Autism and Parenting Autism and Parenting

Exposing children on the autism spectrum to various experiences can play a crucial role in reducing hypersensitivity towards textures. Here’s why it’s important:1. Sensory Integration: Children with autism often struggle with sensory integration, where their brains have difficulty processing and organizing sensory information. By exposing them to different textures in a controlled and supportive environment, they can gradually learn to integrate and adapt to these sensations.2. Desensitization: Experiencing different textures helps desensitize children to the ones they find aversive or overwhelming. Through repeated exposure, they can become more tolerant and less reactive to textures that once caused distress.3. Enhanced Tolerance: Exposure to a variety of textures fosters tolerance and flexibility. It teaches children that different sensations are part of everyday life and encourages them to approach new experiences with curiosity rather than fear or avoidance.4. Functional Skills Development: Learning to tolerate various textures is essential for developing everyday functional skills. Whether it’s dressing themselves, engaging in play activities, or eating a diverse diet, children with autism need to be comfortable with different textures to navigate daily life independently.Giving experiences that expose children on the autism spectrum to various textures is essential for their sensory development, social inclusion, and overall quality of life. It fosters tolerance, independence, and self-confidence, laying the foundation for their success and happiness in the long term.

Organizing our thoughts is akin to organizing our wardrobe—a concept that parallels the physical realm with the intangible realm of the mind. Just as a cluttered wardrobe can impede our ability to find what we need, a cluttered mind can hinder our progress and well-being. In this discourse, we’ll delve into the significance of mental organization, drawing parallels between tidying up our thoughts and tidying up our physical space.Our minds are constantly bombarded with a myriad of thoughts, emotions, and stimuli. Like items jumbled together in a disorganized wardrobe, these thoughts can become tangled and overwhelming if left unchecked. Negative thoughts, in particular, can linger and weigh us down, much like old and unworn clothes taking up valuable space. Just as we periodically declutter our physical space to create room for new and useful items, we must declutter our minds to make space for positive and constructive thoughts.Removing thoughts that trouble us is akin to purging our wardrobe of items that no longer serve us. Holding onto negative thoughts from the past can hinder our present and future progress. By letting go of these thoughts, we free ourselves from their burden and create space for new possibilities. This process requires introspection and self-awareness—the ability to identify which thoughts are holding us back and consciously choose to release them.Organizing our thoughts is essential for personal growth, success, and well-being. By decluttering our minds, categorizing our thoughts, and cultivating a positive mindset, we create space for new possibilities and opportunities. The analogy of arranging a wardrobe underscores the transformative power of intentional action and highlights the ongoing nature of mental organization. By harnessing the power of our thoughts, we can chart a course towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

When we’re kids, we want to be loved and accepted by the people around us—our family, friends, and teachers. Sometimes, to get this love and attention, we do things we think will make others happy or impress them. For example, we might tell jokes, try to be good at sports, or do what others want us to do, even if it doesn’t feel quite right for us. This is like wearing a mask; we’re not showing who we truly are inside, but we’re trying to be who others want us to be.As we grow up, we might continue to wear these masks to get approval or praise from others. We might focus on being what others expect instead of being ourselves. But the truth is, we’re already enough just as we are. We don’t have to pretend to be someone else to be loved or accepted. We should try to embrace who we truly are and not worry so much about always pleasing others.

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a fairly new eating disorder. Children with ARFID are extremely selective eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition.ARFID usually starts at younger ages than other eating disorders and is more common in boys.Kids with ARFID fall within three main categories:1. Some kids are very selective eaters who may have strong negative reactions to smells, tastes, textures, or colors of foods. They may be highly fearful of new foods, called “neophobia,” and scared of negative experiences related to unfamiliar foods.2. Some kids may have an overall lack of interest in eating and have a very low appetite or find eating minimally rewarding or not at all. These kids often deny feeling hungry.3. Other kids are afraid of what might happen when they eat; for example, experiencing pain, choking, or vomiting.ARFID is linked to strong emotions and worries around food. Be supportive and encourage positive attitudes about exercise and nutrition at home. Try these tips:Be a role model. Serve and eat a variety of foods.Schedule regular meals and snacks.Have regular family meals. Keep the mood at the table pleasant and avoid struggles during mealtimes.Encourage your child to try new foods, but do not force them to eat.Reward positive eating behaviors.Find ways to manage anxiety and stress around food. Taking a couple of deep breaths can help your child relax. Yoga, meditation, music, art, dance, writing, or talking to a friend can help manage stress.Stay calm and avoid blaming or criticizing your child for their eating struggles.

In our daily lives, we often adhere to structured schedules and routines, finding comfort and efficiency in the predictability they provide. Disruptions to these routines can evoke feelings of irritation or frustration, as we prefer the stability and familiarity of our established patterns. Similarly, children, especially those on the autism spectrum, often exhibit heightened sensitivity towards disruptions in their routines. For them, deviations from their expected schedule or unexpected changes can trigger feelings of distress, leading to expressions of frustration or anger.Parents of children on the autism spectrum may sometimes find themselves at odds with their child’s reactions to schedule disruptions. While they may feel that their own frustrations are justified, it’s crucial for parents to recognize and respect their child’s unique needs and sensitivities. Understanding and acceptance of the child’s individuality are paramount in fostering a supportive environment for their growth and well-being.In such situations, patience emerges as a fundamental virtue. Instead of reacting with frustration or attempting to impose rigidity onto the child’s behavior, parents can cultivate patience and empathy. By acknowledging and validating their child’s feelings, parents can help them navigate through moments of upheaval with greater ease.One effective strategy that I employ is ‘diversion’. By redirecting my son’s attention towards activities, he enjoys, such as reading poems or engaging in other preferred activities, I try to provide a constructive outlet for his emotions. This not only helps to diffuse tension but also reinforces positive coping mechanisms for handling disruptions to routine.#autism #asd #autismawareness #parenting #autismacceptance #autismcommunity #supportingautism #understandingautism #inclusiveparenting #kid #kids #child #children #autismmom #autismdad #dad #son #parentingtips #parent #motherhood #reels #viral #instatrending #love #trending #reelitfeelit #latest #viralvideos #viralreels #trendingnow

As a devoted single father to my autistic child, I am frequently asked about how I show my love and support for him. I confidently affirm that his autism diagnosis has not altered the deep bond we share. I embrace his condition with understanding and recognize that he may require additional assistance, but I am not resigned to simply accepting limitations. Instead, I actively engage in his growth and development, guiding him towards progress while also making tough parenting choices that involve stepping back to encourage his independence. By striking a balance between providing support and fostering self-reliance, I aim to empower him to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.Please like share and comment for better reach.#kid #kids #child #children #childrens #baby #babyboy #babygirl #autismmom #most #autismdad #trending #parenting #parentingtips #reels #viral #instatrending #love #trending #reelitfeelit #latest #autismfamily #parenting #viralvideos #viralreels #trendingnow #trendingvideos #autism #autismawareness #asd #autismwarrior