If you are a parent or caregiver of a child with autism, you may feel overwhelmed by the challenges and responsibilities that come with raising a child with special needs.Autism is a condition that affects a person’s social, communication and behavioral skills. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a term that describes a range of symptoms and severity levels. Each child with autism has their own unique strengths and difficulties.
However, there are some common strategies and best practices that can help you support your child’s development, well-being and happiness. Here are 15 expert tips to help your autistic child with day-to-day life.
1. Learn about autism
The first step to helping your child with autism is to educate yourself about the condition and how it affects your child. There are many resources available online and offline that can provide you with reliable and up-to-date information about autism, such as:
- The National Autistic Society
- Autism Speaks
- Autism Society of America
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
You can also talk to your child’s doctor, therapist, teacher or other professionals who work with your child to learn more about their specific needs, strengths and challenges.