If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re either a parent, guardian, or caregiver of an autistic child. If not, then maybe it’s time to consider becoming more involved in the life of your child.
You’re not alone in this struggle. As a parent of a child with autism, you’re bound to go through many trials and tribulations. But you can also find comfort in the fact that you’re not completely alone.
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The Rise In Demand For Special Needs Baby Items
While you’re probably used to buying your baby items without thinking too much about it, the trend of specialized items for children with special needs is becoming a significant one. For instance, you may have heard about the rise in popularity of “mashup” or “mammo teats”. These are teats designed to be interchanged with adult-sized teats so that children with autism can still enjoy the social aspects of breastfeeding.
What is also probably the most significant development in this regard is the fact that many parents of autistic children are now choosing to breastfeed their babies. In an interview with the BBC, Dr. Elle MacLeman, head of paediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated:
“Sixty-seven percent of the parents that we interviewed said they were going to try to initiate and continue breastfeeding with their children. So, we see a movement to the left, where more and more people are willing to express their love and concern for their children through the act of breastfeeding.”
In other words, the stigma that used to surround breastfeeding has begun to lessen. For many parents of autistic children, it’s now seen as a nurturing and loving gesture. It also has the added bonus of providing health benefits for both the baby and parent.
On the subject of health benefits, it’s important to note that breastfeeding not only provides nutrition for your baby but also strengthens the parent-child bond. A 2013 study from New Zealand also supported these findings, pointing to significant improvements in both social and communicative skills among children who were breastfed.
How To Stop Autistic Child From Drinking Pool Water?
Now that you’re aware of the issues that many parents face when it comes to their autistic children, let’s discuss some of the ways in which you can provide support and help your child thrive.
First of all, let’s establish that you are neither overly protective nor uninvolved. Far from it – you’re a parent first and foremost, and you have every right to be involved in your child’s life. You’re also probably very familiar with the issues that your child faces, as mentioned in the previous section.
As much as possible, you want to avoid exposing your child to risk. Just because their mind works in a different way doesn’t mean that they’re capable of handling risk in a dangerous way. One of the primary ways in which you can help protect your child is by keeping them safe from harm. You may also choose to shield them from danger by keeping them away from certain people or locations. And on the subject of protecting your child, you must also be very careful about the water that you allow them to consume. Depending on where you live, the clean water supply may not be the best choice for your child. Especially if you’re not sure of the quality of the water around you.
The Importance Of Correct Nutrition
Whether you choose to breastfeed or not, feeding your baby is an important part of their routine. Make sure that you’re providing them with the nutrients that their body needs to grow and develop healthy teeth and bones. A 2018 study from the United Kingdom looked at the diets of more than 400 preschoolers and found that the majority of them were not meeting the dietary guidelines for essential nutrients. The most prevalent nutritional deficiency was vitamin D, which more than 80% of the children were lacking in.
To ensure that your child gets the nutrients that they need, you must be sure that they are consuming sufficient quantities of food. One way of measuring this is with the help of a nutritionist, who can advise you on the correct dietary intake for your child’s age and stage of development. As a parent of an autistic child, you are certainly not expected to have specialized knowledge in this area. But by getting the help of an expert, you can ensure that you’re providing your child with the nutrients they need to grow and develop healthily.
The Importance Of Regular Medical CheckUps
Keeping your child healthy is one of your top priorities. One way of doing this is by having regular medical checks. For example, your child’s doctor may recommend that they have an EEG scan to check for signs of seizure activity. Or it may be necessary to have a blood test to determine whether your child is at risk of anemia due to poor iron absorption.
These are all examples of medical checks that could be beneficial to your child. And as much as possible, you want to try to have these tests as soon as possible to identify any issues before they become serious. This will also help you prepare for the event that these issues do arise. For instance, you may want to establish a treatment plan in case your child has a seizure disorder. Knowing what medications to expect will help you combat this condition.
Create A Routine
A routine is important for your child. Just because your child is non-verbal or has autism doesn’t mean that they don’t need a routine. While some kids may thrive on spontaneity, others may do better with structure and predictability. So, try to establish a routine as soon as possible. This can be very helpful when it comes to getting your child to sleep or follow a meal routine. For instance, you could try setting a regular bedtime routine. This may help your child feel more secure and have a better chance of falling asleep at night.
Some kids with autism may need more help with sleeping than others. If this is the case, then getting a sleep specialist to come to your home and help devise a sleep routine may be a better option. A 2016 study from the United Kingdom examined the sleep habits of more than 400 children with autism and found that only 14% of the children met the recommended sleep duration for their age. The researchers also found that more than 40% of the children had sleep disturbances, such as sleep apnea and nightmares.
Getting help with sleeping can also provide you with some relief. It’s no secret that sleep deprivation can take its toll on both the mental and physical health of the person suffering from it. So, by getting some sleep help in the form of a sleep routine, you can ensure that your child is getting the best sleep possible. This will help improve their mood and ensure that they’re not plagued by poor sleep habits as adults.
Exercise Regularly
Just because your child has autism doesn’t mean that they don’t need to exercise. Moving around and getting some exercise is important for your child’s overall health. A 2018 study from Canada examined the physical activity levels of more than 400 children with autism between the ages of 3 and 5. Only 11% of the participants in the study met the recommended activity levels for children their age. More than 90% of the kids were found to have at least one chronic health condition, such as asthma or arthritis.
Getting regular exercise can also help improve your child’s mood. In the same study, it was also reported that nearly 60% of the participants had a positive outlook on life. Engaging in regular physical activity can help bring this positivity to your child’s daily life. It can also help promote social interaction and help build their confidence. These are all critical factors in your child’s development.
Create A Playroom
A playroom is an important part of a child’s development. Just because your child may not be able to communicate their needs doesn’t mean that they don’t have desires. While some kids love being in their parent’s bedroom, others may want their own space. Creating a playroom can be a good option. This could be in the form of a separate room with a door that closes, to provide some privacy. Alternatively, you could create a den or game room in your home, with a TV and video game console.
The point is that a playroom gives your child the opportunity to be creative and express their feelings. If this is something that interests your child, then creating the space may be a worthwhile investment of your time. You can also use the room to teach your child fundamental life skills, such as keeping their toys organized and tidy. Ensuring that these rooms are well-lit, warm, and have good ventilation is also important if you want your child to feel relaxed and happy in the space.