As the parent of a child with an autism diagnosis, you know that they will face challenges every day.

But there’s no need to feel alone. In our article, we offer some ways to help a child with autism so you both learn to live life to the full.

Read on for our tips to help a child with autism that you can put into place easily to enhance your and their life.

What is autism?

First, let’s take a look at what autism is and some recognised child autism symptoms.

Autism is a developmental disorder that can affect how people experience the world, behave and interact with others. It’s considered a spectrum disorder, as it can be experienced in a mild, moderate or severe form.

What are common child autism symptoms?

Children with autism may experience:

  • Difficulty socialising with others and communicating
  • Delayed speech
  • Repetitive behaviour
  • Love of routine
  • Reluctance to try new things
  • Strong reactions to stimulants such as lights and sounds

What difficulties do children with autism face?

In their web report on autism, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare lists some of the difficulties children with autism may face. These include difficulty with:

  • Schooling
  • Socialising
  • Learning
  • Communicating
  • Intellectual difficulties
  • Difficulty sitting still

What you can do to help your child

If your child encounters these or any other issues associated with autism, there are strategies you can use to help them. Let’s find out about some of these.

Stick to a schedule

Most children with autism work best when they are in a routine. At school, their timetable is an obvious way to give structure to their day and provide predictability.

Make life easier for you and your child by creating a similar timetable for them to use at home, marking out meals, washing, therapy, play and bedtime. You can create a timetable on paper together and display it prominently in the home.

Try to stick to the allocated times. If you do have to disrupt your child’s routine, make sure you prepare them in advance.

Reward good behaviour

Instead of becoming frustrated when your child displays challenging behaviour associated with their autism, focus on good behaviour instead.

Be quick to praise your child when they behave well or learn something new. When you do this, be very specific about what you are congratulating them for.

Depending on the age of your child, you can also keep a reward chart or offer a treat such as a favourite food or activity.

Find different ways to communicate

Some children with autism find it difficult to communicate using words or non-verbal gestures such as eye contact or nodding or shaking their head.

If this is the case for your child, spend time observing them to help you understand how they communicate. They may use certain noises or gestures to express emotions or needs.

You could try using flashcards or pictures as a way to communicate with your child. You should also take care to say exactly what you mean – often, an autistic child will have a very literal approach to language.

Your child may also benefit from the skills of a speech pathologist who can help develop their language and communication skills.

Get them an ID bracelet

When your child has to venture outside the home, you may feel stressed knowing that the way they experience the world can be very different to other people. This can mean that they are often misunderstood. It can also lead to feelings of frustration and vulnerability.

If your child is non-verbal, you may also worry that if they ever got lost, there would be a delay in returning them safely home if they weren’t able to state a contact number for a loved one.

Giving them a medical ID bracelet to wear when they are out is a simple way to address these kinds of concerns.

Our autism wristband clearly states on the outside that the wearer is diagnosed with autism. And, it has space on the inside for medical details or a contact number.

You could also opt for an ICE (In Case of Emergency) wristband with your contact details on should your child ever get lost or separated from you or be involved in an emergency.

We recommend silicone wristbands for your child with autism, as they are super comfy to wear. This makes them suitable for children with sensory issues. They are also hygienic and long-lasting.

Get your autism bracelet in Australia

For an autism bracelet ID designed here in Australia, take a look at our collection of medical alert wristbands for this and many other conditions.

When your child wears an alert bracelet with their condition and your contact number, this simple act helps take away some of the stress of navigating life with autism.

And, it gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can be contacted quickly in the event of an emergency.

Trust Mediband to take care of the little things so you can focus on the bigger picture!