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Maybe your child has recently received an autism diagnosis. You’re nervous about what the future holds, and you’re still adjusting to this news. As you process everything, you’re wondering how you can care for your family and make decisions that will support your child’s well-being. Today, IEyeNews shares several tips that might help you ensure your child is happy and healthy, like updating your home so that it’s sensory-friendly.

Create a Sensory-Friendly Home

Your child should feel like their home is a safe space. However, the average home is not designed with the needs of children with autism in mind. Therefore, it’s up to you to implement the appropriate modifications and design choices so that your child does not feel overwhelmed by sensory input. TurboTenant suggests choosing natural incandescent lights, installing dimmer switches, soundproofing rooms with acoustic panels, and selecting paint hues based on your child’s color preferences. Furthermore, make sure you have adequate storage space to minimize clutter.

Some upgrades and renovation projects might actually boost your home’s value in the long run. As you make changes, don’t forget to snap some before-and-after photos. In addition, store your receipts so that you can prove the value of your upgrades.

Prevent Sensory Overload in Public

While you can redesign your home to prevent sensory overload, you don’t have the same control over public spaces. To prevent this problem in advance or soothe your child if they feel overwhelmed in public, Child Mind Institute recommends going over your schedule with your child before leaving the house and creating a “go-bag” with noise-canceling ear muffs, fidget toys, and even a weighted blanket. Over time, you’ll be able to figure out which methods are most effective at helping your child calm down.

Explore Typing Communication

Children with autism who are non-verbal or who struggle deeply with verbal communication might benefit from learning to share their thoughts and feelings through typing. You may want to talk to your child’s healthcare team about experimenting with iPad Augmentative and Alternative Communication, often known as AAC. The right teaching methods can make a huge difference in your child’s ability to leverage AAC for communication.

Keep Your Home Clean

dKeeping a clean and organized home is especially important when your children have autism due to their unique sensory needs and preferences for structure. Many children with autism are highly sensitive to sensory inputs, including visual clutter or disarray, which can lead to feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. A tidy environment can provide a sense of calm and predictability, helping to reduce stress. Try using natural alternatives to chemical cleaners, too. Additionally, a structured and orderly space can support the development of routines and self-regulation skills, crucial for children with autism. It also minimizes safety hazards and distractions, creating a conducive environment for learning and growth. 

Teach Basic Social Skills

Depending on your child’s specific symptoms, they might have trouble navigating social situations and making close friends. You can assist your child in polishing their social skills. Practice scripts for different scenarios and explain the reasoning behind certain manners. You can do this with new scenarios as they get older. Remember, do not push them into situations they aren’t ready for – this can discourage them from socializing in the future.

Setting Up Your Home Office for Safety

Setting up a home office with safety in mind is crucial when your children have autism, as it involves creating a space that is secure and minimally distracting, while also considering the unique sensory and behavioral needs of your children. Begin by ensuring that the office is physically safe, with furniture anchored securely and hazardous materials or equipment stored out of reach. Utilize cord management solutions to prevent tripping or entanglement hazards. Since children with autism may be particularly sensitive to sensory inputs, strive for a calm and orderly workspace, using soft, non-flickering lighting and minimizing noise. Incorporate locks or child-proofing measures on drawers or cabinets containing important documents or dangerous office supplies.

Anxiety Coping Strategies

Children with autism might suffer from anxiety for a variety of reasons. In addition to feeling overwhelmed in certain environments, they might struggle with shame over their symptoms or get nervous about socializing. Learning how to help your child cope with anxiety is important. What works for one child might not work for another. However, you may want to try approaches like sharing social stories with your child. By describing what you’re about to do or what they can expect from a particular situation, you can reduce their anxiety, which is often rooted in uncertainty and unclear expectations.

Find the Right Medication(s)

Working in tandem with your child’s doctor is a crucial step in managing autism through medication, as finding the right prescription often involves a careful process of trial and error. This collaborative journey begins with an in-depth evaluation of your child’s unique symptoms, challenges, and health profile, leading to an informed starting point for treatment. 

As adjustments to dosages or changes in medications are likely, regular follow-ups and open communication with the healthcare provider become the cornerstone of this approach. During each visit, discussing your child’s responses to the medication – both the improvements and any side effects – helps the doctor fine-tune the treatment plan. 

It’s important to be patient and maintain a detailed record of your child’s behaviors and any shifts in their condition to share with the doctor, enabling a more precise response to your child’s needs. Over time, this meticulous and adaptive method aims to find the most effective medication regimen that supports your child’s well-being and enhances their quality of life.

Ultimately, every child with autism is unique, and they will all have slightly different needs. Therefore, no piece of advice is a “one-size fits all” guideline. But by trying some of these recommendations, like designing a sensory-friendly home, you may notice your child feeling more content.

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