Usually, children show autism symptoms within the first three years. Children suffer from this condition due to which it becomes difficult to communicate with others. The symptoms may be a mild or severe form of autism. And, the only best way to see improvement in your child would be to take the help of therapies.
Autism affects a Child’s communication and social skills
This group of disorders can affect the ability of a child to communicate and associate with others. Children suffering from autism do not develop communication skills. Handicap in communication skills results in delayed language development. They may be late to start speaking and may not hold the fluency subjected to that of their regional language. Apart from the language and communication lag, they also have a social handicap. There are Problems with ‘social smile’, eye contact, and playing in a group. They prefer to play alone and often also demonstrate certain repetitive behavior.
My child is late to speak, should I worry about autism?
Isolated delay in speech may have many causes like multilingual exposure, increased screen time, etc. You need to be worried about autism only when there are other associated social skill problems. Anyways, it’s prudent to get an opinion of a specialist when in doubt as early diagnosis and early therapy improves outcomes.
What is the treatment of Autism?
Currently, there is no standard treatment to cure autism. However, therapies can help children developed the skills that lack and therefore make their life easier. The behavior and mental status of each autistic child are different and require appropriate treatment options. Years ago, people used to think autism is simply fate and accept it without any treatment. But today different treatment options are available and are helpful. The benefits of therapy are better and a better prognosis is likely when treated at an earlier age of the child. Some of the therapies that are used are:
a) Cognitive behavioral therapy
This kind of therapy focuses on connections between thoughts feelings and behavior. This type of therapy may help certain children with Autism deal with anxiety, cope with social situations, and recognize emotions better.
b) Speech and Language therapy
As speech and communication is a major handicap in children with autism, this form of therapy addresses it. Speech therapy can help children with autism communicate and interact better.
c) Social Skill Training
Through repetition and reinforcements, this form of therapy helps child help children be better at another skill set that they lack – social skills. Children over time will be able to develop normal social behaviors and skills. They will learn how to make eye contact with others and also make it easier for them to interact.
d) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy in an autistic child helps to improve motor skills, posture, and balance.
e) Behavior management
As children with autism can have associated behavior issues. This form of therapy helps to encourage desirable behavior while discouraging undesirable behavior.
How can Parents help?
First of all, autism can happen to anyone’s children and it is not because of anyone’s fault. Don’t believe in any myths such as its links to Vaccines. As parents, do not blame yourselves for your child’s Autism. Once you are guilt-free and at peace then only you can help your child.
The following things are in your hand that can help your child.
Seek help early and opt for treatment
As we have repeatedly mentioned that diagnosing autism early and starting therapy early improves outcomes. Do not delay treatment by not accepting the diagnosis or opting for alternative medicine or other forms of unproven therapies. Start therapies early and stick to the schedule.
Praise your children for good behavior
The child facing such a disorder might turn deeply inwards and develop odd behavior. once they undertake autism treatment their social performance and routine behavior will improve. They will get comfortable in the way taught to
them and start behaving better. at this point be sure to be appreciative and encouraging so that your child is motivated to carry on with the improvements.
Visual schedules can be helpful
Visual schedules are visual representations of what is going to happen within a task or throughout the day. This Helps children with Autism get a better grasp of things as it is communicated through pictures and not by language (which they have problems with). Though things will improve over time, creating and implementing visual schedules will be a major commitment in the beginning.
Coaching for routine life
The attitudes and responses of every autistic child are different. It is mainly determined by the autistic severity and language ability of the child and the stage when it is diagnosed. They might require continuous supervision and so several routine activities are taught. The Therapists and experts will guide you about what you need to do. But you are the one who will need to execute it and be the coach.
Final words
This article summarizes autism in a simple and uncluttered language for parents to have an idea. It is not meant to be medical advice for which you will need to see your doctor or therapist. We just intend to pass on some basic information and tell Parents that they should not be disheartened, rather get aware of the possibilities and talk with the specialist to guide them in the right direction.
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