According to a 2022 study issued in the journal Autism Research, 1 in every 100 children worldwide is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviours. It is referred to as a spectrum disorder because it encompasses a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment. ASD is typically diagnosed in early childhood, but symptoms can vary widely and may change over time.

 

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According to a 2023 report issued in the Centres For Disease Control And Prevention, about 1 in 36 children are identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. Besides, this condition is four times more prevalent in boys than girls.

 

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Traits of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is still unclear as of now why people develop autism. As a matter of fact, kids with autism tend to show signs at an early age and it continues throughout adulthood. 

 

These traits are common in children with ASD, not every child will exhibit all of them, and the severity can vary widely. Common behaviours and traits exhibited by children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can vary widely from individual to individual.

 

Social Challenges

• Difficulty with understanding social cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice.
• Struggles with making eye contact or initiating and maintaining conversations.
• Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships or engaging in imaginative play with peers.

 

Communication Difficulties

• Delayed language development or absence of speech.
• Repetitive or unusual speech patterns, such as echolalia (repeating words or phrases) or idiosyncratic language use.
• Difficulty understanding and using nonverbal communication, such as gestures or body language.

 

Repetitive Behaviours and Interests

• Engaging in repetitive movements or actions, such as hand-flapping, rocking, or spinning objects.
• Strong adherence to routines and rituals, becoming upset by changes in routine.
• Intense focus on specific interests or topics, often to the exclusion of other activities or interests.

 

Sensory Sensitivities

• Heightened sensitivity or aversion to sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, certain textures, or strong smells.
• Seeking sensory stimulation, such as repeatedly touching or smelling objects, or seeking out certain textures or sensations.

 

Motor Coordination Challenges

• Difficulties with fine or gross motor skills, such as handwriting, tying shoelaces, or catching a ball.
• Awkward or uncoordinated movements, such as walking on tiptoes or flapping arms when excited.

 

Unusual Responses to the Environment

• Reacting strongly to changes in the environment or unexpected events, such as becoming overwhelmed or anxious.
• Engaging in self-stimulatory behaviours, such as spinning or pacing, to self-regulate or cope with stress.

 

Difficulty with Empathy and Theory of Mind

• Challenges understanding others' perspectives, feelings, or intentions.
• Difficulty empathising with others' emotions or recognising social norms.

 

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When Your Child Has Autism

• Learn about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so you can make informed choices for your child. Understand treatment options, ask questions, and be part of decisions about your child's care.
• Get to know your child well. Find out what triggers their challenging behaviours and what makes them happy or relaxed. Understanding your child's likes and dislikes will help you solve problems and avoid situations that upset them.
• Accept your child just as they are. Instead of focusing on their differences, embrace their unique qualities. Celebrate their successes and stop comparing them to others. Loving and accepting them unconditionally is the best support you can give.
• Stay hopeful. People with autism can continue to learn and grow throughout their lives, just like anyone else.

 

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How To Help Autistic Child?

It can be scary to hear that your child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). You might not know how to help them or feel confused by different treatment suggestions. Besides medical care and therapies, everyday things can also make a big difference in helping your child.

Tip 1: Provide structure and safety

• Be consistent: Children with ASD may struggle to apply what they learn in one setting to others, like school and home. Maintain consistency in your child’s environment to reinforce learning. Follow the techniques used by therapists at home.
• Create a schedule: Establish a routine for your child, including regular times for meals, therapy, school, and bedtime. Minimise disruptions to this routine, but prepare your child in advance for any unavoidable changes.
• Reward good behaviour: Positive reinforcement is effective with children with ASD. Acknowledge and praise them when they behave well or learn new skills. Be specific about what behaviour you're praising. Consider other rewards like stickers or allowing them to play with a favourite toy.

 

Tip 2: Learn non-verbal ways to connect

• Bonding with an autistic child doesn't always require talking or touching. You can communicate and build bonds through your gaze, tone of voice, and body language. Your child is also communicating with you, even without words. You just need to understand their language.
• Look for non-verbal cues. Pay attention to the sounds they make, facial expressions, and gestures they use to express their needs or feelings.
• Understand the reason behind tantrums. Like anyone else, children with ASD get upset when they feel misunderstood or ignored. It's important to figure out what's causing their distress and address it calmly and empathetically.
• Make time for fun. Children with ASD are still like regular kids, and even they need to enjoy life beyond therapy. Schedule playtime when your child is most alert and awake. Find activities that make your child smile, laugh, and engage. Your child will likely enjoy these activities more if they don't feel like therapy or education.
• Pay attention to sensory sensitivities. Figure out what sights, sounds, smells, movements, and tactile sensations trigger your kid’s “bad” or disruptive behaviours and what elicits a positive response. What does your child find stressful? Calming? Uncomfortable? Enjoyable? This understanding will help you troubleshoot problems, avoid difficult situations, and create enjoyable experiences.

 

Tip 3: Go for personalised treatment

• Your child's treatment should be customised based on their distinctive needs. As a parent, you know your child best, so it's important to ensure their needs are addressed. Ask yourself the following questions:
• What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?
• Which behaviours are causing the most challenges? What skills does my child need to develop?
• How does my child learn best—through seeing, listening, or doing?
• What activities does my child enjoy, and how can they be incorporated into treatment to enhance learning?

 

Your involvement is necessary for the success of any treatment plan chosen. Stay engaged and actively participate in your child's care.

 

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Dos and Don'ts

People sometimes think all children with autism are alike, but they're as unique as any other kids. Still, there are some general things to keep in mind when interacting with a child on the autism spectrum to make it a positive experience.

 

Here are some dos and don'ts for interacting with children with autism to have positive and effective interactions:

Dos:

• Be patient. Allow them extra time to process information and respond.
• Use clear and concise language. Keep instructions simple.
• Be mindful of their sensory preferences and avoid overwhelming environments.
• Provide options to empower them and encourage decision-making.
• Give them your full attention and validate their feelings and experiences.
• Use visual aids like pictures, schedules, and social stories to enhance understanding.
• Adapt to their needs and preferences, and be open to changes in routines or plans.
• Acknowledge and praise their achievements, no matter how small.

 

Don'ts:

• Minimise loud noises, bright lights, and crowded spaces that can overwhelm them.
• Just because they may not respond verbally doesn't mean they don't understand.
• Avoid using sarcasm or symbolic language. Stick to direct communication to prevent confusion.
• Don't stare at them. Allow them to engage in eye contact at their comfort level.
• Avoid physical touch without permission.
• Don't react negatively to behaviours. Remain calm and patient, and seek to understand the underlying reasons for any challenging behaviours.

 

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Parenting is an incredible journey, especially when you see your child with ASD grow and succeed. Having a strong bond with your child is crucial for both parent and child. When children feel securely attached to their parents, they're more likely to explore and try new things because they know they have a safe place to return to. Joining an ASD support group is an excellent way to connect with other families facing similar challenges. In these groups, parents can exchange information, seek advice, and provide emotional support to one another. Simply being in the company of others who understand can help alleviate the sense of isolation often experienced after receiving a child's diagnosis.

 

You can also speak to a therapist. Speech therapists work with children with ASD to improve communication skills, including language development, speech clarity, and social communication. Therapists tailor interventions to address the unique strengths, challenges, and goals of each child with ASD. 

 

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