We take a look at some of the first steps to take after your child is diagnosed with autism.

My Child Was Just Diagnosed with Autism. What Do I Do First?

The first few moments after your child gets an autism spectrum diagnosis can be daunting and overwhelming. For some parents or caregivers, the autism diagnosis comes as a complete shock, while other parents may feel relieved as they’ve suspected it for some time.  

However, one thing that almost all parents or caregivers have in common is that they aren’t sure what to do after an autism diagnosis. It’s completely normal to question what the future looks like and to be unsure about what to do in the immediate days following the diagnosis.  

We understand that the moments after the diagnosis can be difficult, but we’re here to help guide you through the next steps. We’ll take a look at what the diagnosis means and what you should do following your child’s autism diagnosis. 

What does an autism diagnosis mean? 

So, your child has been diagnosed with autism, what does this mean? Does an autism diagnosis change anything? 

Of course, confirmation that your child is autistic can be frightening. It’s normal to be nervous and a little apprehensive. However, it’s important to remember that there is nothing different about your child after the diagnosis. Your child has not changed. 

 
What has changed is your understanding of their needs and how to meet them. One of the biggest benefits of an autism diagnosis is that this new information informs how you can support your child to ensure the best possible future for them. 

So, what happens after the autism diagnosis? You now have the opportunity to learn more about autism, how it impacts your child, and what you can do to make their daily lives easier and more fulfilling. A diagnosis also means that you should have access to professional support and benefits. 

Steps to take after the diagnosis

The first important steps to take immediately after the diagnosis are as follows: 

Ask questions and educate yourself

The best thing that you can do immediately after your child is diagnosed with autism is to educate yourself as much as possible about the disorder. Start while you are with the medical professional (whether that’s your GP or someone else) who has given you the diagnosis. They have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to autism, and you should ask them any questions that you might have or bring up any concerns. They will be able to answer you with expert knowledge and provide you with resources to do more research. 

Once you’re home, it’s important to find more trusted autism resources online that enable you to learn as much about the disorder as you can.  

Educating yourself about autism and how it affects your child is an essential step in learning how to create an environment and find the right support for your child that will help them thrive. 

Equip your home environment to help your child

Now that you know your child is autistic, you can ensure that your home environment is set up in such a way that it encourages them to learn new life skills while making it feel safe and secure for them. 

Every child is unique, which means that each will have their own way in how autism presents — so how you prepare your home will depend on their individual capabilities. However, there are some symptoms, such as fixations, sensorial sensitivities, and verbal learning difficulties, that are present in many autistic children. Some of the best ways to make your home safe for an autistic child include: 

• Ensuring that they have a dedicated quiet room. 
• Putting all medications and dangerous items far out of reach. 
• Labelling everyday items so they know what they are and where they belong. 
• Using visual labels around the house to warn them about dangers, such as a sign with a red X saying “NO” at the door that leads to the garage. 
• Creating visual boundaries for where they can and can’t go. 
• Ensuring that all furniture is mounted to the floor or wall.  
• Use of a visual schedule to help with daily routines. 
• The use of gates or barriers at the top and bottom of stairs. 

Of course, these are just a few of the considerations for your home environment, and there are many more that you can put in place to make your child’s life easier. 

Find out about support for your child and your family

Now that you have sorted out your home environment, you need to support them in other areas of their life to maximize their potential. This is essential for autistic children, who will benefit from having the right support from an early age. An early diagnosis of autism allows you to find autism-specific support systems across different areas. 

At school

If your child is at school already, then it’s important that you inform the school of the diagnosis. You can then get an assessment for an Individual Education Program (IEP). Speak to the school about what support they can provide. Teachers will then be aware of the situation and the care that they need to give your child going forward. Or, you may have to find a school that is better suited to your child’s needs. 

Financial support

Find out what kind of financial support you qualify for after the diagnosis. You could be eligible for something like the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, which will help with extra expenses.  

Family support

Remember that this diagnosis impacts the whole family. It’s easy to become absorbed in getting the right care for your child, but don’t forget about yourself, your partner, or any siblings. Ensure you spend time with other family members and that siblings understand what is happening if they are old enough. Ask them about any questions or concerns, and try to answer them as honestly as you can. Seek out family therapy for extra support if needed. 

Find the right therapy program

One of the most important steps after an autism diagnosis is getting your child into therapy as soon as possible. Your GP is likely to recommend a particular medical professional or practice but don’t be afraid to do your own research, too. 

The right therapy program will change your child’s life. Experienced therapists will equip you and your child with the tools and life skills to navigate the challenges of autism successfully. 

LAC is here to help you take the first steps after diagnosis 

We know that an autism diagnosis can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, resources, and therapy, there’s no reason that your child’s future shouldn’t be an incredibly positive one. 

ABA therapy is gaining traction in the industry, and at Lighthouse Autism Center, we combine it with speech therapy in our Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy approach. This enhanced therapy has been designed to get the best results for your child, ensuring that they have a bright and happy future ahead of them. 

Autism affects the individual, the family, and the community at large. Understanding these impacts can aid in creating an inclusive society for everyone. Discover resources and tips on the role of the community with autistic children.

Tips for Community Interactions With Autistic Children

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may struggle with building relationships and interacting in social situations. However, this doesn’t mean that they don’t want to engage or connect with others. In reality, it is crucial for children with ASD to have meaningful interactions and connections with their family, peers, and the community. 

In this article, we’re discussing some tips for communities of autistic children to better interact with them. Parents already work hard to assist their children’s development, with solutions like Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy and community support, they can further enhance their efforts and increase quality of life for all those affected. 

How does autism affect the community?

Autism affects the individual, the family, and the community at large. Understanding these impacts can aid in creating an inclusive society for everyone. A key concern often revolves around autism and safety in the community. Autistic children may unknowingly place themselves in dangerous situations due to their difficulties with social awareness, without having the tools to effectively communicate their needs or situation and get the help they may require. This can lead to heightened anxiety for parents, caregivers, and community members. 

With adequate knowledge and proactive strategies, the community can play a pivotal role in promoting safety and inclusivity for autistic individuals. This includes implementing procedures to locate wandering children quickly and educating community members about autism and potential safety risks. It’s important to remember that every autistic individual is unique, and a safe, supportive community can significantly enhance their quality of life. 

How to interact with autistic children 

Addressing autism in a community can offer support to both autistic children and their parents while expanding the skills and worldview of community members for a safer, more inclusive environment for all. Community autism resources are a good place to start — online resources, books, and gatherings should all be widely available and encouraged. 

Below, we discuss tips for both community members and parents. But first, there are some important things all people should know in order to have healthy, fulfilling interactions with people with ASD. 

• It is essential to note that autistic children might have difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues and may not respond to facial expressions like smiles or frowns. 
• Their literal perception of language means that you must be precise when speaking to them. For instance, if you’re urging them to hurry by saying, “Step on it,” they might become confused, wondering what they’re supposed to step on. Be precise and keep conversations focused and simple. 
• Handling a single thought or idea at a time could be their maximum capacity, especially in unfamiliar or chaotic situations, requiring conversations to be focused and straightforward.  
• They may show intense interest in a particular topic, discussing it repetitively. 
• They may perceive their surroundings differently, being acutely sensitive to sounds, tastes, touches, smells, and sights that you might not notice, which could cause them discomfort. 

Tips for community members

Community members can assist with encouraging inclusivity by implementing some basic courtesy behaviors around autistic kids. 

Speak clearly and use simple language 

Autistic children often process information differently. When communicating with them, use clear, concise, and straightforward language. Avoid metaphors, idioms, or complex sentences that might be confusing. 

Respect their space

Many autistic children have sensory sensitivities and may become overwhelmed in crowded or noisy environments. Like all children, some autistic children may not want to be touched at all, while others may require a lot of care and affection. Respect their personal space and avoid touching them without their consent. 

Encourage interaction through shared interests

Identify the child’s interests and use them as a way to engage in interaction. Whether it’s a favorite book, a love for trains, or a passion for a particular TV show, shared interests can provide common ground for communication and connection. Physical play, such as running around and playing outside, can also be a great way to interact, tending to their limited attention span and helping them feel more calm and at ease. 

Be patient and give them time to respond

Autistic children often need more time to process information and formulate responses. Therefore, be patient, give them time, and do not rush them to respond. Regular pauses, as well as slowing down your speech to match theirs, are helpful. 

Practice active listening 

Show that you’re interested and that you value their communication by giving eye contact and responding appropriately. While autistic children can have trouble expressing their feelings, they still need to know that you are interested and that you care. Attentive listening and positive reinforcement can help them feel understood and supported. 

Tips for parents 

As a parent, you can also introduce various practices to enhance your relationship with your autistic child. 

Use visual aids 

Visual aids can be highly effective in helping autistic children understand and communicate their thoughts and feelings. These can take the form of pictures, symbols, or even physical objects. Visual schedules and social stories, for instance, can help a child understand what will happen next and thereby reduce their anxiety. 

Cultivate constructive expression of anger 

Teach your autistic child to express their anger in non-aggressive ways. It’s important they understand that it’s okay to let out feelings of anger and frustration. Though this can be difficult, there are several types of inventions that can help with teaching new and more socially accepted forms of communication.  

Exhibit persistence and resilience 

Maintain your resolve and resilience. If your child does not react in the way you had hoped, avoid getting your feelings hurt. Remember, autistic children can struggle with expressing and controlling their emotions. Their responses can come off as blunt, but it’s essential not to take it personally. 

Learn from your child

Embrace the unique perspective your child brings. Their special needs and abilities might offer a new way to look at the world. As challenging as it might be at times, creating a relaxed, humorous, and appreciative environment in which you celebrate your child will result in a healthy, nourishing, growth-oriented environment for everyone involved. 

Practice self-care

Join parent support groups or ask understanding friends and relatives to care for your child while you rest and recharge. School psychologists and counselors also offer resources that can help. When your needs have been taken care of, you are able to be fully present and care for your child in the ways that they need. 

Join Lighthouse Autism Center in creating caring autism communities

It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and what works well for one may not work for another. As such, approach each child as an individual, adapt as necessary, and always strive to foster a respectful and understanding environment. For more community resources for autism, check out our autism resources and services. 

We take a look at the benefits of a simple routine for autistic children and how to create a straightforward schedule for a higher chance of success.

The Benefits of Simplifying: Creating a Routine for Autistic Children 

Routines are important in everyone’s daily life. They help us to stay organized and complete essential tasks. Daily routines are useful for all children, but they are especially important to help children with the challenges of autism in everyday life. 

Establishing solid, simple routines at home and at school can help reduce stress for parents, caregivers, and children. They also help to teach and establish different life skills.  

We’re going to take a look at autism and routine and how to build a simple schedule for your autistic child that will bring stability and calm to their everyday life. 

Why is routine so important for autism? 

Do autistic people like routine? Yes. Routines bring a level of comfort and stability to everyday activities that, otherwise, could be overwhelming. Consistency and predictability are valuable tools for an autistic child. Repetitive patterns reinforce positive behaviors and important life skills. 

Here are some of the more obvious benefits of developing a simple schedule for an autistic child. 

Reduces stress

Routine is a stress reliever for everyone — knowing what is expected of you at a certain time makes things more predictable. Autistic children can be overwhelmed easily, and routines help them to become familiar with their surroundings and expectations. They also help to improve confidence that they can achieve the tasks ahead of them. 

Assists with transitions 

Many autistic children simply don’t like change, and what can be extremely exciting for other children could be extremely stressful for an autistic child. Putting a routine in place before a transition helps children to get used to their new environment and expectations. 

Nurtures a learning environment

While allistic children might easily retain information when learning new daily living skills, autism makes it difficult to remember and repeat skills straight away. For kids on the spectrum of autism, a schedule can help them practice and remember new things. 

Gives them a sense of ownership over their day 

It’s frustrating when you can’t explain what you want or achieve something that you’ve set out to do, and autistic children experience this daily. Establishing a routine helps to give them a sense of ownership over their day, especially when they get to a level of independence where they can take on some of the tasks on their own or make their own schedule. 

Builds stronger connections

Autistic children can struggle to connect with parents, teachers, caregivers, and friends. However, as their sense of purpose, fulfillment, predictability, and security increases, their stress and anxiety decrease. This can make them more receptive and able to connect with others. 

Creating a schedule for your child

Before you begin, it’s important to remember that simplicity is key. Your child is not going to follow or learn from an overtly complicated routine. So, strip it back and create a straightforward, easy-to-follow routine using the following steps. 

Identify the most important tasks in their daily routine 

A successful schedule is a simple one. Outline the tasks that you classify as the most important for your child to complete during the day. Write them down. Start with just a few at the beginning, and you can always add more once they’ve mastered it.  

One of the common challenges of autism is difficulty following instructions, so ensure that all of the steps are predictable and specific.  

First, give the task a name, and then break that into smaller, more manageable instructions for your child. For example, the bigger task could be “Get ready for bed”, and you can break it down into smaller steps such as: 

• Get into pajamas 
• Brush teeth 
• Listen to one bedtime story 
• Turn off the light 

 
Be patient and figure out what format works best for your child. 

Assign times and alerts

To ensure that the routine is predictable and on schedule, it’s important to assign every activity a time and preferably an alert that will remind you and your child. Alerts can help to diminish the monotony of a schedule. You can use fun alerts, such as animal noises, on your phone and assign a different alert to each task. This gives your child the chance to recognize what the alert is signifying and either tell you what needs to be done or attempt the task on their own if they are ready and capable. 

Make it visual 

Simply writing down the tasks and steps isn’t enough. In many cases, autistic children learn and respond best to visual cues. So, it’s essential that you make your schedule more than a simple list. Take pictures of your child doing the tasks, or print a picture of the task and put it next to the instructions on the schedule. 

Refer to the schedule throughout the day

Don’t expect your child to remember what they are going to do at the end of the day. Instead, refer to the calendar throughout the day and remind your child of what is going to happen next. For example, remind them while they are crafting that they are expected to clean up their craft materials once they are done. 

Use positive reinforcement

Everyone could use a bit of positive reinforcement, and you should let your child know how well they are doing when they get a task done successfully. Of course, how you do this depends on your child’s individual nature, but putting gold stars next to a task on your visual schedule or something similar is a great idea. Do whatever it is to let them understand that you are proud of them. 

Patience and persistence

The first couple of days with a new schedule can be challenging for both of you. Consistency is key in the beginning, and you need to ensure that you tick off all the steps in order. Repeat the routine in the same way every day and remain patient. It’s all worth it once your child starts to get the hang of it. 

Once the routine is firmly established, you can start to alter things a little bit at a time. Try to involve another family member or caregiver in the routine, or slowly introduce an additional step if you would like. As much as a consistent routine is important, it’s also a good idea to get them used to change and transition while they are comfortable, as this will be a valuable tool for the future. 

Learn about routines, schedules, handling change, and more with LAC

Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy is an innovative approach that combines the best ABA therapy practices with speech therapy to create a unique model that delivers exceptional outcomes for autistic children. With our decades of experience in the industry and a wide array of autism resources that are available to you, we aim to equip you and your child with the right tools to tackle everyday activities that will set them up for a better future. 

Any change of season brings changes, but fall is particularly transitional. We take a look at some of the activities that can help autistic children adapt to these changes.

Fall Activities for Autistic Children 

While each season brings big changes, fall is possibly the standout one in this respect, with a big seasonal shift and the start of a new school year.  

Many children (and adults) love fall. There’s the change from summer colors to oranges and reds, and tangerine-tinted leaves start to line the floor. Hot summer days make way for a fresh bite in the air, signaling the change to a new wardrobe. Of course, it means Halloween is just around the corner, too.  

Where fall is an exciting prospect for allistic kids, the big changes can be stressful and overwhelming for autistic kids. However, with the right planning and sensory activities, autism doesn’t need to stand in the way of your child enjoying the seasonal change. 

Let’s look at why seasonal shifts are challenging for autistic children, as well as the autism-friendly activities that you can use to make the transition less stressful. 

How seasonal shifts affect autistic children 

Autistic children thrive with a predictable routine, schedule, and timetable. Seasonal shifts can be stressful because they signal change. Fall, in particular, can be an overwhelming transition for several factors. 

End of summer holidays

Summer holidays are long, and children get used to their holiday routines. Returning to school means changing and adjusting to a new set of expectations, schedules, and routines. 

New school year

The new school year starts in September, which could mean big changes for your child: a new classroom environment, a new teacher, some new classmates, unfamiliar routines and subjects, and more. 

Wardrobe changes 

Autistic children can become attached to a certain piece of clothing, whether that’s because of the color or how the texture feels against their skin, etc. Falls means that there’s a wardrobe change, which could mean giving up a piece of summer clothing they aren’t willing to let go of. 

Weather and outdoor changes

While it’s not an overnight change, fall does signal that winter is imminent, and depending on where you live, this could mean waking up in the dark, snow days, and more. All of this can be upsetting for an autistic child in a set routine. 

Fall activities for autistic children 

The change of season can have many positive impacts and opportunities for your child to have new experiences. By using learned skills and tools and with your support, these transitions can be beneficial for them if planned for correctly. 

These are just some of the fall kids’ activities that you can plan for to make the seasonal transition easier for your child.  

Create a fall sensory bin

A sensory bin is a wonderful tool and is an essential autism activity throughout the year. Fill the sensory bin with a range of fall-related objects like dried corn, chestnuts, gourds, pinecones, etc. Then, allow your child to run their hands through these items and pick each one up to feel their texture.  

This is an excellent sensory activity that is hands-on and can benefit a range of other developmental domains. Use cups, spoons, or tweezers to pick things up to develop fine motor skills, separate objects into colors for color identification, or simply leave them to explore and hone their independent play skills. 

Visit a pumpkin patch 

Autumn is synonymous with pumpkins, and while it’s simpler to buy a pumpkin from the grocery store to carve at home, it doesn’t beat the experience of going to an actual pumpkin patch. If your child is sensitive to sensory stimulation or struggles with crowds, then try and find a small street-side display on a quiet day. However, if you’re comfortable taking your child to a farm, they could get the full experience of a petting zoo, corn mazes, tractor rides, and more.  

Talk to your child at home about what kind of pumpkin you want to bring home. Discuss the various shapes, sizes, and color options they will see. Then, let them choose their own pumpkin (or two) to take home. 

Carve a pumpkin at home 

Carving a pumpkin is one of the classic fall activities for kids. It’s also full of beneficial sensory experiences.  

Allow your child to pick out the design that they want to carve out with you and then take note of the different sensory experiences on the way. Ask your child to feel the smooth skin of the outside of the pumpkin and then the slimy texture of the flesh inside. The squishy nature of the strings around the hard seeds is always an exciting find. Also, engage their sense of smell. You could extend this by baking a pumpkin pie or something similar afterward so that they can use their taste buds, too. 

Bake seasonal treats 

Children love to be involved in baking activities, and it’s a wonderful way to engage a variety of different skills. Of course, you should probably expect a mess, and the end result might not win any bake-off awards, but it’s the experience with your child that really counts. 

Show them what you want to make, whether that’s pumpkin muffins, an apple pie, or Halloween-shaped cookies. Allow them to help you pour and stir mixtures, and perhaps they can even try portioning or measuring out the simple ingredients, such as a cup of flour.  

There’s nothing quite like watching their eyes light up when they get to tuck into something that they’ve made themselves. It also practices turn-taking, following directions, and fine motor skills. 

Fall themed arts and crafts

There are abundant opportunities for fall-themed arts and crafts for autistic kids. When deciding on what to do, it’s essential to consider your child’s abilities, needs, and interests. The best autism arts and crafts incorporate independent play, creativity, color and identification, following directions, fine motor skills, and much more. 

Support your child while they create by providing demonstrations, visual cues, gestures, and clear verbal instructions. Consider activities such as putting paint on cut apples or fallen leaves to create fall-themed stamps. Place dried or fresh leaves under a light piece of paper like tracing paper, and use crayons or oil pastels to go over and see its outline. 

Spend time outdoors

Spending time outdoors is beneficial for every child, and the onset of fall offers a wonderful opportunity to take note of seasonal changes. Of course, this is extra effective if you live somewhere where the seasonal changes can be quite evident. 

A great way to get your child excited about going out on a trail or simply into the garden is by going on a fall-themed treasure hunt. Write a list and create visuals of different fall objects that you want to collect while you’re outside, such as a pinecone, an orange leaf, a yellow leaf, an acorn, etc. Then, set out on a mission with your child to gather them all up. 

Afterward, you can create another great outdoor experience by getting them to help you rake up a pile of leaves for you both to play in. The texture, sound, and color of the leaves are bound to delight both you and your child. 

With planning and support, changes can be beneficial for autistic children

Autistic children are resistant to change, but with the right support and preparation, transitions don’t need to be traumatic.  

Programs like the Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy are geared around preparing you and your child for changes like this. We use our expertise to equip you with essential tools and autism resources that you can use to ensure that your child can benefit from the experience by using their skills to adapt and prepare for, rather than react to, transitions and changes. 

Visiting the doctor or dentist can be overwhelming for autistic children, especially those with sensory difficulties. We discuss choosing the right healthcare practitioner and how to prepare your child for their trip. 

Tips for Taking Your Child to the Doctor’s Office or Dental Office

Going to see a healthcare professional can be a frightening experience for any child. Often, negative experiences in the past in any medical setting can set the tone for future visits, and it’s not unusual for children (and adults) to have fear and anxiety around going to see the doctor or dentist. 

Having an autistic child further complicates the matter. Dentists, doctors, and autism are rarely a match made in heaven. However, with the right preparations in place and healthcare professionals who are experienced with autism, a dentist visit or doctor visit can be successful and less traumatic. 

Let’s take a look at why autism and doctor’s visits or going to the dentist can be overwhelming and how you can prepare your child for these visits. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right doctors and dentists to ensure your child gets the necessary healthcare without the stress that usually comes with it. 

What makes healthcare visits so difficult for autistic children?

While going to the doctor or dentist isn’t any child’s favorite activity, it can be completely overwhelming and traumatic for autistic children, and this makes it difficult for parents and caregivers, too. 

Here are some of the more common aspects that make a visit to the doctor or dentist difficult for autistic children. 

Sensory sensitivities

One of the most problematic areas that makes healthcare visits challenging is the unique sensory issues that most autistic children have. Everyday sensations can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, and this is merely exacerbated at the doctor or dentist. 

Autism and the dentist rarely gel. Dental environments usually have big bright lights, high-pitched sounds of drills and suction machines, the sharp taste of fluoride, and more. Doctors’ offices are filled with chatter in the waiting room, the coldness of the stethoscope against the skin, bright lights shining into eyes, and wooden sticks on tongues. 

All of this can be extremely triggering for an autistic child. 

Difficulty adapting to change 

Autistic children thrive with predictability and routines. A visit to a healthcare provider throws their daily routine out. To add complexity, the doctor or dentist could be new, which means a new environment, person, and possibly procedure in the mix. Additionally, no wait time is guaranteed, so excessively time waiting without activity can compound the already stressful situation.  

Challenges with communication 

Some autistic children have trouble communicating how they feel and what they need, want, or dislike. Many healthcare professionals rely on patient feedback to adjust their approach and will ask if something is uncomfortable or hurting so that they can try something different. This can cause unnecessary distress for the patient, parent, and healthcare professional. 

Many of these appointments also require patients to follow instructions, such as “open wide,” “follow the light,” “bite down,” and so on. Autistic children may have trouble understanding instructions and need more time to process and respond to them. 

The importance of choosing the right healthcare practitioner 

One of the most important components of a successful trip to a healthcare provider is finding the right one for your child. Make sure that you do your research to find an autism-friendly dentist or doctor who advertises specifically for special needs patients. 

How to talk to your doctors about autism? Just be honest. Don’t feel bad to ask to meet the doctor or dentist beforehand to ask them any questions you have and assess their experience with children with sensory sensitivities. Ask about their process and how they usually help to make the interaction with autistic children less traumatic. 

Ask whether they will allow you to do a desensitization tour for your child before their appointment; the best doctor or dentist for autistic kids will have no problem with this. See whether they are willing to examine your child in the waiting room if they don’t want to go into the practice room. 

As a parent or caregiver, your instincts should be able to point you in the right direction, and you’ll be able to judge in person whether a professional and the offices themselves are suited to your child. 

It’s also important to book an appointment slot that will require as little waiting time as possible. This is normally the day’s first appointment, the first after lunch, or the very last of the day. 

How to prepare your child for their visit to the doctor or dentist

Here are some of the most effective ways that you can prepare your child for their visit. 

Familiarize them with the space

Prior to your child’s appointment, it is important to familiarize them with the space they will be visiting. Show them pictures of the doctor’s office or the dental clinic and children at their appointment. This shows them what to expect. If possible, it’s worth visiting the premises beforehand, meeting the staff, and getting your child familiar with the space and the people. 

Use visual schedules and tell stories 

Your child is used to their routine, and breaking this pattern can be challenging. However, using a visual schedule and social stories will help prepare them. This simple practice includes a detailed, step-by-step explanation of what they can expect from when they leave home until they return. Remember to use clear, concise language or pictures to get this across. Repeat the story regularly in the build-up to the appointment. 

Play dentist or doctor at home 

Play is one of the best ways for children to learn, and demonstration is particularly important for autistic children. Play dentist with your child. Put on some gloves and touch their teeth with your hands or a toothbrush and get them used to the sensation of having someone touching their mouth. 

Invest in a medical play set and practice getting your child used to the stethoscope against their skin, a light in their eyes, and a tongue depressor (or popsicle stick) on their tongue, etc. 

Play is one of the most effective ways to create familiarity with the process. 

On the day

The day of the appointment is here, and you’ve prepared your child as much as you can, so what now? First, it’s important to remind your child of the plans for the day as early as possible and repeat the visual story of what they should expect. 

Pack essential sensory items that your child might need or want, such as noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses. Take their favorite toy, blanket, and book with them, too. Keeping them entertained while they wait is important. 

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t force your child to do anything if they don’t want to. While healthcare is crucial, sometimes you might need to try on another day. If your child gets incredibly anxious and wound up in the waiting room and refuses to go into the medical rooms, then it’s worth seeing if they can be seen in the waiting room or booking an appointment for another day.  

Remember, you don’t want this to be traumatic, as it could impact future visits. 

At LAC, we prepare your child for these important interactions

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we know that planning for changes in your child’s life is crucial, and visits to healthcare providers are often challenging. That’s why we help you navigate these delicate processes and equip you and your child with the tools they need for these interactions. 

Our innovative programs like Lighthouse Fusion ABA Therapy and the wide array of autism resources on the website are among the best ways to give your child the future they deserve. 

We take a look at the importance of early intervention, some of the milestones for parents to look out for, and the more common signs of autism in babies. 

Do Autistic Babies Smile? Signs Of Autism In Babies?

Watching your baby grow is exciting, even though it’s also characterized by a lack of sleep. You get an intimate view of your baby’s development as a parent or caregiver and will notice the day-to-day changes in their behaviors as they build new abilities and skills. 

But, while every child develops at their own pace, failure to reach particular milestones can indicate developmental delays. If you know what to look out for, you could be able to detect early symptoms of developmental differences that are associated with autism in babies. Remember that autistic baby symptoms aren’t in the presence of unexpected behaviors but rather in the lack of development in expected behaviors and skills by a certain age. 

In this article, we’re going to look at the importance of early detection and the common signs of autism in babies. 

The importance of observation and early diagnosis

The importance of early detection and intervention cannot be understated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that most parents will notice early signs of autism within the first year, and 80 to 90% will pick up developmental differences by the time their child is two years old.  

 
As a parent or caregiver, you have unique insight into their daily behaviors and interactions. You will likely be the first person to notice any developmental milestones or early signs of autism in your child. 

Early diagnosis and intervention are critical, as they allow specialists to start working with autistic children in the crucial developmental years.  

Any therapist or professional will tell you that the earlier you detect and diagnose autism, the more effective any therapy will be. This is particularly true for targeted programs like Lighthouse fusion ABA therapy. 

Research clearly shows that early intervention is critical for improved outcomes in skills development. It also helps reduce the challenging behaviors that hinder autistic children in social and educational settings. 

Neuroplasticity is higher in young children, which means that their brains can more easily change and adapt to their experiences. Intervention at an early age offers a better chance for an autistic child’s brain development to be positively influenced by therapy. Therapists can help create and shape new positive neural pathways that benefit the child and their parents or caregivers. 

Developmental milestones as early indicators of autism 

There are several developmental milestones in a child’s early years. These are some of the most important to look out for. 

Smiling 

A child will often smile for the first time between six and eight weeks old. Your baby should be smiling, giggling, and chuckling by four months. They should also respond to your smile, laugh, or efforts to engage them.  

Verbal communication

Some autistic children are non-verbal communicators and won’t develop the same verbal communication in infancy as allistic (non-autistic) infants. A baby will start to gurgle and make noises early on and could start to say words like “mama” from six to 12 months. However, 16 months is the usual limit for a single word, and they should know two-word phrases by age two. 

Gesturing

Infants should have a broad range of movements by six months old. They should be reaching for things, leading, or pointing. Mimicking your gestures, like kisses, is also expected. 

Fine and gross motor skills

Grip strength, and finger and wrist movements are fine motor skills, while larger body movements like walking, running, and balance, etc., are gross motor skills. These are all important milestones. 

Crawling 

Crawling is a hugely significant milestone as it requires coordination and balance. Children should be able to crawl by 12 months and walk by 18 months. 

What are the signs of autism in babies?

The milestones above will start to develop between six months and a year old, but it’s also important to keep in mind that all children develop at different rates. One of the following on its own is not a sign of autism in a baby, but if your baby shows a few of the symptoms, then it’s worth going to a doctor for an assessment. 

Some early signs of autism in babies include: 

Lack of social smiling

Autistic babies smile but don’t smile as much as allistic babies. Typically, a baby will smile back at you as early as six weeks, but certainly by four months. Autistic children tend to lack social smiling in response to your gestures. 

Lack of eye contact

Babies like to make eye contact from a very young age. This allows them to mimic their parents or caregivers, and it’s interesting for them. Autistic babies may not make eye contact. 

Not responding to their name or attempts to engage

Most babies will respond to their name by nine months, while they should respond to attempts to engage them much earlier on.  

Lack of social anticipation

Allistic babies can usually anticipate social interactions. For example, they might lift their arms in anticipation of being lifted out of their cribs or laugh or cry in response to peek-a-boo. It’s worth looking into if your child is not anticipating these kinds of social interactions by about nine months. 

Limited eye tracking

Eye tracking is another vital marker. Babies should follow their favorite toy if you move it around in front of them, or they should visually track your movements. 

No social babbling and limited verbal communication

Babies are highly social beings, and they will babble to themselves and you while learning to talk. Autistic babies can be slow to verbalize or might babble at a young age, but this could stop after a certain point.  

Fixations

Autistic children tend to develop fixations on particular subjects or textures when they are older. Babies might develop fixations on unusual objects like fans or certain parts of a toy. They could also fixate on ceiling or floor patterns.  

Sensory sensitivity 

Autistic children tend to have sensory issues that can become more apparent as they grow up, but even babies can display sensory sensitivities that might be a sign of neurodivergence. This usually includes signs of distress like hand waving, covering their ears, and more. While this differs between individuals, it usually includes sensitivity to bright lights, certain noises, smells, and more. 

On the other hand, an autistic baby could have hyposensitivity in some areas, which means that they are under-responsive to certain stimuli. 

Get the quality of life your child deserves with early intervention therapy at LAC

At the Lighthouse Autism Center, we fuse the best speech and ABA therapy practices to create a unique clinical model that delivers outstanding results for autistic children. Combined with the vast array of autism resources at your disposal, LAC offers the best chance of the future that your child deserves. 

We take a look at the different models and definitions of disability and where autism fits in. We also cover whether autistic individuals are eligible for disability benefits.

Is Autism a Disability

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a diverse group of neurodevelopmental disorder conditions that affects around 1 in 36 children in the United States. However, autism looks different for every individual. We use the term “spectrum” because there is a wide variety in the type and severity of the symptoms that autistic people experience.  

Many parents and caretakers wonder whether autism is a disability. If not, is it a disorder? Or could it just be a difference in the way that people respond to the world around them?  

Should we think of autism as a disability? The truth is that it depends. Some autistic people do not identify as disabled, while others embrace the term. The only reason this definition is important is because it is used by the Social Services Administration (SSA) to determine whether parents, caretakers, or individuals are eligible to receive disability benefits for autism. 

In this article, we will look at the different models of disability, where autism as a disability fits in, and the disability benefits that parents, caregivers, and individuals can take advantage of. 

What is a disability?

Before thinking of autism as a disability, it’s important to comprehend the relationship between the two by looking at the two most common definitions of disability in the U.S. 

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an individual with a disability can be defined as “a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.” 

The definition of a medical disability, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is “any condition of the body or mind (impairment) that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities (activity limitation) and interact with the world around them (participation restrictions).” 

Disability models 

There are a number of different ways of thinking about what constitutes a disability. The medical and social models have been the most common over the years, but a neurodiversity approach has also gained traction over the last few years. Here are some of the key aspects of each model. 

Medical model of disability

Although the medical model of disability is still used, it’s a bit of an outdated concept for neurodiverse disorders. It refers to a disability that results from a physical condition that causes disadvantages to the person. The focus of this model is working on the person to try to “fix” the disability to lessen or eliminate the disadvantages it is causing.  

This model often requires autistic people to mask or hide their symptoms in order to present as neurotypical. Repression is not an ideal solution, and this can lead to increased depression and anxiety. 

Social model of disability

The social model of disability recognizes that a person might have impairments, but it is the restrictions imposed on these individuals by society that cause them to be at a disadvantage. Disability is seen as an element of diversity, and disadvantages are less obvious when societal and environmental barriers are removed.  

It strives for societal changes rather than changes to the individual. Accommodations should be made for autistic people to ensure that they have the same opportunities as others despite their impairments. 

An example of accommodations made in schools for autistic children can be using visual aids, having peer mentors, allowing extra time, and reducing sensory distractions, among others.  

Neurodiversity approach to disability 

The neurodiversity approach is gaining traction, and it builds on the social model. The approach in this model is that brains, like physical appearance, are all different and that this diversity should be valued. 

It focuses on healthy growth and positive reinforcement to reduce negative habits and behaviors while simultaneously adjusting environmental and societal conditions to give neurodiverse individuals equal opportunities.  

The type of intervention used varies from person to person and will be based on which approach will be the most beneficial for the individual. Changes to the individual are more about learning adaptive behaviors rather than trying to “normalize” the person.  

Adaptive behaviors are taught through a combination of applied behavior analysis (ABA), occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. 

What type of disability is autism? 

Technically, autism is a developmental disability that stems from structural and functional differences in the brain. While autism and some learning disabilities can go hand in hand, autism certainly has nothing to do with the intelligence of individuals. More specifically, it is about behavioral and social impairments that prevent autistic people from learning like neurotypical students in a traditional classroom environment. 

With a combination of the right therapy, support structures, and accommodations, some autistic children and individuals can overcome and adapt to the barriers around them. 

Can autistic individuals receive disability benefits? 

Yes, people on the autism spectrum can get disability benefits. There are two kinds of autism disability benefits for eligible individuals, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). These are:  

• Social Security Disability Income (SSDI): This benefit is for adults who have worked in the past but who can no longer do so due to disability. 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This benefit is for disabled children and adults from lower-income situations. There is no requirement to have previously worked. 

Of course, there are strict levels of criteria that individuals must meet to qualify for these benefits. However, autistic individuals who don’t meet the requirements could still qualify for other benefits such as a medical-vocational allowance, a Medicaid waiver, and other state-specific benefits. 

Get early intervention and support with Lighthouse Autism Center 

While autism is considered a disability from a legal and medical standpoint, it’s critical to be aware of the fact that not all autistic individuals self-identify as disabled. There are many different ways of defining a disability, but the most important thing is that autistic individuals get support and services as early as possible. 

Our Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy provides a uniquely high standard of care and assistance for autistic children. We have a passionate team of professionals and a huge archive of autism resources that ensure autistic individuals have access to world-class support. 

There are a number of reasons why an autistic child might stop ABA therapy, and one is that they have reached their goals. In this article, we take a look at what parents can expect going forward.

What Are the Next Steps After ABA Graduation?

As a parent, you only want what’s best for your child. Lighthouse fusion ABA therapy provides a sound structure and guided process that is integral to your child’s daily routine. So, it’s understandable that some parents find the future after ABA graduation daunting. 

Once your child has reached their specified ABA therapy goals, it’s time for them to take the next steps in their journey. But it’s important to understand that you and your child won’t be doing this alone. 

This article will provide more insight into ABA goals, the importance of monitoring and tracking achievements, knowing when to stop ABA therapy, and the potential next steps after graduation. 

What are the goals of ABA?

Every ABA program begins with an in-depth assessment by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). From here, the program is tailored to suit every child’s individual abilities, preferences, interests, and requirements. Family circumstances are also taken into account. 

ABA therapy goals for autism will also depend on the skill level and age of the child. In general, the following skill areas will be targeted: 

• Language and communication 
• Social abilities 
• Self-care 
• Enjoyment and relaxing 
• Movement 
• Learning and school readiness skills 

A goal and treatment program will be designed to develop each of these skills in short, clear, and concise steps. Short-term goals will be set for every session, while long-term goals are the main aim of what the therapist and client are working towards. 

When to stop ABA therapy? 

How long does ABA therapy last, and how do you know when to stop? These are common client questions when starting out with ABA therapy, and while every program depends on the individual needs of every child, ABA therapy isn’t a lifelong commitment. Given the vast difference in each child with autism, the intensity of services might vary from 5-10 hours per week to focus on specific skills, to 30-40 hours per week of intensive therapy for a more comprehensive treatment plan. It is not uncommon for children to be in services for 2-3 years and then fade out over time.   

A therapist will collect data during each session and track the child’s progress. They will have regular meetings with parents and might suggest discontinuing ABA therapy in the following cases: 

• The child has met the goals set out for them. 
• They are learning new skills spontaneously from their environment without the need for direct instruction. 
• Parents are able to teach strategies and implement behavior plans at home without the need for a therapist. 

A therapist could also recommend that a child stop ABA therapy if they are not progressing over time and other treatments might be warranted, or if there is disagreement with the parents on the treatment plan. 

Recognizing progress and achievements

Recognizing progress and achievements is critical when determining whether a child should stop ABA therapy. Therapists must track and evaluate developments and assess the goals that the child has met. This is crucial as children hit new milestones, as therapists must reassess and re-evaluate new skill sets and identify areas where improvement needs to be made.  

If there has been significant improvement and development in targeted behaviors and skills, and the child demonstrates consistent and independent functioning across a number of scenarios, then it could indicate that they are ready to transition to the next step. 

Regular assessments and tracking achievements of ABA therapy aren’t just about evaluating skill acquisition but also about determining whether this progress can be maintained over time. To reach a point where continued therapy is no longer necessary, the child must demonstrate that their progress won’t stop when therapy stops and that their newly acquired skills will be carried forward with them.  

Progress, overall development, functional independence, and the ability to retain skills and spontaneously learn new ones are all considered when deciding whether a child should stop ABA therapy. 

Potential next steps

It’s critical for professional teams and parents to continually assess whether the goals and strategies of their current ABA therapy align with the child’s evolving needs. In some cases, other support services or interventions may be more appropriate.  

As an autistic child develops and reaches a certain level of skills and achievement in ABA therapy, it could be time to reduce the intensity and frequency of the therapy. In this case, your child might transition to less intensive support and gradually decrease the number of therapy sessions that they attend. It could also simply mean moving from one-on-one therapy to a group support system or maintaining skills across various natural environments. 

Every child’s ongoing needs and opportunities are considered as ABA therapy fades out, and new goals and activities will become the main focus. Your child’s readiness for transition will be continually monitored, and we will continue to support and assist once your child has reduced or discontinued ABA therapy. 

One of the primary ABA goals for most autistic children is transitioning back into a school environment. In order to prepare for this transition, our therapists will try to mirror an individual’s school day as closely as possible. Communication with teachers and parents allows them to create scenarios like circle time, independent work time, snack time, and more.  

They will work on teaching your child classroom etiquette, such as raising their hand and waiting for their teacher to call on them. Working on social skills, such as saying “my turn to talk” or when to let other children talk, or learning how to express their feelings effectively, is essential when going into what can be an overwhelming classroom environment. 

It’s important to continue providing children with the tools they need for the classroom even after they have arrived. Feedback from parents and teachers can help us to recognize where your child is thriving and where they need some more support. 

Ultimately, we want to be able to bridge the transition between ABA therapy and whatever path comes next for your child with as little disruption as possible. 

Take the next steps with Lighthouse Autism Center

Our clients come before anything else, and we are always thrilled when they meet their goals and can move on to the next step from ABA therapy. However, we are also invested in ensuring that the journey ahead is as smooth as possible by equipping autistic children and their parents and caregivers with the right tools and autism resources.  

Armed with the knowledge and strategies from LAC, caregivers and parents can create a nurturing, supportive environment for autistic children that fosters growth and continues to empower them once they have graduated from ABA therapy. 

Autistic children face a number of challenges when they are learning in a traditional classroom. We go through some of the more common difficulties faced, as well as how best to support them in the classroom.

Why Do Autistic Children Struggle With Learning In Typical Classroom Settings?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) manifests in individuals uniquely and will vary from child to child. However, one of the common challenges is difficulty learning in a regular classroom setting. For many years, schools and autism did not go hand in hand. However, as society finally starts to embrace the concept of neurodiversity, more teachers are learning how to empower and support students with autism in schools. 

This blog explores the common challenges faced when learning with autism, how parents, caretakers, and teachers can support autistic children in the classrooms, and what classroom accommodations should be in place for autistic students. 

How does autism affect learning?

Before delving into the unique challenges of autism in the classroom, it’s critical to acknowledge that autistic children don’t have difficulty due to a lack of cognitive ability. Instead, their struggles stem from social-emotional and/or sensorimotor origins. 

The most common ways that autistic children have difficulty in a regular classroom include: 

Fixation on a particular topic or subject

Autistic children tend to develop fascinations, obsessions, passions, or fixations on specific subjects, topics, objects, or interests. This means that they have a narrowly focused area of expertise, leading to a depth of knowledge that can be astounding. However, the narrowed focus can cause challenges when trying to teach them a diverse range of subjects and topics. When engaged and motivated on their subject of choice, autistic students can absolutely master it, but might treat something out of their interest with apathy or resistance. 

Difficulty with social interaction

Autistic students can have difficulty understanding social cues and how to respond to others trying to teach or interact with them. This can impact the initial contact and interaction with others and can also make it hard for them to maintain any kind of social relationship. This can lead to frustration and confusion for both the students, peers,  and their teachers. 

Difficulty processing information

Processing and retaining new information is difficult for an autistic student, which presents challenges in a traditional classroom. Some students will struggle to complete tasks or plan ahead, while others might struggle to break a pattern of thinking and find a new way to approach a problem. 

Communication difficulties

Some autistic children use non-verbal communication, like sign language, picture excahnge, or vocal approximations. This makes it difficult for autistic children to express their thoughts and feelings effectively around people who use primarily verbal communication. 

Another common difficulty that arises is when allistic folks use figurative language (such as idioms and metaphors) or sarcasm, and assume that everybody listening will know what they mean. Autistic folks tend to interpret words literally, which could lead to distressing situations where they do not understand or misinterpret what is being said to them. 

Sensory challenges 

Schools can be places of complete sensory overload. There are hall buzzers, yelling children, whistles, fluorescent lights, and much more. For autistic children who are sensitive to sensory stimulation, this can trigger extreme anxiety and other behaviors. 

Changes in rules, routines, and expectations

Every semester can bring something new to the school. This could be a new classroom, teacher, classmates, or new rules. One teacher might expect children to raise their hands, while another may expect children to come to their desks and talk to them. This can be confusing for autistic children who thrive on rules, routines, and structure.  

Even things as simple as snow days, school trips, and substitute teachers can be overwhelming and disruptive to children who have difficulties adapting to change. 

How to support an autistic child in the classroom

Here are some of the ways teachers, parents, and caregivers can help support an autistic child in the classroom. 

Prepare them for the classroom in advance

Parents, caregivers, and therapists must start working together to prepare the child for the classroom environment. This means establishing and getting them used to the routine that they can expect in class; learning classroom etiquette, such as putting their hands up and waiting to be called on; and schedules, such as snack time or break time; and more. 

Use concrete language and visual aids

Autistic children respond well to clear, concise instructions. Always use explicit, concrete language to explain things that other children might pick up intuitively. Demonstrate for them how they should set up for class and anything else that is expected of them. Autistic children respond best to clear visual cues and in-person demonstrations. 

Establish routines and practice making changes

Rules and routines make many autistic children more comfortable and that the world around them is a little more predictable. Explicitly set out a routine and boundaries and run through them as often as needed. Visual timers and schedules tend to work well, too. 

 
However, it’s also important to implement small breaks in these routines every now and then. Routines cannot be followed at all times, and teachers can prepare students for this by practicing change with positive reinforcement and comfortable disruptions.  

Work on reducing sensory triggers

Identify what sensory triggers the child has and work out how you can reduce them. Sensory discomfort is a huge disruption in the classroom, and if you can identify and eliminate or lessen what is causing distress, then it takes down a big learning barrier. 

Use a calm tone

Autistic children have difficulties with social cues. So, it’s important that you watch your tone when addressing them. Try to keep a calm, steady tone of voice, particularly when giving them feedback. They could misconstrue any change in tone of voice and respond more to that than the words being delivered. 

Create a team of staff that can help support autistic students

Change is one of the biggest stumbling blocks in school for ASD children. Establish a team of staff across the different departments that can help create a smooth transition for children moving to the next grade, getting a new teacher, or starting a new subject. Different things will work with each child, and it’s critical to have a team to share knowledge on how best to support a smooth transition for every child that is without disruption and trauma. 

How does autism affect students in the classroom?

Of course, the other students in a classroom must be considered when integrating an autistic child into a traditional school setting. If the transition to a classroom environment is not done correctly, then it can be disruptive to everyone involved. However, when done right, the inclusion of autistic children in the classroom environment can offer value to the child, the other students, and the teacher. 

Where classroom accommodations for autism, like noise-canceling headphones, dim lights, peer mentors, and extra time, are sufficient, an inclusive classroom can benefit all of those involved. It’s where accommodations are lacking and support is not given that issues can arise. 

Programs like Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy play a key role in ensuring that autistic children are prepared for the classroom and continue to be supported there. Creating an inclusive environment in the classroom is a group effort and, when well-supported, can be extremely successful and fulfilling. 

LAC offers the support your child needs for the school transition

At LAC, our therapists work alongside you and your child to help prepare them for their future. We ensure that they have the right practice and support for the school transition and will provide support and autism resources for their general education teachers while they are there. We will devise techniques and accommodations particular to the class they will enter and what is expected of them. This way, we can also tailor their responses and those of the people around them to the challenges they face.  

With the right preparation and in the right environment, inclusive classrooms can be a wonderful place for everyone’s kids. 

Teaching self-care skills to autistic children presents a number of challenges, as things like bathing and skin care might feel overstimulating or simply not preferred to those on the spectrum. By breaking grooming down into small, manageable steps, and teaching skills early, you can equip your child with the tools they need. 

Autism Tips for Parents: Teaching Personal Hygiene & Self-Care Skills

Teaching self-care skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a unique set of challenges, as things that feel good to allistic people, such as bathing and skincare, might feel overstimulating to autistic folks. As your child reaches adolescence, the importance of personal hygiene and appearance becomes even more significant. By breaking grooming down into small, manageable steps, and starting early, you can equip your child with the tools they need to move through life. 

Why autistic children undress

It’s not uncommon for children to remove their clothing, both at home and in public, but parents of autistic children tend to have a more challenging time resolving this issue. This isn’t simply a style preference or the dislike of a certain color or garment, though it might be; people with autism are more likely to have an actual clothing sensitivity. If your child is complaining about an irritating seam, uncomfortable fit, or itchy fabric — or if they’re having tantrums or meltdowns when wearing certain clothes — it’s likely caused by a sensory sensitivity. 

This might be frustrating for parents, but it’s important to remember that your child is not being overly dramatic. Their brain is reviewing an overload of signals about the item they are wearing, making it difficult to focus on anything else. In some cases, it can be downright painful. 

Once you understand the reason for clothing removal, you can implement some practical strategies for solving the issue and providing your autistic child with the skills they need. 

How to resolve it

Your child is already dealing with extreme discomfort, so it’s important to be patient and understanding. Rather than forcing a particular item of clothing, offer them one or two choices — each with a different fabric or fit. This allows them to be in control of the situation, which already makes them more willing to deal with discomfort as they have chosen the item themselves. 

What you can do is provide sensory-friendly clothing. They might dislike jeans because they are too stiff or a certain sweater because it makes them itchy. Instead, get to know their particular sensitivities and provide a selection of clothing in soft, comfortable fabrics, avoiding possible irritations like lace or constrictive garments. Consider seamless socks and underwear, tag-less shirts, buttonless pants, and hypoallergenic fabrics. 

Help resolve sensory issues over time with tools like sensory bins or the tailored techniques recommended during Lighthouse Fusion® ABA therapy. 

Autism and self-care

With autism, hygiene and self-care can present a number of challenges. Sensory issues can make washing and grooming uncomfortable, which may make bath time very challenging for parents. Address hygiene issues with these simple steps. 

Develop a routine

Autistic folks tend to respond well to rituals and routines, which makes this the most effective way to teach cleanliness. Implement a morning and evening grooming routine early and be consistent with it to encourage predictability and familiarity as your child ages. Autistic children also tend to learn best by doing rather than watching or listening, so a visual schedule containing both pictures and written instructions can help make these essential life skills for those on the autism spectrum much easier while encouraging self-care and independence. Of course, as children move into adolescence, a new routine will need to be established, and the process will need to be repeated. 

Keep supplies organized and within reach

Create a laminated checklist with each step clearly displayed. Pictures of your child (or even of their favorite character or a sibling) performing each step make the checklist clear and fun. Videos can be great models too! Place the checklist where they can easily see it, like on the bathroom mirror.  

Next, place all the tools and products they’ll need for their grooming rituals in an easily accessible box — one for the morning and one for the evening. Again, give your child a variety of fragrances and textures to choose from. Once they’ve found their favorite toothpaste, soap, and other grooming products, go ahead and number each product in the order of use. Remember, aversions may occur to certain fragrances and textures, so opt for unscented, natural products if that is a concern. 

A morning routine may look something like this: 

1. Use the toilet 

2. Wash hands 

3. Wash face with soap 

4. Rinse with water 

5. Dry with towel 

6. Apply moisturizer 

7. Get dressed 

8. Brush hair 

9. Eat breakfast 

10. Brush and floss teeth 

Remember, if this feels overwhelming, you can always break the steps down further. Little ones might need a separate ritual for getting dressed and doing their hair. 

Use rewards 

Let’s be honest — most children don’t enjoy brushing their teeth! Even so, autistic people may not experience the same relief that allistic (non-autistic) people experience when engaging in self-care, which makes it important to provide a strong motivator and reward for the completion of essential tasks. When a child strongly dislikes a particular task, it’s best to break it down into micro-tasks and reward each step. You can offer toys or extra playtime, for instance. 

When your child gains more independence or acquires more tolerance, you can slowly begin fading out rewards. It’s important to do this slowly as they make progress to avoid dependence on particular outcomes. 

Create social stories

Social stories are brief descriptions of a particular situation, activity, or event that describe what to expect in that situation, why it is that way, and how to respond appropriately. This presents information in a literal way, preparing children and giving them the chance to rehearse so that they are not overwhelmed by new experiences. 

With autism, some skills may be harder to pick up than others — self-care is one such instance where your child may struggle without appropriate guidance. Social stories can help explain the importance of personal hygiene, teach appropriate behaviors, and demonstrate how to respond should they feel the need to remove their clothing, for instance. Find a children’s book that displays this accurately, or create your own social situations relating to grooming using simple, straightforward language — you can also add pictures to make it more interesting. 

Overcome the challenges with the help of Lighthouse Autistic Center

Discover more helpful autism resources, or work with our team of professionals who provide tailored support to the entire family, offer guidance on navigating insurance, and equip both you and your child with the skills needed for continuous progress. 

Creating a safe home for an autistic child is essential. We look at some of the safety and security considerations and other tips for making a safe home.

Tips for Child-Proofing and Keeping Your House Safe for an Autistic Child

Household safety is one of the primary concerns of all parents. This is a concern that tends to escalate when babies start to crawl around the house, and baby-proofing the home becomes a priority for parents.  

Home safety for an autistic child comes with the same concerns. However, unique risks also mean typical house safety concerns become more serious based on your child’s individual nature. 

In this article, we are going to look at the unique challenges in creating an autism-friendly house, why autistic children may need extra home security, and how to appropriately child-proof your home for your autistic child. 

Why is child-proofing the home a challenge for autistic children?

Child-proofing can be particularly challenging for parents or caregivers with an autistic child. Autistic children tend to fixate on certain items or display sensory-seeking behaviors. They could fixate on a dangerous item, or their fixation could simply leave them unaware of the possible dangers around them. Additionally, some autistic children have a propensity to try to elope or run from their homes on a regular basis, for a variety of reasons. 

As a result of this, typical child-proofing concerns can become more serious depending on what your child is interested in. Some of the biggest concerns can include: 

• Sensory fixation on water, fire, fans, or other items. 
• Accessing dangerous items like medications, sharp objects, chemicals, and electrical outlets. 
• Climbing on furniture and then jumping, falling, or having the furniture fall on them. 
• Leaving the house through a window or door without someone knowing. 

Use home safety as a learning opportunity 

The first step to creating a safe environment for a child with autism is to use your home as a learning environment. While removing your child from dangerous situations is important, it’s also a good idea to teach them home safety like you would any other skill.  

Use positive reinforcement when your child performs a home safety skill correctly or when they refrain from doing something that you’ve taught them is unsafe. Remember to keep home safety steps short and simple. 

You can use the usual tools that would be used in a therapy session or when teaching them skills at home, such as visual rules, checklists, signs, stories, and schedules. Choose whatever it is that your child has had success with in other settings in the past.  

Some ideas include the following: 

Label everyday items 

Using visual aids like photos, words, colors, and textures to label everyday appliances, furniture, rooms, drawers, etc., will help your child to more easily associate the items with where they go or what their purpose is. Labels increase the likelihood of your child using something for its intended purpose and discourage unsafe behaviors. 

Create visual boundaries and limits

Telling your child not to walk out the front door isn’t enough. Use visuals to relay the message more clearly. You could place stop signs on doors that lead outside or to stairs or on drawers that they shouldn’t open. Or you could mark the floor with painter’s tape to show where they shouldn’t walk close to hazardous furniture. 

Keep things organized and in place

Autistic children are often creatures of habit and structure. Keeping things tidy and in their place means children will know where to find things and where to put them once they are done. This will lead to less frustration, making them less likely to engage in unsafe behaviors. 

Home modifications for autistic children

If you’re wondering how to make your home autism-friendly, here are some of the modifications that you can make:  

• Move furniture away from where kids could climb it. Invest in some sensory appropriate climbing furniture products instead to encourage safer behaviors. 
• Ensure all furniture is mounted to the floor or wall. 
• Use gates and barriers at the top and bottom of stairs to keep them from climbing and falling down. 
• Put all medications out of reach. 
• Put rubber bumpers on the sharp edges of counters or furniture. 
• Hide wires or place them out of reach. 
• Lock away cleaning suppliers, toiletries, and other hazardous chemicals. 
• Educate your child about fire safety through stories about smoke detectors and safety routines. Lock away all matches and lighters. 
• Put covers on electrical outlets and protection on door knobs, cabinet handles, faucets, etc. 
• Add sensors to areas that your child should not be in, so you are aware of where they are in the home. 

Home security

As mentioned, some autistic children are known to try and wander off or escape from their houses, so home security is another aspect to consider. This can include: 

Install locks and sensors 

Install locks or sensors on the home’s doors, windows, and cabinets. Autistic children are resourceful, so investing in a high-quality locking system is worth it. 

Safely store away potentially hazardous items 

Lock and store potential hazards like paint, fertilizer, and cleaners somewhere out of your child’s day-to-day environment, such as the garage or basement. 

Install sensory-friendly alarms 

Install alarms on their bedroom door, doors leading outside, and windows. Of course, keep in mind that an alarm could be intolerable for a child with sensory issues. Usually, the alarm can be tailored to your child’s specific needs. 

Explain “stranger danger”

Chances are that your child will open the door when it rings at some stage in their life. It’s important to teach them the dangers of opening the door to strangers and learning who they can trust. Allistic (non-autistic) children are more likely to be able to read people’s intentions, whereas autistic children tend to be naturally trusting. This is an important lesson they can take into adulthood, too. 

Always have an emergency plan in place

It’s critical that you have an emergency plan in place should something happen. The first port of call should always be to phone 911 and alert the appropriate authorities. All of the relevant emergency numbers should be on hand around your house and in your vehicles. Providing your child a safety bracelet with their name and emergency contact details may also be useful. If they do not like the feeling of a bracelet, then give a laminated card with emergency contact numbers for them to keep at all times or label each piece of their clothing with the same information. 

If your child has a history of elopement or unsafe behaviors in the home, contact your local police department so they know who your child is, where you live, what they might do and where they might go based on past experience. It is always easier to communicate this information proactively than in a crisis situation.  

Create a quiet space for your autistic child at home 

Remember, when preparing for autism at home, that an autistic child is more likely to act out when they become overstimulated. In this case, they will need a safe time-out space to refocus. 

Instead of punishing them with a time-out in a corner, create a dedicated space that they can have to themselves to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet, or engage in whatever self soothing strategies work for them. If you continually direct them to this space when they get overstimulated, you teach them a better way to cope with and handle stress. Make the space soft, neutral, and welcoming with your child’s favorite toys. 

Get the best for you and your child with LAC

At Lighthouse Autism Center, we equip our learners and their caretakers with the tools and strategies needed to enhance growth and development through our Lighthouse fusion ABA therapy. We also offer a wide array of the best autism resources and information for our clients to turn to and help your child take the important next step in their journey. 

Parenting an autistic child can be very challenging. Combined with the day-to-day stresses of ordinary life, raising an autistic child may at times be overwhelming. But that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Here are four useful tips for parenting an autistic child.

Tips for Parenting an Autistic Child 

Parenting an autistic child can be very challenging. There are many different things your autistic child will struggle with, which can lead to emotional, financial, and medical issues that may affect your whole family. The good news is that with all the new information and research available on autism, help for parents has become more easily accessible, as have resources for autistic children. 

Here are four tips on autism and parenting that may help you and your autistic child. 

1. Accepting your child’s autism diagnosis

Hearing for the first time that you have an autistic child is difficult for most parents. After all, it’s normal for a parent to imagine the kind of life their child may have, and you may have pictured them growing older with the friends they would make, the job they would have, or the person they would fall in love with. And then, in a matter of moments, the allistic future you dreamt of for your child no longer exists. 

That said, you may well not have been so surprised by the news. You or those around you may have noticed that there was something different about your child. Maybe they took a bit longer to start speaking, struggled with eye contact, or were upset when you changed their routine. Perhaps there were other subtle signs that clued you in that maybe your child had different needs compared to others. 

Whichever camp you fall into, it’s important to know that you may feel negative emotions when you first hear that you have an autistic child. 

This is normal.  

You may feel grief and regret at the loss of the allistic life your child will never have, or you may feel angry at yourself and guilty, wondering what you did or didn’t do that caused or contributed to your child’s diagnosis. But you can learn to accept your child’s diagnosis. 

Firstly, you should know that you’re not alone. Many other parents of autistic children have experienced the same feelings. 

Secondly, you should take the time you need to process any emotions you have, seeking out professional help if you need it. Having a child with autism isn’t just about getting them the support they need, but it’s also about building a circle of support for yourself.  

Finally, it’s important to understand that your child’s life may be different, but their life (and yours) isn’t over. It’s important to accept the diagnosis, keep an open mind and have hope for your family’s future. 

There are a number of steps you can take to make things easier, such as educating yourself, setting realistic expectations, and seeking support for you and your child. Above all, showing your child that you love them, that you are a safe space for them, and that you want to understand their perspective, can go a long way in nurturing a healthy and happy future for your child and you. 

2. Work with a professional to understand and manage your child’s support needs

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, they are very likely to have issues that can result in specific kinds of behaviors and skill gaps, including: 

• Rocking back and forth (or other self-regulating movements, also known as “stimming”) 
• Not speaking and preferring to use nonverbal communication 
• Enjoying watching the movement of certain objects, such as a washing machine when its running 
• Covering their ears when they hear certain sounds that other people hardly notice  
• Meltdowns or “tantrums”. 

Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to input from the senses, whether it’s hearing, touch, sight, smell or even pain, as well as a range of other causes, can trigger specific behavioral responses. If your autistic child experiences these or other unusual behaviors it’s important to take the time to find a professional who can help you identify the root cause of their behavior as there are other causes that may also result in these actions. 

The right healthcare practitioner will be able to help you identify whether it’s a sensory issue or not, and will be able to advise you on what you can do to manage and even reduce these behaviors. 

For example, if your child rocks because they’re struggling to reduce stress, as long as they’re not hurting themselves, the prudent thing to do may well be to just let them be. If your child doesn’t speak or speaks very little, you can learn about nonverbal communication tools that you can use to enhance your child’s ability to communicate. And if they struggle with the sounds created by crowds, you may need to aim for prevention by avoiding large groups of people as much as possible. Where you can’t avoid a certain sensory stimulation that triggers particular behaviors, you may need sensory tools such as noise-canceling headphones, chew toys or fidget spinners to help you manage your child’s reaction. 

3. Get help so that you have time for self-care and to maintain other relationships

If your autistic child needs extra attention or has particularly challenging issues, this can put a strain on you as well as your relationships with your partner, family and friends. And that’s before you factor in the demands of work, maintaining your home and the other challenges of day-to-day life. This is why it’s important that you get the support you need so that you can find time for self-care and to maintain your other relationships. 

Here are some of the ways you can make time for yourself and to connect with the important people in your life. 

Share responsibility of your child’s needs with your spouse

Sometimes, caring for an autistic child may fall onto the shoulders of one parent, particularly if their partner is struggling to come to terms with their child’s diagnosis. However, it’s vital that both parents figure out together how to manage the needs of their autistic child and that one parent doesn’t end up doing all the work. This may mean playing to each other’s strengths with one parent handling certain tasks or taking turns addressing their autistic child’s needs. In short, it should always be about taking care of your child together. 
 

Ask family or friends if they can help share the load

Your family and friends can be a great source of support when you find yourself struggling. Whether it’s asking an aunt or uncle to babysit for an evening, or just asking an older relative to help keep an eye on your child during a family gathering, it’s important to ask for help so that you don’t have to take care of your child’s needs alone. Even in the best of circumstances “it takes a village to raise a child” — which becomes even more important when your child requires extra or particular care. 

 
Take advantage of Medicaid Waiver resources

Many states offer Medicaid Waivers to provide a variety of services for children with autism. This waiver reimburses families for the costs of caring for their autistic child, regardless of their age, whether they live at home, or need assistance to live independently. If a child is younger than 18, parents receive additional assistance in the waiving of parental income and asset requirements. Reach out to your state’s Developmental Disabilities Services to find out if your state offers support and if you qualify for assistance. 

Hire a professional caregiver

If you can afford it, it may make sense to hire a professional caregiver who understands how to work with autistic children. It will take time to find the right individual, but a caregiver offers many benefits beyond just freeing up time when you need it, such as having someone who understands your child’s needs, who can help with meal preparation, who has the professional skills to help the child acquire the necessary social skills, and who can assist with various other day-to-day tasks. A caregiver doesn’t need to be hired on a full-time basis and can be employed as needed. You can even seek out their services so you can have a relaxing evening out if you don’t have friends and family who are available. 
 

Find a local support group 

If you have an autistic child, a parents support group is an important place to learn how to better parent your autistic child and find other valuable information on autism and managing it. It’s also a vital space for you to share your experiences and seek support from others who know exactly what you’re going through. You may even be able to connect with people from these groups to arrange playdates or to share parenting responsibilities with. 

4. Look for autism resources online

While we’ve touched on some of the important issues that you’re likely to deal with, you can also look online for autism resources that can help you manage other issues associated with the condition as well as other advice to help you improve your autistic child’s outcomes. There’s a wide range of information online to help provide positive parenting to those with autism, whether it’s directly or indirectly related to your child’s autism. 

Whether you’re educating yourself on how to parent an autistic child, research how to help your child better navigate their environment when they’re extremely sensitive to sounds, or trying to figure out how to correctly reward your autistic child, there are many free autism resources for parents online. 

Help improve your autistic children’s outcomes with Lighthouse Autism Center

If you’re looking for professional help for your autistic child, Lighthouse Autism Center can assist. We are the leading ABA and speech therapy provider in the Midwest. Thanks to our unique clinical program, Lighthouse Fusion, which combines the best practices of ABA and speech therapy, we can help your autistic child improve their progress. 

Contact us to find out more about Lighthouse Fusion ABA therapy and Lighthouse Autism Center.