Top 10 tips for parenting an autistic child

1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR OWN EMOTIONAL HEALTH FIRST
For parents to be effective in guiding the development of their child with autism, it is very important for them to work through their own emotional reactions.

2. OBSERVE! TAKE THE TIME TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S EMOTIONAL RESPONSE SETS TO A VARIETY OF SITUATIONS, INCLUDING HIS/HER REACTIONS TO YOU.
The next common challenge that faces most parents of children with autism involves the child’s emotional reaction to the parent.

3. FOLLOW YOUR CHILD’S LEAD! PARTICIPATE WITH YOUR CHILD IN THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT BRING HIM PLEASURE—EVEN IF IT FEELS STRANGE TO YOU.
Joining your child in his world requires an essential parenting skill—imitate and follow.

4. FEELINGS TALK! PUT WORDS TO YOUR CHILD’S FEELINGS.
Whenever possible, label your child’s feelings for him. Children who are able to identify their internal experiences have a better sense of who they are.

5. POSITIVELY PRAISE! PRAISE YOUR CHILD’S APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.
It is important to remember basic behavioral principles: whatever behavior you pay attention to - and attention can be either positive or negative - will increase.

6. CAPITALIZE ON SPECIAL-NESS! FIND OUT WHAT IS SPECIAL AND UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR CHILD AND CAPITALIZE ON IT.
Your child may have special needs and he may be different from other children, but he is also special in his own ways.

7. READ EMOTIONAL SIGNALS! RESPOND TO YOUR CHILD’S DEPENDENCY NEEDS AND ASSERTIVENESS BY KNOWING WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS YOUR WARMTH AND WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS YOU TO LET HIM GROW.
Have an open mind about yourself, get lots of reality checks by asking others to provide you with feedback, and be willing to bear a little of your child’s suffering along with her so that she can grow.

8. ADJUST YOUR LEVELS! KEEP YOUR INTERACTIONS AT THE CHILD’S PHYSICAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL LEVEL.
Whenever you talk to your child, give directions, set limits, etc., do it in a way that will be meaningful for your child.

9. WAIT! DON’T REPEAT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS OVER AND OVER.
Many children with autism have delays in response time.

10. ASK FOR HELP! HOW TO KNOW WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP.
Follow your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Taking this step can ensure a positive future for both you and your child.