A child with autism may see the world in a different light. However, many parents may fail to see the wonders of the condition because their focus may be on what they can do to help their child manage. The truth is, autism is not really a sickness that you need to cure. As a parent, you only need to be there for your child, understanding their ways, because your support is the best thing you can give them to help them cope. This article highlights why parental involvement is vital in managing autism.
Advocacy
As a parent, you are the first advocate of your child, regardless of whether they have autism or otherwise. Parents often advocate for appropriate educational accommodations and individualized education programs tailored to their child’s needs. For sure, you would want your child to receive the medical and therapeutic services they need. For instance, they may require speech therapy, occupational therapy, or behavioral interventions. Keep in mind that many therapeutic approaches, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), encourage or require active parental involvement in therapy sessions. In this case, consider enrolling in effective ABA training for parents to help your child reduce disruptive behaviors. Thanks to the internet, you can now find these kinds of courses online, allowing you to take them when most convenient for you.
How can you play an active role in your child’s intervention? You can implement strategies and interventions at home, reinforcing skills and behaviors your child learns during formal therapy sessions. In this case, consider turning everyday activities, such as making beds or cooking, into learning opportunities, helping your child develop social, communication, and life skills in natural settings. More importantly, you should be a role model for appropriate social interactions and behaviors, which your child can learn through observation.
Understanding
One of the most significant reasons your child needs you is for someone to understand them and their condition. When you first learn about your child’s condition, your initial reaction may be shock and denial. But when you can already think clearly, perhaps your first step was researching autism and what to expect. When you educate yourself about autism and evidence-based interventions, you become an expert in your child’s needs. After all, parents often have a deep understanding of their child’s triggers, preferences, and challenges. This means that you have the knowledge and power to help therapists tailor interventions, supporting your child effectively. You can provide valuable feedback to professionals about what works and what doesn’t, contributing to more effective individualized care plans when you are actively involved in your child’s therapies.
Emotional Reinforcement
Another significant reason why a child with autism needs their parents is for emotional support. Think of it this way: children without autism need their parents for emotional support. All the more that children in the spectrum rely on their parents for emotional reinforcement! This is because, as a parent, you can offer a stable and consistent environment, which is particularly important for children with autism, who often thrive on routine and predictability. You can provide the emotional reassurance and comfort your child with autism needs to feel safe and understood. However, you must exert effort to build a trusting relationship with your child. How? Simply being with them can greatly help. A trusting relationship with parents can help reduce anxiety and provide a secure base from which children with autism can explore the world.
Social Integration
Parents often arrange and facilitate social interactions, providing opportunities for their children to practice social skills in real-world settings. This is another reason why parental involvement is necessary in managing autism. When you engage your child in community activities, you promote inclusion and help your child develop a sense of belonging. Aside from this, try to build and maintain networks of support that include your family, friends, and autism-specific groups. All of them can provide social opportunities and reduce isolation. They can also help you advocate for inclusion, working towards making schools, workplaces, and communities more inclusive and accommodating of individuals with autism.
Long-Term Development
Finally, parental involvement is vital in managing autism to foster the long-term development of your child. You can teach critical life skills to your child, from essential self-care to more complex tasks like budgeting and employment skills, which are necessary for independence in adulthood. You can also help plan for major transitions, such as moving from school to work or independent living arrangements, ensuring continuity of care and support. When you are involved in your child’s development, you can also foster independence, supporting your child’s autonomy by gradually increasing expectations and opportunities for independence. You can help build your child’s confidence in their abilities through consistent support and encouragement.
Support for Parents
Parenting a child with autism can be demanding, and as a parent of a child with autism, you may need support and strategies to manage stress and maintain your well-being. While many parents find comfort and advice in support groups where they can share experiences and strategies with others in similar situations, you can consider professional counseling to help you cope with the emotional challenges and pressures of managing your child’s needs. It is even better if you have access to respite care services because this will allow you to take breaks and recharge, which is essential for sustained involvement and care.
Parental involvement is not just beneficial but essential in the management of autism. Raising a child with autism is not easy because, for sure, you will be faced with many challenges that may sometimes feel too much to bear. But, try to see autism in a different light to be in awe of the wonders of the condition that may surprise you. Remember, your child needs you for emotional support and understanding. They also need you to advocate for them, help them be integrated with society, and be independent. Rest assured that various support is now available for parents raising children in the spectrum, so hang tight!
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.