Many parents with children with autism are afraid to let their child be a kid. They get so wrapped up in their child’s therapies and they forget to let them have fun. They focus on keeping them safe and very protective. The child’s life becomes full of therapy or medical appointments.

They get little time to just be a kid. While it is important to keep your child safe it is also important to give them time to do things they like. Here are some things you can do to make sure your child gets to be a kid.

1. Give your child a certain time each day to do whatever they want to. 

If they have a toy or game, they like to play let them. Everyone needs a break from those therapies, medical appointments and the like.

2. Arrange activities for your child that they like.

This could be something like a trip to the park once a week, or a meal at their favorite restaurant. Let the child pick the activity. Maybe they would like some time to spend with grandma or grandpa.

3. Let them run and play like the other kids.

Kids like to run and play in the dirt. This will not hurt them. Let them be a kid and have fun. Keeping them sheltered will not help them. It will make them more afraid of being around other kids. If they show an interest let them play with the other children. Let them get dirty. They will come clean with a bath.

4. Do not teach your child to be a victim.

Just because they have autism does not mean they cannot have a normal life. They need to be taught to not let their condition stop them in life. Teach your child they can do anything they set out to do.

5. Do not let your child’s diagnosis of Autism become an excuse.

Give your child consequences if they do something wrong. You can use a range of discipline strategies to teach your child the basics of good behavior Time-out can be a useful consequence if your child has hurt someone else or destroyed something. It can give your child a chance to calm down away from the situation.

6. Give your child chores.

Make sure you give chores that your beloved child can do. This will give them the pride of knowing they can accomplish something. Give them rewards for completing the chores. The chores could be as simple as making their bed or picking up their toys.

7. Do not lower your expectations for your child.

Teach them to always do their best. Having autism should not give them a reason to not try. If they do not try, they will never know their full potential.

Conclusion

Kids get hurt. They get dirty. That is all a part of being a kid. They will be much happier. Do your part and watch over them but allow them to have some freedom. Even though your child has special needs allow them the chance to be a child.

Here in Fresno/Clovis Integrative Brain Restoration Clinic, we can be your partner in your lifelong journey on taking care of your child –giving him/her and you a shot at living a happy life. We promise you that there is hope for you and your child. And we promise that we are ready to serve you only with our best efforts and most sincere heart work!
Contact us now! Call us @ (559)5737260 or text us @ (559)4782233