Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can feel overwhelming. Navigating the world of autism as a parent – even more so. But you’re not alone! Many parents are on this journey along with you. Here, we delve into common challenges linked with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and offer you practical strategies to improve daily life and create a supportive environment for your child.

What Are Signs of Autism?

• Social interaction: Difficulties in understanding social cues and forming relationships.
• Communication: Barriers in both verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repeated actions or thought patterns.

Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to help you navigate daily challenges and enhance your child’s well-being.

Making Sense of Sensory Issues

In parenting a child with autism, sensory sensitivities often take center stage. These aren’t simply preferences or quirks; they’re  neurological conditions that significantly impact a child’s comfort and behavior.

Children with autism often experience the stimuli around them differently than their neurotypical peers. It can go to either of two extremes:

• Hypersensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, such as loud noises or bright lights, can cause discomfort or even pain.
• Hyposensitivity: Diminished sensitivity may manifest as a lack of response to pain or temperature, or a need for stronger sensory stimulation like deep pressure.

It’s fairly common for the same child to experience hypersensitivity in one area and hyposensitivity in another.

What It Looks Like

Here are some of the scenarios that may come up in your day to day  if your child has sensory sensitivity: 

• Overstimulation: Children may become overwhelmed in settings that many of us consider normal. For example, visiting a supermarket, with its bright lights, background music, and range of colors, can be extremely anxiety-inducing for a child with autism. 
• Limited diet: Sensory issues can extend to mealtime. For children with sensitivities, the textures of certain foods can be as problematic as the taste. This could cause picky eating  and may lead to concerns regarding nutrition.
• Trouble with transitions: Sensory overload isn’t limited to environments. Transitions like moving from home to school can be stressful and overwhelming, leading to emotional meltdowns.
• Personal care challenges: Routine activities like showers or haircuts are common battlegrounds. A child may find the sensation of warm water or the sound of scissors snipping intolerable.

Sensory Strategies – A Toolbox:

To navigate these sensory challenges effectively, parents can tap into a combination of strategies. We like to think of these as a toolbox of strategies that can help your child manage their sensory sensitivities.‍

• Try sensory integration therapy: One of the most effective therapies is Sensory Integration Therapy, usually done by an occupational therapist. It focuses on desensitizing the child to stimuli he finds overwhelming and helps them adapt better to their environments.
• Modify the environment: At home, environmental modifications can be both cost-effective and impactful. Whether it’s using dimmer switches to control lighting or setting up a “sensory safe zone” with calming colors and textures, these minor changes can offer significant relief to a child.
• Create predictable routines: The benefits of a predictable routine cannot be overstated. When a child knows what to expect, his anxiety levels drop. Using visuals for autism support (visual aids like a daily schedule with pictures) can offer even more reassurance and make transitions smoother.
• Consider a sensory diet: A sensory diet is a set of activities designed to give the child the sensory input he needs. Depending on the child’s sensory needs, these activities can range from swinging and jumping to softer activities like coloring.‍

Fostering Communication

Effective communication can be a hurdle for both you and your child with autism. However, the right strategies can significantly improve understanding and social interactions.

• Speak clearly and use simple sentences: Choose direct phrases like “Put on your shoes” over ambiguous statements like “Could you get ready?” Always pause briefly after speaking to give your child time to process the information and formulate a response.
• Utilize visual aids: Never underestimate the power of non-verbal communication. For children who find verbal interaction daunting, consider using a “communication board” with basic needs and feelings so your child can point to what he wants to say, making the interaction less stressful for both parties.
• Try tactile cues: Simple gestures — such as a gentle touch on the arm or guiding your child’s hand—can serve as effective, supplemental forms of communication. To build on this, establish a set of simple gestures or signs that you and your child understand, creating an “in-house” language for faster and less frustrating exchanges.
• Provide choices: Offering choices encourages both verbal and non-verbal interaction. For example, when offering food, you could say, “Would you like an apple or a banana?” while showing both fruits. This not only helps the child make a choice but also fosters understanding through multi-sensory cues.
• Model behavior and language: Children learn by observing and mimicking. Use daily routines as opportunities to model both verbal and non-verbal communication. Narrate your actions and express feelings openly. For example, say, “I’m washing the dishes now,” as you perform the task, providing a running commentary that pairs actions with words.‍

Managing Repetitive Behaviors

A significant challenge many children with autism face is engaging in repetitive behaviors. These can range from physical actions, like hand-flapping or rocking, to more complex routines or fixations on specific topics. 

While these behaviors can be puzzling or even concerning for parents, understanding their nature and knowing how to manage them can make a world of difference.

Repetitive behaviors often serve specific functions for children with autism. They can provide comfort, help a child cope with sensory overload, or simply be a way to express excitement or anxiety. Recognizing that these behaviors are a form of communication or self-regulation is the first step in addressing them.

Strategies for Responding to Repetitive Behaviors

• Identify triggers and patterns: Observe when and where these behaviors occur. Are they more prevalent in certain environments or following specific events? Understanding the patterns can help in creating effective strategies.
• Create a structured environment: Children with autism often thrive in predictable environments. Establishing routines can reduce anxiety and the need for repetitive behaviors as coping mechanisms.
• Encourage positive alternatives: If a repetitive behavior is harmful or socially disruptive, teaching an alternative behavior that fulfills the same need can be helpful. For instance, if a child repetitively taps surfaces loudly, teaching him to tap softly or on a specific quiet toy can be a better alternative.
• Consult professionals for behavior therapy: Behavioral therapies, like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), can be instrumental in managing repetitive behaviors. These therapies focus on understanding the reasons behind behaviors and teaching new skills to reduce the need for these repetitive actions.
• Celebrate small victories: Recognize and praise your child when he successfully manages his repetitive behaviors. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator for change.

Understanding and Patience: Key to Success

It’s important to remember that handling sensory sensitivity, improving communication, and managing repetitive behaviors is a journey. Not every strategy will work for every child, and changes won’t happen overnight. 
Patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt your approach are amongst the most important autism supports you can give to your child. Collaborating with health care professionals and connecting with other parents for support and advice can also provide invaluable insights.
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder and navigating this world may be a challenging journey, but it’s also filled with opportunities for personal growth and invaluable bonding experiences. As you apply these strategies and seek new methods for understanding your child’s world, know that you’re backed by a community of professionals and peers who understand what you’re going through.

‍