Toddlers with autism are intellectually, verbally and socially challenged. These delays causes them to be extra sensitive. It takes a lot of patience, persistence and wisdom to help them. But, with professional help, a whole lot of love and encouragement, children with autism can learn, grow and flourish like normal individuals.

How to Help An Autistic Child

Be Informed

Knowledge is power. The first step in supporting your toddler is by being prepared. Learn about autism. The more information you know about it, the better equipped you will be in creating sensible decisions for your precious one. Ask questions. Inform yourself about the different treatment alternatives. Seek advice from the specialists.

Second, be an expert on your toddler. Determine what sets off your toddler’s disturbing behaviors and what elicits positive reactions. Know the things that make your toddler happy, peaceful, stressed and uneasy. The more you know about the things that ruffles his feathers the better you can act in averting and resolving these problems.

Supply Structure and Safety

Naturally, a toddler who has autism have trouble adjusting and adapting. As a parent, it is your duty to provide a solid base. Be consistent. Building stability in your toddlers environment is the best method to strengthen learning. For example, figure out how your toddler’s therapist deals with your child and maintain that approach at home. Or, why not set your toddler’s therapy in various places. This will likely persuade your little one to convey what he has learned from one situation to another.

Uniformity in his daily routine is also essential. Create a healthy schedule for your toddler and allot adequate time for meals, playschool, naps, therapy, free play and bedtime. Avoid distractions.

It is also beneficial to set up a small space in your home solely for your toddler. This private space will serve as his comfort zone. This should help him unwind wherein he gets to take a break from his therapy and just be free doing the things he loves. Keep the ambiance light and cheery so see to it his space is filled with lots of papers, crayons, art materials, educational toys and music.

Provide Early Intervention

This intercession creates an established approach wherein behavioral testing is applied. With the help of therapists, you can successfully improve your toddler’s condition by coaching him new constructive behaviors and altering negative ones through repetition and practice in a playful manner. A fun free-play makes more sense to toddlers. Mimic his therapist’s activities. For example, during his play time, let him play with toy blocks. Toss each one into a pail while saying the word “block” repetitively; inviting your toddler to copy you.

Tackle Sensory Issues

An autistic toddler have sensory issues which hinders learning. Therefore, you should learn how to adjust. Instead of pressuring your little one to learn this and that, it would be best if you look for nonverbal ways to communicate. Observe his facial expressions and body language. By doing so, you will recognize his discomfort once he wrinkles his nose or kicks his feet. A hand gesture is an easy way for him to tell you his requests.

Give Praise

Providing positive reinforcement is a powerful way to encourage children with autism. Be observant. Always commend your toddler for his effort, a good deed or for learning a new skill. Specify what behaviour he is being praised for. Reward him with lots of hugs and kisses, his favorite sweets or a new toy.