Let Your Autistic Special Needs Child be a Kid
Many parents with special needs autistic children are afraid to just let their child be children. They get wrapped up in their child’s therapy appointments and treatment and forget to let them have fun. They focus on keeping them safe, and become too protective. The child’s life becomes full of doctors, or therapy appointments.
1. Give your special needs autistic child a certain time each day to do whatever they want to. If they have a toy or game they like to play let them. Everyone needs a break at some point. f
2. Arrange activities for your child that they like. This could be something like a trip to the park once a week, or a meal at their favorite restaurant. Let the child pick the activity.
3. Let them run and play like the other kids, if they are able to. In my son’s case, he likes to hang out with the adults on the playground than playing with children his age because of social aspects, it is still very challenging for him, but he has tried in certain situations, with a sometimes successful and sometimes troubling..at least he tried. Keeping them sheltered is often necessary, depending on the situation and circumstances, but overall in time we have to slowly trust that they will eventually become more comfortable and accustomed to change.
4. Do not teach your child to be a victim. They need to be taught to not let their condition stop them in life. Teach your Autistic child they can do anything they set out to do.
5. Do not let your child’s diagnosis of Autism become an excuse. Give your child consequences if they do something wrong. Children learn pretty quick that the excuse of their condition can get them special treatment. This will not help them later on in life.
6. Give your Autistic child chores. Make sure they are chores the child is capable of doing. This will give the child the pride of knowing they can accomplish something. Give them rewards for completing the chores. We are starting to do this more with our son, now that he is of age and adding more responsibility.
7. Do not lower your expectations for your Autistic child. Teach them to always do their best. Having a medical condition should not give them a reason to not try. If they do not try they will never know their full potential.
Kids get hurt. They get dirty. They Make Mistakes. That is all a part of being a kid and life. They will be much happier. Do your part and watch over them, but allow them to have some freedom. Even though your child has special needs allow them the chance to be a child.
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Mandu Usoro is a lifestyle blogger, freelance writer, experienced homeschooler and US Army Veteran with a BS Degree in Social Work and AA Degrees in Psychology as well as Health Care Administration. She enjoys spending time with her family, advocating for her special needs son and writing for fun and inspiration. You can get in touch with her on Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and at https://www.homeschoolspecneedstidbits.com/contact-us
