Autism spectrum disorder (ASD); widely known as Autism, is a condition which has different types. A person with Autism experiences challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication. Autistic people are sensitive to various environments and situations.
We as humans have to understand their needs, their behaviours and nature. they require special attention and a lot of cooperation. Undoubtedly it is hard to raise a special child. Likewise, it is hard to be a special person when you can’t exactly explain what is bothering you and what do you need. Because it is World Autism Day, to show solidarity towards Autistic people, we’ve put together some basic details you need to know about it.
Here’s how you can know what Autism is?
Autism is a disorder linked directly to our brain. It is a complex neuro-behavioral condition which is considered as impairment. Autism includes difficulty in social interaction and developing language. It affects communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviors. This condition was only known as Autism but because of its wide range of symptoms, it is now known as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism has a large base of symptoms and it majorly requires institutional care. Autism spectrum disorder usually shows its signs around the age of 2-3. In some cases, it appears even earlier than this. It can be diagnosed as early as 18 months.
There Are A Few Things We Need To Know About Autistic Children
Children with autism have trouble communicating. Autistic children have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words, through gestures, facial expressions, and touch. We need to understand that even some specific sounds can trigger children having autism. A child with ASD is very sensitive and can even be troubled by sounds, touch, smells, or sights that seem normal to others but are not normal for them.
Autistic children have repetitive, stereotyped body movements such as rocking, pacing, or hand flapping. These might irritate the people around but they need to accept the fact that autistic children are beyond understanding normal behaviours. They may have unusual responses to people, attachments to objects, resistance to change in their routines and aggressive or self-injurious behaviour. At times they may seem not to notice people, objects, or activities in their surroundings. Some children with autism may develop seizures in later age.
Autism Characteristics
They adopt unusual speech patterns. i.e robotic behaviour
They avoid eye contacts with strangers. Sometimes with known people too
Autistic children do not respond like normal babies in earlier years
Do not respond to their name
Delayed development of speech skills
They have difficulty maintaining a conversation
Autistic children have a habit of repeating phrases
Apparently, face difficulty in understanding feelings and expressing their own
Here’s How To Tackle Your Autistic Child?
The easiest way to contribute to raising awareness is to understand what exactly ASD is. Try to be more understanding of special children. Help them in public so they don’t feel isolated.
Learn About Autism:
The more you learn about autism spectrum disorder, the better understanding you have. It will improve your grip on the decisions you make for your children. Educate yourself about all the treatments. Ask doctors about different symptoms and situations. Try to participate in different activities related to autism so you can experience it better for your children.
Be An Expert Help For Your Child:
You are the only one who can figure out what triggers your child’s autism. There are minor things which upsets them and they require help from their families to cooperate with them. They find many normal things stressful and frightening, and Uncomfortable. If you understand what affects your child, you’ll be better at troubleshooting problems and preventing before the situation becomes difficult.
Accept Your Child As They Are:
Rather than focusing on how your autistic child is different from others and what they are missing. You need to practice acceptance. Just accept them as they are. Enjoy your kid’s specialities, celebrate their success, and stop comparing your child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved will help your child more than anything else.
Don’t Give Up On Your Autistic Child, They Need You!
It is undoubtedly impossible to predict what will occur. Don’t predict how life will be for them. Like everyone else, people with autism have an entire lifetime to grow and develop their abilities.
Be Patient With Them:
They take longer than usual to process information and to respond. You need to slow down your conversation to their speed so they can respond well.
Teach Them To Express Anger Without Being Aggressive:
Children with autism should know that they don’t have to hold their anger and frustration inside. Teach them the right way to express how they’re feeling.
Be Persistent
You should understand that they will not respond as you expect them to, try to remain calm and don’t get hurt just because they’re not responding. Children with ASD may have trouble both showing and controlling their emotions. They can be blunt in their responses. Don’t take this personally.
You Need To Stay Positive
Autistic children respond best to positive reinforcement. Be sure to talk and behave positively in front of them
Avoid Attention-Getting Behavior
Autistic children tend to be attention seekers. This habit can lead them to act badly or aggressively just to get your attention. Ignoring this behaviour is often the best way to prevent it. Also, talk about how you’ll appreciate them on their good behaviour. Give them treats for following your commands
Interact Through Physical Activity
Children with Autism have short attention spans. This is especially true when it comes to communicating. Running around and playing outside may be a better way of sharing time together. It will also let them relax and feel calmer.
Be Soft And Respectful
You should often greet them with warm hugs. They need love and attention more than other children do. Hugs can do wonders. But some children don’t like to be touched. Respect their personal space. Never force physical affection on an unwilling child.
Express Your Love And Interest
Children with ASD may have difficulty expressing their feelings. But they still need to know that you love them. Go out of your way to express your interest, care and support towards them.
Believe In Them
A child with autism grows up with unknown possibilities. Believe in what the child can do. Don’t define the child by a diagnosis.
Take Care Of Yourself As Well
It is very normal to take a break. Do different relaxing activities, go for a walk or watch something. Ask someone close to caring for your child so you can recharge. Psychologists and therapists also help to relax your nerves. If you take care of yourself well, you’ll be able to raise your children well.
How To Spread Awareness About Autism?
Get Involved In Different Activities
There are many people out there who are doing good work in spreading the word about autism. But it can never be enough. The more you talk or experience about is good for your child. You should be dedicated about spreading autism awareness it’s very important that you not only learn but you should get involved too!
There are various ways through which you can get involved. Just know that getting out there and doing something about the problem is the best way to start making the world a better place for autistic people and their families.
Try to find interactive events, programs, and services for autistic people in your area. Being more updated is the only way you can help people around you.
Use Social Media
Social media is considered as the most powerful tool in today’s era. It is a great way to interact with people living overseas or even next door. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter can help you build a following if you’re looking to share your story related to autism. You can not only share your views, but you can also share ongoing or upcoming events. Your personal experience and knowledge too. This is a great way to raise awareness in no time. Try to use easier ways.
Donate
It’s possible that you’re interested in raising awareness about autism but you don’t know anyone around whose autistic. If this is the situation you’re in, and you want to help, try donating. Look for platforms who support autism, donate money or anything you can which is helpful for autistic people.
Volunteer
If you aren’t already involved in the autism community and can’t afford to donate, another way to help and spread awareness is by volunteering your time. After learning what autism is, try spending some time around autistic people. Help them with your knowledge, interest and love. They need attention more than any other thing.
If you want to learn more or have questions about autism spectrum disorder and don’t know where to start. Try looking for the best Psychologists or Psychiatrists through Marham.pk. Another easier and quicker way is to join Marham’s facebook group and interact with the doctors through live posts. Help improve the community. Live a meaningful life and make use of it in better ways.
