters of Psychology and has a second Masters in Education as well. She has earned her Ph.D. and her Post-Doctoral Research from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. To know more about her work, follow her on her Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or visit her website.