HEALTHY KIDS · APRIL 2017
HELPING YOUR CHILD
WITH AUTISM THRIVE
Parenting Tips for Treating and
Supporting an Autistic Child
T
here are many things parents can do to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) overcome their challenges. But it's also important to make sure you get the
support you need. When you're looking after a child with ASD, taking care of yourself
is not a luxury or an act of selfishness—it's a necessity. Being emotionally strong allows you
to be the best parent you can be to your child in need. These parenting tips can help by
making life with an autistic child easier.
A parent’s guide to autism treatment and
support
If you've recently learned that your child has
or might have autism spectrum disorder,
you're probably wondering and worrying
about what comes next. No parent is ever
prepared to hear that a child is anything
other than happy and healthy, and an ASD
diagnosis can be particularly frightening. You
may be unsure about how to best help your
child, or confused by conflicting treatment
advice. Or you may have been told that ASD
is an incurable, lifelong condition, leaving you
concerned that nothing you do will make a
difference. children with autism spectrum disorder get
help, the greater their chance of treatment
success. Early intervention is the most
effective way to speed up your child's
development and reduce the symptoms of
autism over the lifespan.
While it is true that ASD is not something
a person simply "grows out of," many
treatments can help children acquire
new skills and overcome a wide variety
of developmental challenges. From free
government services to in-home behavioral
therapy and school-based programs,
assistance is available to meet your child's
special needs. With the right treatment plan
and a lot of love and support, your child can
learn, grow, and thrive. Become an expert on
your child. Figure out
what triggers your
kid’s challenging
or disruptive
behaviors and
what elicits a
positive response.
What does your
child find stressful
or frightening?
Calming?
Uncomfortable?
Enjoyable? If you
understand what affects
your child, you’ll be better
at troubleshooting problems
and preventing or modifying
situations that cause difficulties.
Accept your child, quirks and all. Rather
Don’t wait for a diagnosis
As the parent of a child with ASD or related
developmental delays, the best thing you can
do is to start treatment right away. Seek help
as soon as you suspect something’s wrong.
Don't wait to see if your child will catch up
later or outgrow the problem. Don't even
wait for an official diagnosis. The earlier
When your child has autism
Learn about autism. The more you know
about autism spectrum disorder, the better
equipped you’ll be to make informed
decisions for your child. Educate yourself
about the treatment options, ask
questions, and participate in all
treatment decisions.
than focusing on how your autistic child is
different from other children and what he
or she is “missing,” practice acceptance.
Enjoy your kid’s special quirks, celebrate
small successes, and stop comparing your
child to others. Feeling unconditionally loved
and accepted will help your child more than
anything else.
Don’t give up. It’s impossible to predict the
course of autism spectrum disorder. Don’t
jump to conclusions about what life is going
to be like for your child. Like everyone else,
people with autism have an entire lifetime to
grow and develop their abilities.
HELPING YOUR CHILD
WITH AUTISM THRIVE
TIP 1: Provide structure
and safety
TIP 2: Find nonverbal ways
to connect
TIP 3: Create a personalized
autism treatment plan
TIP 4: Find help and support
co-written by Melinda Smith,
M.A., Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and
Ted Hutman, Ph.D.
14 HEALTHY MAGAZINE