If you are the primary caregiver for a newly-diagnosed autistic child, you may sometimes find yourself frustrated, exhausted, and confused by their behavior. Parenting them and helping them feel safe, happy, and healthy can be a difficult chore, since people on the spectrum often do not respond to stimuli the way neurotypical parents expect. Below is an introduction to what you need to know. 

A Guide to Caring for Children with Autism

What Is Autism?

Autism is a spectrum of neurodevelopment conditions that affect a person's ability to communicate with others or to interact socially. Symptoms normally appear before a child turns three years old and vary in severity and form. This means that autistic individuals and their families face unique challenges. 

Although communication difficulties and repetitive thoughts and behaviors are common, autism is not a lack of intelligence. It is a lifelong condition that does not have a cure, although individuals with autism can often learn skills that help them overcome developmental challenges and live a full, productive life. 

What Kind of Care Does Your Child Need?

A child with autism can be difficult to communicate with. Many struggle with verbal skills and/or physical interaction and touching. If your child exhibits signs of this, find new ways to communicate. For instance, you can use your body language, tone of voice, and other types of wordless communication. On the flip side, look at nonverbal cues for how your child is feeling, such as their sounds, facial expressions, gestures, and more. This will help you understand when they are hungry, sleepy, frightened, etc. 

Provide continuity and structure. Stick to a schedule, and make sure all your child's caregivers, therapists, etc. follow consistent rules—such as positive rather than negative reinforcement. Individuals with autism thrive on consistency and firm structure. 

Take care of yourself. To care for your child properly. You must limit your stress and occasionally take a break. Ask a family member for help or hire a caregiver to give you a day off. Join a support group, get enough sleep, and eat healthful meals. The stronger and healthier you are physically and emotionally, the better you can care for a child with special needs. 

If you need a professional caregiver to help with your autistic child, contact Deer valley Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. They have offered personal in-home care to patients throughout St. Charles, St. Louis, and Warren Counties since 2005. They specialize in veteran-, disabled-, and elderly care services. They are renowned for their dependable, compassionate caregivers. Learn more about them on their website or call (314) 355-3679 to schedule home health care services.