Although most children are naturally social and require contact with others to grow and develop, occasionally a child may not behave this way and can seem withdrawn, display peculiar behavior, face problems communicating and show a total lack of social awareness and interest in others. Such abnormal behavioral patterns are characteristic of a developmental disorder known as autism.
The autistic child generally stays aloof and is unable to respond to others. Autistic children may not even make eye contact and may also engage in odd behaviors like flapping their hands, rocking their heads or show an obsessive need to maintain order.
It isn't uncommon for children affected by autism to not speak at all. Those who do speak may do so in rhyme or repeat what they hear (echolalia) or may use a strange language of their own.
The exact cause of autism is still unknown although research suggests a problem with the structure or functioning of the central nervous system.
Some autistic children are exceptionally bright and do quite well in school although they may have problems adjusting to the school environment. Other children suffering from autism may not do as well and autism is often associated with mental retardation as well.
But it needs to be noted that autism and retardation are very distinct, since it is not uncommon to have an autistic child who is exceptionally bright.
Teaching an autistic child to function in normal society can be frustrating at times since the child needs your constant attention and the whole process can be quite intensive. Here are a few ways you can help your autistic child overcome this problem and develop into a well rounded individual:
* It's important to ensure your autistic child doesn't feel left out and is a part of the family. At the same time it's important to take care to not make your child the center of all attention since this will do more harm than good, because outside of the home, like at school, they will not be able to be the center of attention.
* The autistic child needs to live in and see a set routine that he/she can count on everyday. In the absence of a set routine, an autistic child may respond with a bizarre behavior.
* It has been observed that the autistic child doesn't learn well from experience. In fact, every event that that transpires may seem completely new to the autistic child, even if the same event took place yesterday. This is why it's important to use the same group of words each time you reward or reprimand the child since this helps them remember events better.
* If you are going to make any changes around the house or around the autistic child's surroundings, describe what you are going to do to them before you act. This is because autistic children usually take much longer to adjust and sudden changes can confuse them.
* Look for the best educational program to suit your child's needs. Preschool intervention programs offer special courses for the autistic child who is not old enough to go to school yet.
Apart from the above mentioned ways, remember that consistency in everything you say or do is crucial to unlock the potential within your autistic child. At the same time, it's equally important to take time out for yourself so that you don't feel overwhelmed by the task at hand.
So as long as you are peaceful with yourself, a little love, some patience and your wholehearted devotion is all that you need to see your little one through all of their troubles.
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