Tips for Parents and Teachers: How to Better Understand and Support Autistic Children
This post highlights key things parents and teachers should remember when caring for autistic children. It’s essential to understand each child’s uniqueness and provide the right emotional and practical support.
Acceptance and Emotional Support
Accept the child as they are.
A diagnosis can bring anxiety, but it’s not “the end.” Autistic children have their own strengths, and it’s important to nurture them.
Example: If a child is passionate about dinosaurs, support and expand this interest through books, movies, or museum visits. Supporting their passions builds self-esteem and strengthens your bond.
Understanding matters – approach your child with an open heart.
Autistic children often communicate through body language or specific behaviors, such as stimming (repetitive movements like hand flapping). Recognize that this is their way of expressing feelings or self-soothing.
Example: If a child starts stimming in response to bright lights, it could signal sensory overload. Allow them a break to calm down in a quiet space.
The Importance of Community and Parent Support
Share your experience and seek support.
It’s helpful for parents to connect with support groups or organizations like “Lietaus vaikai” that assist families of autistic children. These communities reduce feelings of isolation, provide space to share stories, and offer guidance.
Example: One mother shared that a support group helped her understand her son’s need to line up objects, which led to organizing home routines in a more supportive way.
Don’t Forget Yourself – Take Care of Your Well-being
Caring for a child with higher needs can be physically and emotionally draining. It’s crucial to take breaks and share responsibilities.
Example: A mother of two autistic children found that short walks in nature with friends helped her relax and maintain emotional balance.
Real-life reflections:
“When we learned our daughter was autistic, we were overwhelmed at first. But over time, we realized the most important thing was to find the right support and learn how she sees the world. It changed everything in our relationship.”
– Kristina, mother of two.
These simple yet powerful tips can help create a supportive and positive environment both at home and in school. Every child, regardless of their needs, deserves to feel accepted and loved.