Because children on the autism spectrum learn differently than other children, it’s important to alter their lesson plans to fit the parameters of their needs. This can prove tricky, however, and some parents and teachers aren’t sure where to start. The first thing to do is make a list of the things your child needs assistance with. Some of the biggest issues that children on the autism spectrum face include communication, motor skills, and language. Engaging them in these areas every day will help them build stronger skills, so it’s imperative to create a lesson plan that encourages your child to face these challenges. 

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An accident, injury or illness — it’s every parent’s nightmare, yet we know they are inevitable. Each year, thousands of children experience some kind of injury from a home accident. The best we can do is to plan and prepare to protect our children, but some parents — especially those whose child has special needs — have to go the extra mile. 

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For most people, going to the dentist or visiting family is an ordinary experience. But for a child with autism, it can be a frightening, anxiety-triggering situation. Fear of change is characteristic of autism, often leading to public meltdowns, a stressful experience for parents and children alike. In order to prevent meltdowns, parents need to understand why they happen.

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Our bedrooms should be a place of comfort where we can come to at the end of the day and find deep rest. Most children on the autism spectrum struggle to get quality sleep, and a lot of it has to do with how they experience sensory activity. That’s why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to make sure their bedroom is tailored to meet their needs. If your child is on the spectrum, here are a few essential tips for turning their bedroom into a restful environment.

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Having a home office is a common scenario for many working parents these days, and often, they’re on the clock while their kids are home. Many children are able to safely occupy themselves while Mom and Dad are toiling away, but for the nearly 1 in 54 kids who have autism, staying entertained can be a challenge. This is due in large part to sensory sensitivity, a common struggle for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which makes some seemingly-kid-friendly activities too overwhelming.

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Every parent knows the struggle that comes with having kids who are feeling stir-crazy from being stuck inside. It seems like a natural solution to many families to find online activities that will not only entertain their little ones, but also educate them. When you have a child with a sensory-processing disorder like autism, however, getting online can be a tricky situation. Many websites are filled with bold colors, loud sounds, and overstimulating graphics that can trigger anxiety in children with sensory sensitivities, so it’s important to carefully choose the websites you allow your child to visit.

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In today’s busy world, it might seem overwhelming to find the time and energy to take your child to the playground. Going to a public playground is even more challenging if you are the parent of a child living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A loud, crowded park can often be a frightening and confusing experience for your child. On top of that, this experience may be exhausting for you.

 

Creating a restful bedroom space for an autistic child is about more than helping her feel sheltered from chaos and anxiety. A busy space with too much sensory stimuli can affect your child’s health: According to Autism Speaks, as many as four out of five autistic children suffer from chronic sleep problems, which can exacerbate behavioral issues, impede learning, and negatively impact quality of life. Creating an environment with the right spatial and visual characteristics can have far-reaching implications for your child’s health and development. 

 

As a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, you know the value of patience and love. Those unparalleled gifts can help your child thrive throughout life, but it can also help to have some tools that allow you both to cope with the unique challenges you face. To that end, here are some tips for soothing and comforting your child in a variety of situations.