The autspot

Bringing your child into the world
Posted on 19 Nov, 2010

When we talk about autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder, we refer to a neurological condition which comes in many different forms, types and levels of severity. Children with the condition may experience issues not only with their cognitive and motor development skills, but with their digestive systems as well. As a result, a child may have vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can affect his visual perception, digestive tract and resulting bodily functions. When addressing his needs, we have to consider what he is eating, how much fresh air he is getting, and the level of interaction he experiences in his daily life. For a child to be able to improve, every aspect of his life should be taken into consideration.

In this respect, life and therapy should become a continuous learning experience that allows a child to learn and practice his skills. It was for this reason that we founded our education system called LIFE, which stands for Learning Independent Function Everyday. For us, the goal is to focus on what a child can accomplish with the proper guidance and support. Our philosophy is that there is no therapy, only LIFE; no treatment, just function. We know that each child’s condition is unique. We do not give a child exercises to perform, but take the time to teach him the necessary functions to successfully interact with his environment. By approaching a child’s condition holistically, we can pinpoint which aspects of his cognitive and motor functions can be understood and addressed. In this way, we can begin to understand a child and how his actions relate to his condition, which makes it possible for him to develop.

Starting to understand his behaviour. To begin this process, one of the first steps towards enabling your child’s improvement is establishing an understanding of the his condition and behaviour. If a child is licking things for example, parents might not be able to work out the reason behind his actions. When we examine each aspect of his development however, his behaviour begins to make sense. As one of the few sensory organs that a child with autism may use consistently, the tongue becomes a sensory tool in the place of touch. Often, this is the result of sensory problems resulting in either hyper or hyposensitivity in his extremities. When a child receives either too much or too little stimulation, he will not be able to process the information going to his brain. When combined with other issues such as visual impairment, a child may have difficulty registering both methods of environmental stimulation. He may not be blind, but he does not process the information that he sees. As a result of his limited interaction with the things and people around him, he will lock himself in a certain world of his own. As parents, therapists and caregivers, it is our goal to guide him out of his shell and into the world of independence and proper function.

Working with your child. As a parent, you play an integral role in your child’s accomplishments and abilities. So, to successfully approach your child at this point, we recommend following the 3 W’s: watch, wait and win. If you talk to him, explain what everything around him is for. From his hands, to his fingers, to his legs and feet--every part of his body should be explained, so that he can understand their purpose. If a child can move, then he can learn. This means that he can discover the world for himself, and start to emerge from his shell. However, what we need to be careful with is how quickly his environment changes. We cannot simply destroy the world a child is in; we have to prepare a space for him, otherwise he will shrink back and become worse than before. To get a child involved, we need to take him out of his space step by step. It is our job to explain what each subject is for, how to use it and then gradually get him to test it for himself and understand. By repeating these steps again and again, the child will begin to unlock himself and show us his personality and who he is as a person.

Getting him involved. When a child is comfortable with the people and surroundings he is interacting with, only then he will start to show what he is truly capable of doing. What makes a big difference in his development is how you show your child that you need and love him. Do not force him--there is a big difference--but try and get him involved in your daily routine. The process of cooking, for example, can be a beautiful tool for showing him the different foods and the process of creating different dishes. While he is learning, make sure to keep him safe at all times so that he continues to trust and be open to his learning environment. Again, be patient and use a lot of explanation. Even if you feel that he is not interested, try--his reaction might be because it’s something that he has never done. Introduce him to new experiences. Have him participate in your daily living even if you think he doesn’t want to or seems unaware. Keep him with you, and show him new things every day. Give short, but clear and meaningful explanations of what something is and how to use it. Eventually, he will begin to follow.

Supporting his development. Of course, it is our job ensure that a child stays healthy so that he can continue with each of his accomplishments. To support his development, a child’s nutrition will therefore play a key role in what he is able to do. A child with autism requires very nutritious, yet light foods that are easy to digest. By paying attention to this need, it will normalize the child’s digestive tract and resolve any additional related issues that he may have. Avoid any process foods and soft drinks, and always look at the label when buying certain things. In carefully addressing each aspect of your child’s life, you will help him develop as best he can.

We need to remind ourselves that, for a child with autism, life remains a sea full of rich experiences just waiting to be explored. We just need to make him aware of them, and facilitate the transition from his own space to the rest of the world. Avoid drastic changes that will lead your child to close himself off to the world around him, and introduce new concepts to him slowly. Everything comes in its own time, and his development is no different. What plays a key part in a child’s abilities is the role of the parent. Don’t assume that all of your child’s learning will come about through his weekly treatments--it happens 24/7, and you are with your child longer than any therapist or child specialist. As a result, we always train parents and update them them regarding their child’s condition, what to do and how to proceed. By observing a child, introducing him to new things and supporting his learning, we allow him to progress and become a part of our world.

For more articles like this, visit www.enabledkids.ca.

Tags: autism,autism spectrum disorder,rehabilitation,treatment,behavior,kids,children,life