By -

 10 doable things when you have a newly diagnosed child


  •  Just Start: To begin with, there is an overwhelming amount of information for a parent with a newly diagnosed child. Start with something simple, as simple as 20 min of playtime with the child a day. But take it seriously. This is something practices such as the floor time method/sonrise program advocate. 

  • Be consistent and persistent. Show up every day and stick to doing 2-3 things every time, with your child. Repetition works wonders, for instance, saying the word water every time you give the child water. 

  • Work on communication, be it gestures, pictures, writing, typing, rather than insisting on talking. Continue to communicate even when the child does not respond.

  • Place fewer demands, and focus on meaningful, joyful interactions. When interacting with the child, the 3 E's—Energy, Excitement, and Enthusiasm—must constantly be at the back of your mind.

  • Say concrete things such as good writing rather than a good job. Don't say something that you will not do. For example, if you don't finish your work, I shall not talk to you. Keep a promise. 20 minutes of engagement, then stick to the 20 minutes. Do not extend the minutes.

  •  The ability to empathise can be a powerful motivator to help you and your child co-create, co-elevate, and co-habit a better world for yourselves. Convey an attitude of total acceptance.

  • Run away from naysayers and be among positive people. Believe in your child.

  •  Comparison is a thief. Do not compare your child with another.

  • Speak up when you are not in agreement with something, and your child cannot advocate for themselves.

  • Take care of yourself and do not cure your child of autism.

                         

                        Remember, as a parent,you are their finest therapist around the clock, since only parents truly understand their kids. Lot of learning happens at home, as well.






Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Augmentative communication

By -
When I started out with PECS ,my mother was very apprehensive that it could impair his speech development.So are may people. My mother had her rationale to it.She felt if one makes it very easy to demand things with picture cards, why should he bother to talk?We have been assured over and over again by therapists whenever we use any aided communication,either verbal behaviour/ PECS, it doesn't stop him from talking. When you give a picture card for water,you stress on the word every time he demands for water.There are no substitutes for talking but these are crutches in some sense,it lowers the child's frustration and gives him an opportunity to communicate.
Read more

The Bangalore experience:

By -
We were in Bangalore last one month or so. Frankly speaking, our visit to Bangalore was an eye opener in many ways, helping us to get know the system better in terms of logistics, people, housing………..We decided to relocate to Bengaluru (must get the name right) for Ramam’s sake and I think the visit has convinced us the move is justified. Let me warn you in the beginning, this is a long post. Bangalore-- schools As for the schools we visited we first went to Bubbles run by Sarbani Mallick.  This is in Govindraj nagar. (9845557115). It is more of an activity centre where children go after school hours with more emphasis on social and play skills. This academic session, they plan to run a school. They focus on games that promote functional academics. It can be a starting point for early intervention from where the child can move on. The school timings would be 9.30-12.00 .The next were a group of schools on the Sarjapur road; Greenwood high, Inventure academy. It is a huge waste of tim
Read more