AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

Introduction

Autism and Asperger Syndrome belong to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders. The term describes impairments in the development and growth of the brain or the central nervous system that result from the existence of multiple issues and mechanisms, the most important of which is a genetic contribution, even though no specific gene has yet been identified.

The syndrome is accompanied by significant problems with social interaction, nonverbal communication, and behavioral and interest patterns. The underlying causes seem to affect many or all functional brain systems, instead of being localized. Unfortunately, science and research have not yet identified the specific underpinnings of the disorder. The relevant neuroanatomical studies seem to point to the direction of alteration of the brain development soon after the embryo has been conceived, due to abnormal migration of embryonic cells during the development of the fetus. The result of these strange migrations is the alteration of the neural circuits that are responsible for

Most of us dream about having perfectly healthy children and raising our own families. However, there are some parents and children that are not so lucky. Having differently-abled children and building them requires a lot of effort and strength; emotional, physical, and spiritual endurance is vital. In a child with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome parenting, there is a need to adjust any thoughts they have of bringing up that child, raising a family, as well as the struggles that are part of the growing process.

Though the road may be daunting at times, raising a child with Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome leads to a life that will teach you the true meaning of being a parent to a unique child and forming a lifelong bond that is like no other. Bringing up a child with Autism/Asperger syndrome is one of the utmost challenging tasks any parent can face. When you are juggling work, family and social relationships, and outside commitments, it can be hard to manage life as a special needs parent and feel like you are doing all you can to support your child’s growth and development. Parenting a Child with Autism/Aspergers syndrome can present a seemingly endless stream of problem behaviors to address, as well as unique sensory and learning, need to consider, all while you’re striving to teach your child the skills they need to thrive.

Each child with special needs is different, and so, too, are their caregivers’ parenting goals. For some parents, the primary goal is for their first grader to say their first word; for others, the top priority could be to help their child learn to make eye contact and shake hands when meeting someone new. All parents want their kids to succeed and develop useful, adaptive skills and a sense of independence, but when your child has autism, helping them meet those goals can seem so challenging that you may not know where to start. The good news is there are powerful, scientifically proven techniques that can aid your autism child with autism to meet as well as exceed the goals that you envision for them. Applied behavior analysis (ABA), the gold-standard treatment for people with autism, can empower you to help your child develop essential life skills using positive, strengths-based strategies.

CHAPTER 1. AUTISM

Autism is a general term that covers a host of different disorders related to impaired brain development. These situations are frequently detected in fluctuating degrees or types of complications (social, verbal, or nonverbal challenges). Formerly, these ailments were predictable as respective and separate subtypes. However, the new DSM-5 diagnostic manual has amalgamated these ailments under the diagnosis of autism.

Autism and other related disorders are also known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). ASD is referred to as such because there is a wide range of signs and symptoms of autism that differ from one person to another. Some adults with autism may be mildly affected by its signs and symptoms, while others may be severely affected enough to interfere with their activities of daily living (ADL).

Though the specific cause of autism has yet to be identified, research has indicated that individuals with ASD share certain common traits with those diagnosed with ADHD, schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder. Though this research doesn’t point to an exact cause, it suggests that these five disorders share common genetic variations.

ASD is also considered broad-spectrum, which means that the experience of it will vary from person to person. Some may experience milder symptoms, while others may experience symptoms that are moderate to severe. These symptoms are outlined below.

The Symptoms of Autism

However, autism has an increased degree of erraticism, and this disorder follows a steady course; this course is one that has yet to have a definitive cure. Therefore, it’s essential to know how ASD progresses to be able to help your child manage the condition effectively.

The condition first surfaces in infancy or childhood, and the symptoms are generally established by the time your child is two to three years of age. These symptoms then continue into adulthood, though they may decrease as time goes by. It is important to note that ASD is not characterized by a single sign, but by a group of symptoms. These core symptoms include:

1: Problems with Social Interactions and Relationships

• Problems with non-verbal communication (eye contact, facial expressions, body language, etc.)
• Failure or inability to connect with peers or establish friendships
• Lack of interest in engaging with others shared interests and shared achievements
• Displaying a lack of empathy for others
• Displays difficulty in understanding other people’s feelings or emotions

2. Problems in Communication

• Delays in learning how to talk; as many as 40% of autism patients never learn how to speak
• Difficulties initiating and sustaining a conversation with others
• Repetitive use of language, or the tendency to repeat previously heard words or phrases (called “echolalia”)

3. Limited Interests, Activities, and Hobbies

• Unusual focus on particular things, such as pieces of a whole or only parts of a puzzle
• An unusual preoccupation with specific activities, topics, or interests (e.g., video games, televisions, collections, etc.)
• A great need for routines and patterns for daily operations; extreme stress/discomfort when deviations from these routines are experienced
• Repetitive motor activities (e.g., rocking, flapping of the hands, tapping of the feet, etc.)
• Unable to engage in “pretend” games that require imagination, or visualizing abstract concepts and activities

4. Rigidity or Inflexibility

• Rigid in terms of following routines and habits
• Significant stress when encountering changes in schedules, lifestyle, or the environment in general (e.g., changes in placement of different objects, time of meals, bedtimes, etc.)
• Unusual attachment to different purposes (e.g., collecting keys, obsessing over various objects, etc.)
• Preoccupation with minor things, like the arrangement of their possessions, etc.
• Repetition of different movements and behavior

Aside from the symptoms above and characteristics, there are also particular characteristics that your child may display that require immediate evaluation and attention by a medical professional.

Seek the help of your pediatrician immediately if your child displays the following behaviors:

• By six months, your child does not smile significantly or show joyful and happy expressions.
• By nine months, your child doesn’t respond to sounds, smiles, or facial expressions in a like manner.
• By 12 months, your child does not respond to his or her name despite repeated verbalization. Also, take note if your child doesn’t babble or respond to physical gestures in a like manner (e.g., pointing, reaching, grabbing, waving, etc.)
• By 16 months, your child has not spoken.
• By 24 months, your child has not expressed meaningful and significant phrases (imitations or repetitions don’t count).

Communication is also a big issue for individuals with ASD, so take note of these particular symptoms in your child.

These specific characteristics include the following:

• The employment of an abnormal tone of voice, with unusual rhythm or pitch (e.g., the use of a questioning tone at the end of declarations or non-questions)
• The repetition of words, and responding to a question by merely echoing it rather than answering it directly.
• The habit of referring to themselves in the third person.
• An abundance of grammatical errors or choosing the wrong words to convey ideas or emotions.
• Difficulty in communicating wants and needs.
• Difficulty comprehending simple or complex directions, questions, or statements.
• A literal interpretation of all types of speech (e.g., inability to understand sarcasm, metaphors, irony, etc.)

The other types of behavior you have to watch out for are self-stimulatory behaviors.

These most common of these include the following:

• -Flapping of the hands
• -Rocking back and forth
• -Spinning in a circle or spinning objects
• -Flicking the fingers or twitching of the toes
• -The tapping of the ears
• -Scratching and fidgeting
• -Lining up toys and different objects
• -Headbanging
• -Staring at lights
• -Moving fingers in front of their face or eyes
• -Snapping of their fingers or clapping of their hands

Causes of Autism

As mentioned earlier, there has been no single cause identified for the occurrence of ASD in an individual. Research points to the possible existence of genetic factors that cause autism, but recent studies indicate the possibility of environmental factors playing just as much of a role in the occurrence of autism as genes and heredity.

These studies also indicate that specific individuals are born with an inherent genetic tendency towards the development of autism, and this vulnerability may be triggered by something in the external environment.

Some prenatal factors have also been identified as possible causes for ASD:

• -Intake of antidepressants during pregnancy, particularly during the first three months.
• -Problems in nutrition early in pregnancy, particularly a deficiency in folic acid.
• -Complications during birth, or shortly after birth; such as low birth weight or
• anemia
• -Infections during pregnancy
• -Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or pollutants, such as pesticides and heavy metals during pregnancy.

CHAPTER 2. ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

A syndrome is a set of strange characteristics.

These characteristics are different enough to stand out. Moreover, although they don’t appear to be directly related, they frequently occur together in the same person.

Asperger’s Syndrome, or Asperger’s Disorder, is considered an autism spectrum disorder. This condition affects many aspects of life, such as social interactions, communication, relationships, and the like. Even though the situation was first conceptualized in 1944, the exact cause of Asperger’s remains unknown. Current theories suggest that it is rooted in genetics, though there has been no genetic cause identified thus far.

It is categorized as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD), and much like other PDD’s, Asperger’s involves the insufficient development of necessary skills. In those with Asperger’s Syndrome, the ability to socialize and communicate with others appropriately is particularly underdeveloped. Though it is also considered an autism spectrum disorder, children with Asperger’s often function better than children with autism.

Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome

Currently, Asperger’s is considered a less severe form of autism instead of a completely separate disorder. As such, here are the identified symptoms and characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome that make the disease unique:

1. Social Difficulties

Children with other forms of autism are characterized as aloof or disinterested in other people. However, those with Asperger’s have been observed to show a level of interest in interacting with others, despite not knowing how to do so. Though they do want to engage other people and to fit in, they are unable to; hence, they end up socially awkward and are often bullied in different social environments.

People with Asperger’s often have difficulty understanding different social conventions and social rules. For example, they may say things that are considered inappropriate without really being able to filter whether what they said was hurtful or rude. Other signs of social difficulty include limited eye contact, the inability to remain genuinely engaged in conversations, a lack of empathy for others, and the like.

Asperger’s patients may also encounter difficulty with developing and maintaining friendships, initiating involvement in shared interests and achievements, and playing with others.

2. Anxiety or Depression

Though anxiety or depression isn’t always present in individuals with Asperger’s, it also isn’t uncommon. One source of stress can come from social situations. It is important to remember that while Asperger’s patients have much difficulty picking up on social cues and reacting appropriately in social contexts, these don’t mean that they don’t want to fit in. Many do want to establish and maintain relationships, much like their peers do. Just like everyone else, they also feel the need and the pressure to fit in. However, Asperger’s Syndrome becomes a major stumbling block in terms of interaction and healthy relationships.

3. Inflexibility/Attachment To Routines

Someone with Asperger’s usually prefers methods and can experience emotional upset if habits are altered.

The process of moving home or even going away for a weekend or a holiday can cause distress, as can a change of job or loss of a relationship.

It can also manifest in situations where the person is focused on a particular task and gets resentful when someone interrupts to make conversation or ask a question.

4. Difficulty Engaging In Conversation

Often people with Asperger’s can have trouble participating in the discussion as well as keeping eye contact with the person they are talking to. The conversation revolves around talking about a subject the person with AS is exceptionally interested in, while at the same time being unable to correctly interpret the social expressions of the person being spoken to. This often results in a failure to recognize whether the other person is interested in the topic and can lead to the person being spoken to becoming bored out of their brain. However, as social etiquette dictates that they not show it, this invariably sets up a vicious cycle, because unless the person with AS gets some concrete indication that the person is not interested, he will assume they are, and keep going.

The long-term outcome of this process is that people can tend to avoid the person with AS due to their lack of social skills.

5. Emotional Awareness and Responses

It is often said the people with AS have no emotional empathy, but I would suggest that this is a myth. In actual fact, people with AS have extreme emotional sensitivity for others.

It is true that it is often difficult for people with AS to respond to the emotions of others in the ways neurotypical (NT) people have come to expect, but it is not for lack of sensitivity.

I believe this, in part, comes from the difficulty in processing the emotions and sensory overload that occurs as a result of exposure to others’ emotions. Very often, this can result in withdrawal from the other person’s emotions when the individual is unable to deal with both the feelings of the other and the feelings that they are also experiencing.

This has led to the belief that people with AS are cold and not empathetic.

6. Repetitive Rituals and Behaviours (Stimming)

This can express itself in the engagement of repetitive routines, such as body movements, habits, and behaviors. Examples of this include hand flapping, twirling, rocking, or obscure methods of play.

Stimming is usually a result of some form of anxiety or sensory overload where the person uses such motions to self-sooth and feel better. It is one of the many misunderstood aspects of Autism and Asperger’s. Many times children are prevented from stimming because it is deemed out of place, but often if left to stim, children will eventually release the anxiety that is causing the stimming and stop in a more calm space. If forcibly stopped, the fear continues only to be expressed in another form potentially, such as the (much less socially tolerated) meltdown, or through another, later, set of stims.

7. Special Interests

Those with AS tend to develop special interests. Special attention is a particular hobby or subject that the person tends to become obsessed with. Often the person knows the item inside out and develops an intense passion for it.

I believe this is one of the reasons adults with AS often excel in areas of science, engineering, and computing. A high focus on one particular area makes the person an expert in the field. The downside of this, however, is that the person will have difficulty stepping back and taking time away from their particular interest.

CHAPTER 3. PARENTING A CHILD WITH ASPERGER SYNDROME

If your child has recently been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, keep in mind that it is reasonable to go through some sort of emotional turbulence or upheaval. Many parents feel loss, sadness, and even hopelessness when they find out their child has a disability. Some find themselves asking how it could have happened in the first place, and even resort to blaming themselves in order to make sense of the situation.

Here are some thoughts to keep in mind in order to make moving forward easier:

• You are allowed to feel sad.

Let your emotions run their course. This isn’t to say that you should let it dictate everything that you do moving forward, but it means that you should make your feelings flow freely. If you feel grief, then take time to grieve. If you feel frustrated, talk about it with your partner, and find an outlet or a release.

• Know that you are not to blame.

If a child has cancer, would it make sense to blame the disease on their parents? If your answer is no (which we hope it is), then know that you are not to blame for your child’s diagnosis. These things happen, and try as we might explain why they do, we will never really come to a conclusion that truly makes perfect sense. Blaming yourself for your child’s diagnosis is counterproductive and is based on flawed logic. If you genuinely want to help your child, accept the diagnosis and try to find ways to improve your son or daughter to manage the condition with your love and support.

• Know that it’s not going to be easy.

Raising a child with Asperger’s is not an easy feat. It will take a lot of patience, guidance, and support. It’s a known fact that parenthood isn’t easy, and it is even harder to parent a child with a disability. It is better to prepare yourself early on for the difficulties ahead, rather than keeping yourself in denial. In this case, ignorance isn’t bliss. Accepting the challenges ahead is the first vital step in being a good parent to a child with Asperger’s Syndrome.

• But also, know that it’s going to be a rewarding journey.

Yes, it is going to be difficult, but it doesn’t mean that the journey won’t be rewarding. You are still a parent, and though your child is maybe a little bit more complicated than other children, the bond that you will forge will be unbreakable. Much like any parenting experience, you will have your ups, and you will have your downs. It’s crucial that you don’t focus only on the negative. Make room for the positives that will come your way, and cherish these moments when the going gets rough.

• Asperger’s Syndrome will transform you and your family.

It won’t only be your child going through adjustments and growing pains. A child having Asperger’s Syndrome transforms the entire family. It’s essential to take note of this because, at one point in your life, you will find yourself comparing your family to another family. As early as now, know that this is counterproductive. A family that is fully healthy and free of any disability will function differently from a family that has a member who is sick or disabled. Though they perform differently, the presence of an illness or disability cannot be the sole factor that determines whether a family is stronger or weaker, better or worse.

What is essential to always keep in mind is that the strength of your family lies in the relationships you have. If they are reliable and born of genuine and unconditional love, even during moments when everyone feels unlovable, then nothing can tear your family apart. Establishing and nurturing these kinds of relationships are possible, regardless of whether there is a disability or not.

• Managing Asperger’s Syndrome is not impossible.

Having Asperger’s Syndrome is not a dead-end for your child; it’s essential you know that. While there is no cure for Asperger’s, it can be managed. Just because your child has Asperger’s doesn’t mean that he or she won’t get anywhere in life; in fact, it’s quite the contrary. Many individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome become highly successful due to their focus, drive, and initiative to learn everything they can about a particular field (albeit a little obsessively).

• If there is a will, there is away.

Though parenting a child with Asperger’s Syndrome is severe, your will to find ways to manage the condition is a significant factor in raising your child successfully. There will be many times when your child will come to you distraught, hopeless, and sad about different difficulties they will encounter, particularly involving challenges they will face in the social sense. Your determination and support will help see them through, and will eventually help them realize that they can achieve their goals and reach their different aspirations.

• You can’t do anything without acceptance.

Now that you know that your child has Asperger’s Syndrome, you won’t be able to take any further steps until you fully accept the diagnosis, and until you fully accept your child. You should know that denial gets you nowhere, so in order to put all your efforts into finding the best way to manage the condition, first, acknowledge it to its full extent.

• You are not alone.

Though the task may seem daunting, don’t make the mistake of thinking you have no one else to turn to, or that you are entirely alone. There are people you can reach out to, such as your partner and the rest of your family. If you are raising your child on your own, there are support groups that you can look for and connect with via different health care centers or mental care institutions. Don’t be afraid to look for help when you need it; a sound support system is one of the most important things you can have when raising a child with Asperger’s Syndrome.

These are the essential ideas to keep in mind when you first deal with the diagnosis of your child. After you give yourself enough time to process and accept the diagnosis, there are specific steps you will want to take in order to manage the disease, and some general guidelines you will want to adhere to.

Raising A Child With Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome

Steps To taking And Tips To Remember 

It’s likely you’ve gathered by now that there are a lot of things you can do for your child in terms of helping them overcome the challenges posed by Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. Here are concrete steps that you should take in order to help you become the best source of support for your child.

• Educate yourself.

We cannot emphasize this point enough. You need to take the situation into your own hands, so to speak, by educating yourself and learning about Asperger’s Syndrome from trusted sources. Picking up this book to learn more about Asperger’s is a good start, but it doesn’t end here. In order to be able to make informed decisions that aren’t muddled pseudo-science, you need to have your facts straight. For example, it isn’t uncommon for parents to come across advertisements for “miracle cures” or pills that claim to cure Asperger’s completely. It is your responsibility to distinguish between what is possible and what is not, but you cannot do this with certainty if you don’t take the initiative to learn more about what you’re up against.

The beauty of technology is that it is now easy to access academic content, such as medical journals, credible websites, and medical articles. Use this convenience to your advantage. Look up Asperger’s Syndrome once in a while and keep yourself abreast of possible developments in the treatment of Asperger’s, or any new discoveries the field of mental health may offer in relation to the condition.

• Establish your own support system.

As was mentioned earlier, it’s vital that you have a support system you can turn to when things get too tricky. This includes your spouse, as well as your other loved ones. These should be people you can trust and people you can entrust your child to in case you are unavailable or you run into your own trouble. Problems are much more manageable when you have other people to share some of the responsibility with, and a good network helps keep you motivated and robust despite any challenges that may come your way. They can also serve as voices of reason when you need additional perspective on different situations you’ll encounter when raising your child.

• Select a medical professional you trust.

It’s essential that you have a physician that you can bring your child to regularly. Aside from having a go-to person that knows your child’s medical and personal history, it’s important to note that consistency is a significant issue for individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome. Patients often prefer having a routine they can follow, and deviations from this routine cause stress and anxiety (this is also true for other autism spectrum disorders). Having a single person that they know and trust is a significant advantage and can help ease their tension during check-ups and medical visits. It’s essential to have this person as well in case of any emergencies since he or she will know your child best in terms of what medication to give and the like.

• Establish a program with your pediatrician/physician.

Family involvement in the treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome is an integral part of its success. Don’t miss the opportunity to get involved in any way that you can, since this will also give you a good insight into the different strategies you can use at home with your child. Create an agreement with your child’s doctor on how to proceed, how you can participate, and how your family can become integrated into the therapy process

• Create awareness for your child.

Your son or daughter won’t have the capacity to explain to other people what Asperger’s Syndrome is, so it is your responsibility as a parent to let other people know what the condition is and what it means. Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome still often encounter discrimination from peers and others around them. Raising awareness regarding the situation makes it easier for your child to be accepted and integrated into society in general. It also helps others understand your child’s behavior, particularly when some of the things your child says seem offensive, hurtful, or insensitive.

• Always provide structure and safety.

As was mentioned earlier about having rules and disciplining your child, Asperger’s patients thrive in a structured environment. Do your best to provide this for your child, and try as much as possible to be involved in the structure you set for your youngster. An essential aspect of this structure is safety. Since Asperger’s patients often miss out on non-verbal cues that generally point to the presence of danger or harm, it’s your job as a parent (in partnership with the rest of your family, of course) to provide a safe environment where your child can thrive.

• Keep on trying!

Patterns of Asperger’s patients can be hard to change, and it will probably be no different for your child. Discipline at a young age is always difficult to fully achieve, but given the condition, your child may prove to be a bit more challenging than most. The best advice we can give for times like these is to keep on trying and persevering to achieve the little milestones you aim for. When it gets too frustrating, give yourself a little breather to relax and diffuse the tension. After that, there is no other way around it but to remain consistent and persistent with your child. Know that what you’re doing is a good thing, and with enough work, you’re likely to give your child a great advantage.

• Find the treatment that is best for your child.

It’s essential that after you monitor how the treatment is going for your child. If it is working, then stick to the course and see it through with your child. However, if you feel that it isn’t having much effect on your child, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about other options. If necessary, don’t be scared to ask for a second or even a third opinion on what the best way to treat your child is.

CHAPTER 4. COPING WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AS A PARENT

Coping with an ASD diagnosis can be very difficult for all members of the family, and not just the patient. It can be particularly difficult for parents, especially since the parents always wish the best of health for their children. Parents go through a whole spectrum of emotions upon learning about their autistic children, such as grief, denial, or anger.

Many parents report a sense of sadness and loss, pain coming from losing their ideal child (e.g., healthy, disability-free) or their perfect family. However, this is a crucial turning point in the development of both parents. They are now presented with the opportunity to turn this adversity into a lifelong journey, a unique path that will allow them to be further able to appreciate the good moments that make up parenthood.

Though coping with the shock that comes with the diagnosis of ASD is indeed tricky, here are some early steps you need to take when dealing with the first shock of the diagnosis:

–Grieve

Though it may sound odd that taking time to grieve is part of the solution, it is actually one of the necessary steps you need to take in order to be able to move on. You need to take the time to absorb the diagnosis and be able to feel the different emotions that come with it freely. Your life has been altered, and it is perfectly fine to feel sidetracked. You need time to gather your bearings. Grieving is a necessary part of the copying process, and you should know that denial never works.  Realize, however, that ASD doesn’t mean your child has an impossible journey in terms of growing up. Know that their path will be different, but definitely not impossible.

–Accept What You Can’t Change

The diagnosis has been made; your child has ASD. It’s difficult, but don’t make it a life sentence. The very first thing you have to do is to accept that you cannot change what has already happened, no matter what kind of frustration you are feeling at the moment. No one can answer why this has happened to your child or to your family, but what you can change is the course of your child’s growth and future. Accepting that there are some things that are out of your hands allows you to make room for the motivation to be the best parent, you can be to your autistic child.

–Know That It Isn’t Your Fault

As we mentioned earlier, the exact cause of autism isn’t known. If you followed all the right steps and tips for care during pregnancy, it is understandable that you may be extremely frustrated and may feel a sense of guilt. While frustration and sadness are warranted, know that the diagnosis is not your fault. Just as we can’t answer why disasters befall particular people, we can’t say for sure why your child was diagnosed with ASD. Connected with the last point, acknowledge that this diagnosis is not a personal punishment. The sooner you make peace with this, the sooner you will be able to move on and learn the different ways to manage the condition.

 -Open Up And Connect With Others

It’s vital that you don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Reaching out to your partner and opening up will help you share the burden and make things mutually easier. Remember that problems become exponentially more complicated when we think we are facing them alone, so allowing our family to be close to us is one of the most significant steps we can take. It takes an entire family to raise a child, so forming a strong bond with each other requires complete openness and genuine love.

-Educate Yourself

You’ve already begun the process of learning about ASD, but it’s essential to recognize that learning more about the condition while your child is still young is not enough. Learning should be a lifelong process, so it’s vital that you continue to take steps to keep updated regarding developments in the field of mental and neurodevelopmental health.

-Gather Your Team of Healthcare Professionals

After receiving the diagnosis and doing your research, choose specialists that will help your child develop the necessary skills lacking in individuals with autism. Ask your doctor what kind of therapy would help your child. For example, your physician should be able to help you get in touch with speech therapists, physical therapists, biomedical specialists, and the like to take care of specific fields of your child’s development. Together, these professionals make up a team that you should feel comfortable working with throughout your child’s growth.

 -Become Knowledgeable Regarding Your Child’s Rights

Depending on where you are, your government will probably have specific systems and laws in place that cater to the protection and care of those with disabilities (physical or mental). It’s vital that you take advantage of the benefits that the law lays out for your child and that you are knowledgeable enough to protect your child from any discrimination or unjust treatment.

-Financial Planning & Budgeting

One of the challenges for parents with special children include the different expenses that come with caring for a child with ASD. Insurance coverage and other healthcare benefits vary for individuals with ASD, so it’s essential that you start planning and budgeting for your child while they are still young. Knowing what kind of financial

 -Educational Planning & Enrollment

Based on the assessments of your child, done of course, by your good team of doctors and specialists, you should begin to ask about the different treatment and educational plans that would be most effective for your child. Planning early on for your child and getting the early intervention that he or she needs is extremely important, so you must get right on this as soon as possible.

 -Get Involved in Treatment

While the tendency may be to let the specialists and professionals handle the treatment side, one right way to cope is to immerse yourself in your child’s treatment as well. If there is an opportunity for the family to participate in therapy, then don’t miss the chance to do precisely that. This will also be the right way for siblings of your differently-abled child to appreciate and learn more about the condition, and also to show them that they are vital to the well-being of the family as well.

 -Get Organized

When you start financial planning and treatment planning, you must keep good records of everything that you do. Keep tabs on your child’s progress so that you can see how well they develop over time. Being able to keep “progress reports” will allow you to objectively evaluate what your child has learned, and what areas he or she needs to improve on. Organizing reports from your child’s doctors, teachers, and therapists will ease the stress that comes with trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t for your child.

-Take Time to Breathe & To Take Care of Yourself

It’s easy to let ASD take over your life, but to function effectively as an ideal parent, you need to be able to rest and recuperate at some point. The idea that taking care of yourself is selfish couldn’t be more wrong; in fact, taking care of yourself is a vital step in being able to take care of other people. Remember, you can’t give what you don’t have, so make sure that you take some time for yourself to avoid spreading yourself too thin.

-Always Ask for Help

Sometimes, parents tend to try and tackle things on their own. While it is true that a parent knows best regarding some issues, remember that ASD is a lifelong condition that presents challenges different from those that come with parenting an average child. There will be things that baffle you and make you feel helpless, but don’t let this helplessness defeat you. It is perfectly normal to need help, so don’t hesitate to ask for it.

-Maintain Routines & Schedules

Though ASD will be a considerable part of your life, try not to let it consume everything in your life. Try to compartmentalize and maintain daily routines, such as keeping in touch with friends or having date nights with your spouse or partner. These routines will also help you stay connected with the other members of your family, some of whom may begin to feel neglected or pushed aside.

-Celebrate Small Victories

Achievements take on a different meaning when you have a child with ASD. Your child learning to communicate or take on skills like mastering a computer, using a calculator, and the like should be much appreciated. ASD makes learning difficult for most individuals, so when your child makes these leaps that usually seem minor, allow yourself to recognize these moments as victories and celebrate them.

-Love Your Child for Who They Are

Every parent has an image or a dream about having an ideal family or a perfect child. It may feel at times that your child having ASD has destroyed that perfect, but in truth, a lot of what coping with the condition necessitates a change in perspective. One of the best ways to cope is to love your child for who they are and not what you want them to be. You’ll soon find that you already have the perfect child, because of and in spite of ASD or any other imperfection he or she may have.

-Get Involved With Your Community

ASD is often misunderstood, and there is no question that more awareness regarding the condition needs to be raised. Therefore, as a parent of a child with ASD, start with your community. Connect with them and let them get to know your child; show them what ASD is all about and what people who have it can do. Ignorance is bred by misconceptions and false knowledge, so take part in dispelling these wrong notions by being open to the community and educating them about the condition.

If you live in an area where this isn’t possible, try to get involved with the autism community on a larger scale. Participate in support groups, or take part in activities that aim to educate society about children with autism. Aside from being productive, it’s an excellent way to connect with others and to feel more empowered.

Strategies for Parenting a Child with ASD

Here are some useful strategies you can employ to achieve this much-needed integration:

-Create A Safe Environment for Your Child

Children with ASD may be a little more oblivious to their environment and may have difficulty adhering to rules that keep them safe. Therefore, similar to childproofing your house, ensure that your child keeps away from things that may be potentially harmful.

 -Create A Routine & Schedule

A good thing about individuals with ASD is that the majority of them will need to follow a routine. Once they pick up a regular pattern of activity and behavior, they will rarely stray from this pattern as a matter of need. Use this to your advantage by creating a routine for your child that is manageable for you as well in terms of schedule and workload. After you’ve found a method and schedule your child is comfortable with, stick to it as much as possible to avoid undue stress.

Take note that it’s particularly important to set a proper schedule for your child to get enough sleep. Avoid making them exercise or do excessively stimulating activities before bedtime.

-Use Different Audio or Visual Materials

If you’re trying to teach your child certain behaviors or skills at home, don’t hesitate to use different audio/visual materials to convey your instructions. Find out what your child responds to the most, such as pictures, videos, drawings, music, recordings, and the like. Consequently, use them to teach your child the steps to different activities, getting them to learn different schedules. For example, you can use songs to outline the steps they need to take when brushing their teeth or getting dressed.

 -Set Rules

Setting rules and boundaries are fundamental to instill discipline in your child. You may initially feel the need to give your child anything he or she wants, especially since it seems inappropriate to discipline a child with special needs. In truth, though, children and individuals with ASD need rules to function by as much as ordinary people do. Teaching them how to behave appropriately, as well as what they should or shouldn’t, will allow them to become more integrated into society. Rules and boundaries are essential as well in teaching your child new skills, and this will help them develop patience and the ability to learn even more in the future. Plus, these boundaries will help them get along with other people, even when you aren’t around to help them navigate social situations.

 -Set Up A System For Reinforcement

When your child behaves appropriately or inappropriately, come to a consensus with your family as to how your child should be rewarded or punished. They can be paid with time to play after performing different tasks or given their favorite treat (in moderation, of course). If they misbehave, send them for a time out or delay their playtime.

-Try to Avoid Overwhelming Stimuli

Take note that it is difficult for children with ASD to handle overwhelming amounts of stimuli, and it is easy for them to experience what can be referred to as “sensory overload.” This can be extremely stressful for your child, so as much as possible, try to avoid bringing your child to places where audiovisual or sensory stimuli are at their maximum levels. Examples could be concerts, parades, amusement parks, overcrowded areas, and the like. When these situations can’t be avoided, try bringing things like earplugs or toys to distract your child from the case.

 -Try To Outlets for Excess Energy

Your child may experience bouts of hyperactivity, and at times these bouts may escalate into temper tantrums or bad behavior. An excellent way to manage your child’s energy is to find positive outlets for it, such as enrolling them in dance, gymnastics, exercise, arts, etc.

-Conduct Calming Exercises

When your child gets too worked up, you must come up with and employ different strategies that help your child calm down. Exercises can include counting slowly to 10, taking several deep breaths, using a trampoline, going over collections of toys or their favorite objects, reading books, etc.

-Adjust Your Child’s Diet

Coupled with the right level of activity, adjust your child’s diet and ensure that you eliminate excess intake of sugar, salt, and fat. Like any healthy child, it may be hard for your child to adjust to eating vegetables and fruits. Therefore, you must start early and let them get used to having a balanced diet. However, it is also okay to let them have a treat once in a while.

To make the diet adjustment easier, make sure to ease the new meal plan rather than making the changes abruptly.

-Breakdown Each Transition

As we mentioned earlier, changes or breaks in the pattern can be very stressful for your child. To make things easier, try to break the transition into manageable chunks. For example, when you want your child to get used to a different schedule, change the current setup slowly, and only move on when your child has adapted to each “chunk.” This applies to other changes as well.

-Do Countdowns

Doing new things may be stressful for your child, so giving them a bit of lead time and letting them know what you’ll be doing ahead of time can be a big help. Doing countdowns do precisely this, and it is a great way to communicate with your child and gain their trust.

-Rehearse Stressful Situations

Preparation is one of the keys to coping with stress, so if you know that your child will be going into a stressful situation, do a “rehearsal.” Practice simulating a job at home, or taking them to watch the activity happening to someone else (like a haircut, a dentist’s appointment, etc.) Role-playing can help ease your child’s stress as well.

-Be Alert and Investigate

When your child gets stressed out or throws a tantrum, be sure that you take the time to investigate the situation appropriately. Try to dissect the situation and figure out what triggered it in the first place. Knowing what particular stimuli makes your child uncomfortable can help you avoid the same things in the future.  These issues can also be brought up in therapy to help your child get used to them, mainly if they are unavoidable.

-Set Daily Goals and Plans

In addition to the schedule that you set, you can also remind them what they need to accomplish by the end of the day as soon as they wake up. Laying out goals and objectives will even break the day down and make it more manageable, reducing the risk of stress along the way.

-Don’t Forget About Nonverbal Communication

Your child may have difficulty interpreting nonverbal communication, and it is not uncommon for your child to be uncomfortable with physical affection. Therefore, try to ease these little gestures into daily life until they get used to being the recipient of hugs, kisses, and the like.

-Make Sure They Know What’s Appropriate and Inappropriate

A common problem for many with ASD is that they are undiscerning, and can become too physically familiar even with strangers. Those who learn how to hug and kiss may also do this to strangers without knowing that it’s inappropriate. These actions may be misinterpreted as harassment; but, they may also be viewed as bait by predators who are looking to take advantage (particularly with females). Therefore, make sure that your child knows that these hugs are only appropriate for immediate family. Inform your child’s teacher as well to make sure that they reinforce this during school.

-Set Up Fun Activities for the Family

A great way to get your family together is to set up fun activities that each member can participate in. A difficulty that families dealing with ASD often encounter is the feeling of being left out, mainly since the child with ASD requires a little bit more attention typically. Therefore, a family activity can allow you to connect and find out more about one another in a relaxed way.

-Distinguish Between What Your Child Can’t Do and Won’t Do

It’s crucial that you accept what your child can’t do and won’t do. Like any normal child, there are things that they don’t want to do, like chores or homework. These can be solved. However, there are some things that your child is unable to do (again, similar to healthy individuals), and they shouldn’t be punished for what is not in their skill set. Instead, train them to learn these new activities with patience and positive reinforcement.

-Minimize Usage of Abstract Concepts

Individuals with ASD are usually concrete thinkers who understand language literally. Therefore, avoid using metaphors, sarcasm, puns, etc. Your child won’t understand this the way you do, so don’t confuse them by using abstract language or concepts to communicate your point.

-Love Your Child

Again, this is at the heart of managing ASD and keeping your family healthy. As we mentioned earlier, the “why” of everything you’re doing is love. ASD is a painful condition to manage for the parent and the child, so keep your kid motivated by letting them know that you love them no matter what difficulties come your way. Unconditional and robust love will propel you through the toughest of times and will allow you to reach the greatest of heights.

These are the most important strategies when parenting a child with ASD. Combining all these techniques will help ease the stress of parenting, and will allow you to create an eternal bond of unconditional love with your child.

 CHAPTER 5. TEACHING A CHILD WITH AUTISM/ASPERGER’S SYNDROME

Teachers who wish to teach autistic children must know that they must have the following qualities:

1)      The teachers must practice a lot of patience.

2)      They must respect the child.

3)      They should be very loving, compassionate and empathetic

Teaching an autistic child is a gift. You will learn what innocence means; You will learn what obedience looks personified; If you have the power of a master sculptor, you will learn how to shape their lives in the best way possible.

Build a strong connection

Make sure that you establish a secure relationship with the child.

The child must know that you care about them

Before starting classes, ensure that you have an informal chat with the kids

Autistic children respond better to people who genuinely care for them

Study their response

Identify the learning style preference of autistic children. Whenever the teacher is teaching with different aids, they must jot down as to which support makes the child learn in the best way.

After identifying their learning style, try to teach them in that method often for best results.

Devise small lesson plans

If you are a teacher; who has a knack of teaching many topics in one go, then you need to slow down a lot while preparing autistic children

Autistic children take time to understand.

Make sure

Always keep the explanation about the concepts very simple.

Relate the teachings with their daily life

Break the complex topics into simpler chunks

If you feel that a question is complicated:

Break the issues into simpler terms.

You can explain the topics in a language they understand.

Give real-life examples

Try to relate the topic with everyday examples

Ask them

After the completion of describing a concept by you, ask the students about their understanding of the idea.

Do not put any conditions on them. Listen to their understanding of the concept very patiently.

Ask them to explain the topic in a more straightforward language and fewer words.

Let them solve

Give them application based exercises that ensure that they have grasped the concept very well.

Give them different kinds of exercises that require the application of the concept.

Ask why?

After reviewing their work, ask them as to how they have derived to a conceptual conclusion.

When you see the child making mistakes, ask them the reason behind it

Explain the concepts that they have faltered at; again.

Repetition

Make it a point to ask them about the previous day’s concepts

Explain the idea again and request their feedback.

Discussion hour

Ask them to share their understanding of the concept

Use their creativity

Ask them to use their creativity in solving subject exercises and ask their interpretation of the concept.

Let them come up with different ideas.

Do not judge them

Appreciate them often

Appreciate them for something as small as understanding concepts well to laud their efforts every time they try

Try to appreciate them for who they are

Accept them wholeheartedly.

Do not put any pressure

Keep the children away from exam stress.

Make it a habit to take daily review tests.

Also, club the concepts explained in a week and took weekly tests along with daily ‘q n a’ session.

Favor their curiosity

Ask the autistic children about their favorite topic. Let them devise different ways to explain it or apply it.

Give them a lot of time

Do not put high time constraint to the autistic children….

Let them be free.

Crux

Autistic children might take time to learn concepts;

But in the real sense of the word, they are geniuses waiting to flourish.

Give them the right environment and see them rise

Above all: love them

CHAPTER 6. SIBLING SUPPORT

Sibling relationships play an enormous role in a child’s developmental growth. They are a child’s first exposure to a social network and, therefore, become the foundation for a lifetime of social interactions. When any special-needs situation affects sibling relationships, there can be both positive and negative long-lasting consequences.

The good news is that ASD siblings who live in a balanced, supportive home should suffer no long-term ill effects.

So, to the parents and caregivers out there who are trying so desperately to be educated and sensitive to the needs of the ASD sibling in their lives, keep on! Take comfort in knowing that your efforts might feel futile at the moment, but the fact that you’re clued-in is making a more significant difference than you might think.

Glass Children

What is Glass Children?

Glass children are neurotypical kids who have a special-needs sibling. The term “glass children” does not mean that they’re breakable, in fact, just the opposite; they’re often incredibly strong. Instead, the word “glass children” means that they’re see-through. They’re overlooked because they have a sibling who requires extra attention, above and beyond the demands of healthy parenting.

Glass children are often the unfortunate result of family situations where the parents are unaware (for whatever reason) of the effect that the demands of their special-needs child are having on their other children.

How to Recognize Glass Children

Glass children are often quiet and self-sufficient. They think that it’s their job to stay out of the way while their parents deal with their siblings. As a result, they grow up, feeling that their own needs and problems are insignificant. Usually, no one in their lives ever knows that they’re secretly hurting.

Sometimes glass children take on the role of a caretaker. They think that it’s their responsibility to make sure that parents are not overloaded with stress and concern about their special-needs child. Therefore in their minds, glass children think that it’s their job to make sure that their impaired sibling is safe and happy at all times, not unlike the role of a parent.

Also, glass children are often overly sensitive to the world around them. They learn this behavior from being too responsive to the needs of their parents and siblings. Consequently, they respond acutely to everything around them, usually with sadness and/or self-blame.

There’s an excellent TED talk about how to recognize glass children. The speaker’s name is Alicia Arenas. Alicia grew up as the sibling of a brother with severe autism. Her story is compelling. Here’s the link:

Alicia Arenas – Recognizing Glass Children

One of the most heartbreaking notions that I learned from watching Alicia’s presentation is that glass children measure their worth by how well they perform independently without any help from adults. They then use that measurement to gauge how much love they think they deserve.

How to Help Glass Children

Unlike most people, ASD siblings do not know life without special needs. Living in an ASD family is their “norm.” Below are tips on how to help glass children live and support their ASD siblings.

1. Explain ASD in Simple Terms

It’s crucial to explain ASD in simple terms. One of the points that your explanation could include is that, unlike a lot of disabilities, ASD is hard to detect. You might compare its invisible nature to the experience of seeing a seated person, thinking that they are sitting in a chair, and then realizing later that they’re actually in a wheelchair.

Or compare ASD to a particular toy that your ASD sibling is fond of (or a book or a piece of sports equipment or whatever feels age-appropriate.

2. Don’t Be a Superhero

If you’re continually fielding complaints about the way you’re handling your ASD child’s behavior, make it clear that you don’t have all the answers. Explain that ASD is a relatively new diagnosis and that you and the professional psychology community are trying your very hardest to do the right thing. Point out that you’re keeping up with all the latest information about ASD behavior. (It’s good for your child to see you adapting to change.)

By admitting this, you’ll be offering a more realistic view of yourself as someone who is coping and learning on a day-to-day basis.

.

3. Teach Them How to Explain ASD Quirks

At some point, your ASD sibling will find themselves in the awkward position of having to explain ASD behavior. One way to support this is by telling them that when we describe something to others, it often helps us understand the subject better ourselves.

Provide an opportunity for your ASD sibling to practice explaining a specific behavior to you before they attempt a formal clarification to others. Help them understand the concepts below. Have them repeat the information to you. Their explanation might sound rudimentary to you, but it doesn’t to them. After you feel like they have a basic understanding of the issues below, let them rehearse their explanation to you again. Practice and refine it together.

3a. Conversation Issues. One of the things your ASD sibling might need help explaining is conversational quirks. People with ASD often talk endlessly about the same subject. They repeat the same details over and over again. It feels soothing to them. They often interrupt and then dominate conversations for the same reason: it feels safe.

Help your ASD sibling understand this concept by explaining that their brother/sister is not doing it to be intentionally bothersome or rude. They’re doing it because they don’t comprehend the idea of a back and forth conversation. Conversations, to them, are for communicating their opinions; they’re not for integrating new information and letting other people contribute their thoughts based on the latest news. Unfortunately, monologues are the only way they know how to communicate.

3b. Lack of Empathy. The most helpful way to explain the lack of empathy is to define the difference between empathy and sympathy. Sympathy certainly suggests a feeling of acknowledgment of someone’s misery, while empathy is sharing their suffering. More plainly, insight is the ability to be in someone’s situation and understand their pain.

Try to help your ASD sibling understand the difference between these two terms. Then apply the concept to their understanding of “lack of empathy.” Explain that their brother/sister isn’t aware that they’re selfish, and they’re not intentionally acting uncaring. Instead, they’re incapable of putting themselves in others’ shoes.

3c. Motor Clumsiness. People with ASD are sometimes clumsy at group sports. They might enjoy participating in a sports team from a mathematical perspective (i.e., baseball statistics or scorekeeping) or a single game (i.e., martial arts or cycling), but due to lack of coordination and/or focus, participating successfully as an athlete in group sports is not shared.

Try to help your ASD sibling understand this concept and let them talk about their thoughts on the subject. Have them tell you how their brother/sister’s clumsiness affects them. For example, they might disclose that they get picked on due to their sibling’s awkwardness. Discuss together the thoughts and feelings they’ve revealed to you. Then return the conversation to ASD impairments and the limits of athletic participation.

3d. Interests and Routines. Another common ASD trait is an extreme (rigid!) focus on a specific subject. Try to help your ASD sibling understand this concept by talking together about a favorite item of their brother/sister’s and the role that ASD plays. Let them explain to you how their brother/sister’s intensity about the issue affects them. For example, they might disclose that it makes them feel frustrated or embarrassed.

When they’re finished talking, adding that the reason their brother/sister gets stuck in a particular routine or subject is that it makes them feel safe. Explain that it makes them feel safe because they don’t have to experience the risk of learning something new.

3e. Sensory Sensitivity. ASD sensory sensitivity can display itself in numerous ways. It can be visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smelling), tactical (touching), gustatory (tasting), or all of the above. Help your ASD sibling understand why their brother/sister reacts so strongly to certain sensations.

Try to use a concrete example like the sound of metal scratching on a chalkboard. If possible, physically replicate the sound. Ask them if they experience negative feelings from the noise. Then tell them that lots of sounds, like the one they just experienced, feel even more unpleasant to their brother/sister. Explain that when they cover their ears, it’s because they’re trying to soften the intensity.

3f. Fidgeting or “Stimming.” Another common ASD trait is the inability to sit still. Fidgeting or “stimming” (shorthand for self-stimulation) displays itself in a wide array of movements. It’s individual how these “explosions of energy” are exhibited.

To help your ASD sibling understand stimming, talk about how energetic and uncomfortable they feel after overeating candy, or cookies, or some other sugar-filled food. Ideally, have the conversation when they’re amid a sugar high.

5.Justify Household Rules

You probably find yourself always explaining why the rules and expectations are different for different members of your household. For example, in their cases where a child with ASD may spend too much time on their phone or computer and do this less on their homework, then you need to explain to them why it’s happening. Explain, if relevant, that their sibling does their homework with a specific tutor at school and hence does not have as plentiful to do at home. This will expectantly dismiss any claims of biased treatment.

6. Reassure Them that ASD Isn’t Contagious

Sometimes kids think that ASD is contagious. It’s not. You have to be born with it. If your ASD sibling has doubts, reassure them that it’s not like a cold or the flu; it can’t be “caught.”

7. Validate Feelings

Your ASD sibling needs their feelings validated all the time. It might feel like overkill to you, but that’s not how it feels to them. They need to know, repeatedly, that it’s okay to feel sad or embarrassed or guilty or angry or happy or neglected, or any other feeling they might be having. Try to be aware of the multitude of emotions that they could be having and create ways for them to share with you.

Teaching, by example, is usually the best way to demonstrate how to share feelings. For instance, when the two of you are alone, you could say something like, “I’m so frustrated that your brother/sister won’t wear the new clothes I bought.” Hopefully, this (or something like it) will motivate them to mimic your behavior and express their own feelings.

If not, try the same strategy again on another day or so. To open the conversation without putting them on the spot, you could use words that are as obvious as “…these are my feelings…”. Whatever works best for you and your child is the right thing to say. It’s so vital for them to feel like they can share their feelings without the threat of making you more frustrated or losing your love.

8. Create Personal Space

Your ASD sibling needs to feel entitled to their belongings and their private place in the world. This will confidently emphasize the belief that they are a whole person distinct from their role as an ASD sibling.

Find a spot in your home that they can call their own. It doesn’t have to be significant. It can even be as simple as a shelf or a drawer. Just something that is solely theirs. Ensure that your ASD sibling, as well as your ASD child, know the boundaries.

CHAPTER 7. BEING A FRIEND TO SOMEONE WITH AUTISM

Children on the autism spectrum often have difficulty with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication with others, and imaginative play. Teaching your child social skills opens up opportunities for your child to engage in the community as well as to make friends.

Typically, social skills come naturally with basic guidance. For kids on the spectrum or with similar conditions, more effort is required to learn the social skills needed to navigate society.

Many kids on the spectrum can feel overwhelmed by social interactions with peers. Help your child practice social skills in safe situations, and simplify social rules, explaining them at a pace a child with autism understands.

The activities and games in this chapter offer practical ideas to help kids develop social skills.

Playdates can be a challenge for kids on the spectrum unless you have a plan of action. Follow this guide to set up a successful playdate. For younger children, especially, attention spans can be limited, so have between three to five activities planned for an hour playdate. Take time to familiarize the child on the spectrum with a specific game. For example, if you’ll be playing a board game during the playdate, have the child play this game several times before the playdate to get to know the rules of the game. This will give the child a fair chance to process what’s going on before interacting with other children.

Limit the playdate to one peer. Interactions can be overwhelming for kids on the spectrum, so allow the child to practice playdate routines with only one other child before you move on to group playdates.

Sometimes, you may need to step in to keep interactions between the kids positive but allow some interactions to occur naturally. You want the child to have a good time and have a positive memory of the playdate, so remember to keep it simple and fun!

STEPS

1. Plan ahead — Think about what skills your child excels at. If your child enjoys playing with Lego or drawing, that’s a good place to start a playdate interaction. It also helps to know ahead of time what the peer is interested in. If you can find a match on your preferences, that’s perfect!
2. Keep it short — It’s easier to keep kids engaged for shorter periods of time.
3. Plan for an ending — Don’t forget to prepare the child for the end of a playdate. Practice by using a five-minute countdown timer to announce the playdate will end soon. Have a reward or incentive waiting for the child to say or otherwise expressing goodbye as the friend leaves.

Here’s a sample playdate timeline:

• First 10 minutes — free play time; kids have a choice for their own preferred activity
• Next 10 minutes — facilitated play (for example, a board game)
• 15 minutes — snack time
• 10 minutes — facilitated play
• 10 minutes — outdoor play or another facilitated game
• Last 5 minutes — the countdown

More tips for a successful playdate:

• Adults can forget how children play. Don’t let your adult preconceptions interfere with the kids’ interactions.
• Keep your assistance to a minimum and try not to embarrass the child by correcting their actions in front of their peers.
• Stay observant. Pay close attention to the child’s social behaviors while they play. This gives you the opportunity to identify social skills for the child to practice.

Conclusion

Parenting a child is a difficult journey, and adding ASD or Asperger’s syndrome into the equation can make it even more challenging. However, ASD and Asperger’s syndrome can be managed with the right attitude and the right strategies in play. Together, you can keep the condition in check and allow your child to grow into the best person they can be. Remember that though the path may be steep, don’t forget to focus on the great moments and to enjoy the journey with your family by your side.

Parents and caregivers out there who are trying so desperately to be educated and sensitive to the needs of the ASD sibling in their lives, keep on! Take comfort in knowing that your efforts might feel futile at the moment, but the fact that you’re clued-in is making a more significant difference than you might think.

I hope this book was able to help you to train someone to become a light in the dark for children with autism.

It is extremely difficult to live in a world wherein no one understands you. This is why it is up to their families and loved ones to be safe ground for them. But this journey will not start unless you, the parents, make a sincere effort to educate the people around you.

When the world becomes too confusing and loud, they will need someone to make them feel safe and out of the chaos. And this book has just helped you become a source of information and strength to others who need to take care of an autistic person.

The next step is to use the information in this book to help your child grow in a nurturing and less-confusing environment. You may also share the information in this book to other people who are living with an autistic person in their lives. With the ever-increasing number of autism cases in the world, there is a large chance that you might know a family having special challenges with their children.