Effective Changes to Make in The New Year.
Starting a new year can be a great opportunity to make positive changes that can benefit your child who is on the autism spectrum. Here are a few ideas:
- Set clear expectations and routines: Children with autism often thrive on predictability and routine. Clearly outlining expectations and establishing routines can help your child feel more secure and better able to navigate their day.
- Incorporate visual supports: Visual supports such as schedules, picture symbols, and social stories can be very helpful for children with autism. These supports can help your child understand what is expected of them and what will happen next, which can reduce anxiety and improve behavior.
- Encourage socialization and communication: Children with autism may have difficulty with social interactions and communication. Encouraging your child to engage in social activities and trying different communication methods, such as speech therapy or alternative communication systems, can help improve these skills.
- Incorporate physical activity and sensory input: Children with autism may have sensory processing challenges, and physical activity and sensory input can be very beneficial. Incorporating activities that provide proprioceptive and vestibular input, such as jumping on a trampoline or swinging, can help regulate your child’s sensory system and improve their overall well-being.
- Seek out community resources and support: There are many resources and support systems available for families of children with autism. Connecting with other families and professionals in your community can provide valuable support and information.
By making these changes and seeking out additional resources, you can set your child up for success in the new year and beyond.