Autism Parenting 101: Overcoming Frustration

         Most parents, if not all, begin to dream and aspire for their children as soon as they were born. It would begin to wanting their children to be healthy, to be good persons, to finish school, to be successful in whatever they would go into when they become adults. To sum it all up, parents simply want all the best for their children.

Autism and Acceptance

             My son C showed significant delay in his development as early as 10 months of age. At that age, he manifested loss of previously learned skills like glancing when his name is called, waving bye-bye and a few other baby skills. Until he turned two years old with unintelligible speech and extremely hyperactive. Not long after, we brought him to a developmental pediatrician who after an hour or so of evaluation, confirmed that he has autism spectrum disorder (for autism tell tale signs, go to Autism Tell Tale ). That sad day occurred eight years ago. My son is now ten years old. But whenever I recall that day in our life, my eyes still become teary. I still can feel that lump in my throat.  That doesn't mean I still have not learned to accept the fact that my son is on the spectrum. I have long accepted that. I guess parents would never stop feeling hurt when their child is affected with life long disorder or any condition that will have tremendous effects on the quality of life.

           

Finding Toys with a Purpose

  All children love toys. Special needs kids are no exception.  Actually, playing with toys can be a great way for them to have fun while their different sensory issues and development of some skills are being dealt with all at the same time. You just have to find the right toy that can serve that purpose. Also,consider your child's interest to make play time truly enjoyable.

  To find a purposive toy, you may want to consider these pointers:

1. Toys that perk up the senses

• toys that light up  - good for visual stimulation
• picture books
• toys that make sounds 
• toy clay - for tactile stimulation

2. Toys that develop motor skills

• crayons and coloring books - for development of fine motor skill
• paints & water colors - develop fine motor skill, creativity and self expression
• building blocks
• sorting and matching toys
• bicycle - helps in achieving good sense of balance