West of Mpls MN about 50 miles on Hwy 12 | Early diagnosis and therapy DO help greatly if Autism is the problem.
Every child is different, what "works" for one child is a complete fail for the next. What we've learned in the past 32 years raising our adult Autistic son is that sometimes ,the self proclaimed "experts" on Autism can be more of a hinderance than help.
Parents/other caregivers accepting the fact that there is/might be an issue is the first and most difficult step in helping an Autistic person reach their full potential in life. And it reads like the OP has already done that.
If there are any self stimming behaviors like hand flapping, humming, and/or what seems to be an over reaction to certain sounds, tastes, smells, touch, over obsession with certain objects, I would at the very least be educating myself on what the symptoms of Autism are and how to support an Autistic child.
I know that there is a lot of recent pushback on NAT about "believing" anything AI...but Google AI is spot on when I asked, "how to help an Autistic child."
AI Overview
To support an autistic child, focus on creating a structured and predictable environment, using clear and simple communication, and providing positive reinforcement. Encourage social interaction through play, model desired behaviors, and ensure the child has a safe space for sensory regulation.
Key Strategies:
Structure and Routine:
Establish clear routines for daily activities like mealtimes, therapy, and bedtime. This provides predictability and reduces anxiety.
Clear Communication:
Use simple, direct language and avoid complex sentences or metaphors. Consider using visual aids like pictures or social stories to explain concepts and expectations.
Positive Reinforcement:
Praise and reward desired behaviors, both verbally and with tangible rewards like stickers or preferred activities.
Sensory Regulation:
Create a safe and calming space for the child to retreat to when feeling overwhelmed. This could be a designated area with sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, or calming music.
Social Skills Development:
Engage in interactive play and encourage social interaction through games, singing, or gentle roughhousing.
Modeling:
Model desired behaviors and communication styles, especially for nonverbal children. This helps them learn by observation and imitation.
Individualized Support:
Recognize that each autistic child is unique and tailor your approach to their specific needs and preferences.
Seek Professional Help:
Consider seeking support from therapists or specialists who can provide tailored interventions and guidance.
Connect with the Family:
Engage with the child's parents or caregivers to gain insights into their specific needs and preferences. They can offer valuable information about the child's routines, communication style, and sensory sensitivities.
Promote Self-Esteem:
Help the child build confidence by focusing on their strengths and celebrating their accomplishments.
Address Sleep Issues:
If sleep is a challenge, work with a healthcare professional to develop strategies like a consistent bedtime routine, a dark and quiet sleep environment, and potentially explore medication options.
Additional Tips:
Be patient and resilient: Learning new skills and adapting to new situations can take time and effort.
Stay positive: Maintain a positive attitude and focus on the child's progress and successes.
Avoid overwhelming the child: Provide one instruction or piece of information at a time.
Respect the child's preferences: Pay attention to the child's individual sensory preferences and adjust the environment accordingly.
Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and praise even the smallest steps forward.
So what Google AI is saying is that being a "good" parent is the best treatment for Autism...and judging by the OP the OP is doing exactly that. Kudos to him.
Edited by CMN 7/7/2025 08:36
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Toddler shying away from playing with others
