Autistic childrenAutism: what is it? Autistic children have communication difficulties, narrow interests and repetitive behaviour. Early signs of autism might include lack of interest in other people, including lack of eye contact. Autism can be diagnosed in some children from around 18 months of age.https://raisingchildren.net.au › about-autism › asd-overview
Children with ASD may have difficulty developing language skills and understanding what others say to them. They also often have difficulty communicating nonverbally, such as through hand gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions.
Communication challenges. Verbal communication is a challenge for some children with ASD. For parents of such children, communication is a problem that compounds the stress & anxiety of parents. Parents face the challenge that their child is unable to communicate their needs and wants.
Create a calm environment by removing distractions, clutter, and loud noise. Relaxation techniques—such as counting to 10, deep breathing, or exercise—can also help calm someone with autism in a moment of stress. Also consider using calming apps to help control anxiety and other powerful emotions.
The characteristics of autism vary from person to person but are generally divided into three main groups; difficulties with social communication, social interaction and social imagination (or the theory of mind).
Symptoms of high-functioning autism (HFA) in adults and children that can be challenging to deal with include: Experiencing sensory overload. Not understanding social cues. Anxiety or mood disorders.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
Caring for a child with autism can demand a lot of energy and time. There may be days when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged. Parenting isn't ever easy, and raising a child with special needs is even more challenging. In order to be the best parent you can be, it's essential that you take care of yourself.
Autistic children and teenagers might behave in challenging ways because they: have trouble understanding what's happening around them – for example, what other people are saying or communicating non-verbally. have difficulty communicating their own wants and needs, which can lead to frustration.
Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and mental health–related issues. The combination of stressors and family adjustment difficulties can cause distress which may develop into a crisis.
About stress in families with autistic children
For example, they might feel stressed because they: are coming to terms with a diagnosis and what it means for their child. are finding it hard to manage daily life with an autistic child. are having trouble managing challenging behaviour in their autistic child.
Autistic children are often strong in areas like visual, rule-based and interest-based thinking. A developmental assessment or an IQ test can identify autistic children's thinking and learning strengths. You can develop autistic children's skills by working with their strengths.
Can children with autism attend regular school? Of course they can, but it is important to have accommodations in place that support the special learning needs of a child on the spectrum.
In short, autistic people are more than capable of love and being in romantic relationships. Being in a relationship with an autistic person may just look a little different than what you're used to.
Autistic people often form close bonds and strong trust very rapidly. If you can meet the right kind of Autistic person – and they'll be out there somewhere – you just 'click'. It might seem a bit strange, but it could well turn out to be a lifelong friendship. Good friendship is often quality over quantity.
In severe cases, an autistic child may never learn to speak or make eye contact. But many children with autism and other autism spectrum disorders are able to live relatively normal lives.
High-functioning autism means that a person is able to read, write, speak, and handle daily tasks, such as eating and getting dressed independently. Despite having symptoms of autism, their behavior doesn't interfere too much with their work, school, or, relationships.
Autistic people often report having a lower quality of life than non-autistic people do, a trend driven in part by social isolation and a diminished belief in their own capabilities, according to a study published earlier this year.