As a mum, you likely spend a lot of time thinking about the future of your child. And if they have autism, you most likely spend even more time. You’re likely considering therapy and certain medical treatments for them. There are also other things you can do to make a difference.
Research Your Options
Today, more people with autism are using cannabis to try to deal with disruptive behaviour and other symptoms of the condition. But before you decide if this is the right option for your child, it’s important to do your research. It’s a good idea to review guides on how to use medical marijuana for autism. You’ll learn more about the condition and the available treatments, and you can see if there are any risks associated with cannabis. Plus, you can read the current research and find out which states allow the herb for medicinal use.
Stay Positive
Many kids respond to positive reinforcement, which means if they are doing something well, you will praise them for that behaviour. That makes you and your child both feel well. This is especially true for those that have autism. It’s important to be specific, so they know what they did right.
While verbal positive reinforcement is good, you might want to look for methods of rewarding them. For example, give them something small, like a sticker or piece of candy. Or allow them to have extra playtime. And as you would do with anyone else, value them for who they are. Loving your child is one of the best things you can do for them.
Create a Routine
Routine is an important part of adding consistency to your child’s life. Time certain kinds of activities and use the same time limit each time. You can make this positive for your child by using a fun timer. Have them set the timer when you begin a task or activity. If it’s a task, such as doing chores or homework, try to add some fun by making it a competition.
While having a routine is important, it’s equally vital to stay flexible if you have something unexpected happen. Don’t be so set on following the schedule that your child feels anxious. The point of a routine is to make them feel calmer. If they feel uncomfortable with something coming up last-minute, practice calming strategies, such as deep breathing. That might help your child with the transition.
Be an Advocate for Your Child
School is essential in helping your child to develop, just like with other kids. However, there are more challenges, meaning you might have to take some additional steps. Make sure that everyone is on the same page as you. If you don’t think something is right, you are the best advocate for them. Don’t stop until you get someone to listen to you and make the change. It does take more than one person to raise someone with autism, but remember, ultimately, you should be the one in charge.
