2 Nuggets of Hope When Dealing with Autistic Family member
Many people with a family member diagnosed with Autistic disorder are reported to have higher risks of anxiety, depression, and mental problems. When these stressors of life combine, a more severe crisis can develop and this is where nuggets of hope come into play. Understanding such family-related problems is vital because it can act as a ground in service delivery to an at-risk family member. Therefore, this article seeks to guide you when dealing with Autistic family members.
Maintain safety and provide structure
Learning the ropes about autism and involving yourself in treatment measures is one of the best ways to help your kid. How should this happen? Well, research has that being consistent, following a schedule, and rewarding great behavior is the right way to making it happen.
- Consistency
Autistic children find it challenging to apply simple things they learn. This can be their schools, homes, or therapist’s office. For instance, the kid can employ sign language to communicate at school but never consider doing it at home. Being consistent in your autistic kid’s environment is the ideal approach to fortify learning. Learn the strategy employed by the kid’s therapist and consider implementing it at home. Make sure the therapist explores different environment settings to foster and speed up learning.
- Following a schedule
Research has that Autistic family members will do great when exposed to highly structured routines or schedules. Alternatively, this goes hand in hand with the consistency they desire. Develop a schedule with standard or regular times for therapy, bedtime, meals, and school. Try as much as possible to avoid disruptions. In case there is a change in your schedule, ensure that the kid is prepared in advance.
- Reward great behavior
Positive strengthening and autistic family members go hand in hand. Therefore, ensure that you spot them exercising something great. Reward, praise, and teach them a new skill.
Looking for help and support
Dealing with Autistic family members demands much time and energy. Sometimes, you may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and/or discouraged. Note that parenting isn’t a walk in the park and raising an autistic kid is even more daunting. Thus, to keep more issues at bay, it is advisable to avoid handling everything. You can always reach out for advice, advocacy, helping hand, or support from ADS support groups, respite care, and family counseling.
- ADS support group
Engaging in an ADS support group is the ground to interacting with other people dealing with a similar predicament. This is useful because you will get advice, share vital information, and lean someone for emotional help and support.
- Respire care
Every individual requires a break and this is particularly true for a parent dealing with the extra stress of an Autistic child. Respire care; therefore act as a temporary caregiver, allowing you to take a break for some days, hours, or weeks.
- Family counseling
If anxiety, stress, or depression is overwhelming, you can consider reaching out to a personal therapist. This will help address anything you feel bothersome when handling an autistic kid.
Conclusion
Autism is a serious disorder that must be addressed to help kids learn faster. If not addressed well, it can even become daunting to interact with any autistic family member. However, with the right approach, your autistic kid learns easily.
