Parenting Tips: How To Create A Safe Space For Your Autistic Child

Raising a child can be exhausting – physically, mentally and emotionally. However, the fulfilment of knowing that you have done your part in ensuring that their wellbeing is taken care of lasts a lifetime.

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 help your child or are 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.

While it is true that ASD is not something a person simply “grows out of”, there are many treatments that can help children acquire new skills and overcome a wide variety of developmental challenges.

A good treatment plan will:

• Build on your child’s interests
• Offer a predictable schedule
• Teach tasks as a series of simple steps
• Actively engage your child’s attention in highly structured activities
• Provide regular reinforcement of positive behaviours
• Involve the parents

From free government services to in-home behavioural 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. Here's how.