World Autism Awareness Day 2024: These Basic Tips Will Help Parents Support Children With Autism

Every year on 2nd of April, world observes Autism Awareness Day to empower and help autistic people with their day-to-day works. But what is Autism? It is a disorder that affects the development of brain by impacting one’s behavior, communication skills, interaction skills and learning ability. According to World Health Organisation, 1 in 100 children are autistic. Apart from medical care and therapies, an autistic child also requires good parenting. Thus, here are some parenting tips that will help in simplifying life of an autistic child: Focus on creating a positive environment: This means, be clear with your emotions towards them. Praise them for their behavior, tell them they’re doing well, it will make them feel good. Find ways to initially reward them for their positive response towards your action. Be patient with them: Give your child extra time to process and understand your words and action. Use a wide spectrum of communication methods like hand gestures, pictures, hearing aids and eye contact to substantiate what you are saying. Make a schedule that is fun: People with autism like routines. Make sure that you are consistent while they follow their schedule. Also, incorporate activities that seem like pure fun and not educational or therapy to help your child to connect with you. Take your child along for everyday chores: If your child behaves differently in presence of unknown people, help them to slowly blend in. For example, when you take them on everyday errands like grocery shopping or even a walk, it will help them adjust with outer world. Take note of behavior: To motivate and shape the child’s adaptability to normal life, make notes of his or her interests and things that motivate them. For example, if they like drawing then let them freely express their emotions with their choice of colors.

Published: Lisa

Last updated: 02 April 2024, 07:41 PM IST