Parenting Tips for Raising a Child With Autism

Editor’s Note: This week we’re happy to share a new guest post from Jenny Wise of the forum Special Home Educator. For parents with children on the Autism spectrum, especially those whose children are newly diagnosed, we hope this piece can help in planning and navigating everyday situations from the playground to the doctor’s office.

Raising a child with autism poses challenges that must be tackled with intention and a gentle hand. If your child was recently diagnosed as on the spectrum, or if you’ve made the decision to adopt an ASD child, the following tips can help you help them adjust to life with social and emotional differences.

By Jenny Wise, Special Home Educator

Socialization

Autism is a disorder that strongly affects social skills. Indiana University explains that basic social skills, such as taking turns and striking up a conversation, are more difficult for children with ASD. But just because your child doesn’t make friends the same as everyone else doesn’t mean he’s incapable of forging meaningful relationships.

An ASD child will need a bit more structure than a typical play date can provide. Instead of blindly meeting potential new friends at the playground, have your child practice their social skills at home with siblings or cousins with whom they are close. Once they have mastered the basics, invite familiar faces over to your home. It may take time, but eventually, you may be able to branch out into new locations and thus new people.

Oral Health

Many children on the spectrum find it difficult to manage their oral health. The feeling of the toothbrush bristles on their gums, the sound of scrubbing, and an overpowering toothpaste flavor can make oral care a battle. However, as Colgate Professional explains, proper dental hygiene can prevent a host of problems including gum disease, plaque, and tooth decay.

One of your main priorities as your child ages should be to get them comfortable with the dentist, which can be an overwhelming experience if done without ample preparation. Start by taking your child with you as you get your own teeth cleaned. The sooner they are exposed to this environment, the better. Speak with your dentist privately about their issues and then schedule the first visit to introduce them to the office. Once they are ready for the initial exam, schedule it in multiple visits. For example, a cleaning one day and x-rays the next. Once the date is set, allow your child to choose a comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or favorite toy, to bring along.

Sleep

Sleep is a struggle all too familiar to parents of children with autism. Someone on the spectrum may not be able to settle down for the evening like a neurotypical individual. Create a calming sensory bedroom by keeping things clean and adhering to a minimalist theme. Keep in mind that your child will likely thrive with a strict bedtime routine where they can predict what happens next. This will lower anxiety and help them rest at night so they can have more control over their emotions each day.

Sometimes, a routine and sensory-friendly bedroom are not enough. Consider environmental factors that may be unsettling. Often, this is an uncomfortable mattress that doesn’t fit with your child’s unique sleeping style. Some children prefer to sleep on their side, others on their stomach. Some children are naturally hot overnight, while others wake up shivering during the summer. Check out online buying guides to help you choose the type of mattress and bedding that’s best for your toddler, tween, or teen’s needs.

Personal hygiene

Like oral health and hygiene, personal hygiene, which consists of bathing, brushing hair, applying deodorant, etc., can be an intense sensory experience. Create a spa-like environment, complete with soothing colors, soft towels, and a sound-absorbing bath mat. Younger children may be more willing to sit still for a bath after physical activity such as jumping on a trampoline or sweeping the floor. Supervision should always be provided.

Teenagers that are emerging into independent adults should also be encouraged to maintain their personal hygiene. Around middle school, you can begin teaching your child how to regulate their own water temperature and how to wash and rinse their own hair. Consider printing off a set of instructions to laminate and place in the bathroom.

Remember that providing a solid framework from an early age is the best way to give your child the tools he or she needs to manage their autism. While this is certainly not a comprehensive list of issues you may encounter, it’s a good start, and many of these considerations will filter into other areas of life. Don’t be afraid to provide structure as your child’s health and well-being now and in the future depend on it.

Photo: Pixabay

Jenny Wise created Special Home Educator as a forum for sharing her adventures in homeschooling and connecting with other homeschooling families.