Starting out on the autism road

By Amanda McGuinness

THE new year for many is a time of goal setting and striving for growth and progressive change. For families who find themselves starting out on the autism road just now, you may be finding yourself overwhelmed and feeling unsure of how best to support your child.

My advice to parents when wondering where to start is to understand autism first. Educate yourself and understand what it means to be raising a neurodivergent child.

To start, I recommend reading 'Uniquely Human' by Dr. Barry Prizant, followed by any of Dr. Luke Beardon’s books on autism. Go to our national autistic led charity AsIAm website www.asiam.ie for the most up to date information on autism, wherein you will find autistic led articles, resources, and recommendations. Reach out to autistic individuals who can give you an insight into how your child may be experiencing the world, and if considering therapy, ensure the therapist you choose is neuroaffirmative.

Consider researching sensory processing, co-regulation, and self-regulation, understand the importance of fidget tools. Consider researching augmentative and alternative communication methodologies, embrace visual supports, understand what Gestalt language acquisition is, especially if your child appears to repeat phrases (Echolalia) or scripts to communicate.

Ultimately, embrace the child you have. You are their guide and role model in life. Your perceptions, reactions and understanding of autism and autistic culture will shape who they grow up to be.

Embrace their differences, support their learning styles, advocate.

Remember you do not have to do it all at once. Start in one area, at your own pace. Life is a long road, you will journey it together, learning all the while and bonding all the more, as you grow to understand each other.

* Amanda, Little Puddins Blog and The Autism Educator

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