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Innovative strategies and tools to help a child with ASD

Innovative Tools & Strategies for Supporting Children with ASD

By | Blog

If your child has recently been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, you are probably worrying and wondering about what’s the next best step. You may be uncertain about how to best help your little one or confused by the numerous treatment options and advice available online.

While it is true that ASD is not a condition that a child eventually ‘grows out of,’ there are various innovative tools that can assist them in acquiring new skills and overcoming a wide variety of developmental challenges.

And on that note, let’s explore the top 10 innovative tools and strategies for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) –

Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

Picture exchange communication system incorporates the use of pictures to help children with ASD communicate effectively. Through this approach, children learn to select and exchange cards with symbols, words, pictures, or photographs in order to convey their needs. Moreover, studies have also demonstrated that PECS can play a vital role in decreasing tantrums as well as odd behaviors.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

AAC devices are characterized as electronic equipment that assist children with ASD in communicating and interacting with others. These devices can be customized to suit individual needs and may include pictures, symbols, and text. While no-tech and low-tech AAC options include writing, drawing, gestures and facial expressions, and pointing to photos and pictures, high-tech AAC devices entail the use of a computer with a ‘voice’ (speech-generating device) as well as apps, iPads, or tables to communicate.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be an effective treatment option for children on the autism spectrum, who have other mental health conditions. These include depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A 2010 study also found that CBT, when incorporated with active parent involvement, showed promise as an effective therapy for children aged 3 to 7 with anxiety.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

ABA is a form of highly structured therapy that focuses on increasing desirable behaviors and decreasing undesirable behaviors. ABA is well-known as an evidence-based intervention for children with ASD. It is majorly used to help children with autism as well as other developmental disorders, learn behaviors that help them lead more fulfilling and safer lives.

Assistive Technology

Assistive technologies include devices and software that help children with ASD access and participate in learning activities. These comprise tools like text-to-speech software or adapted keyboards. Some examples of assistive technology include battery-operated sensory toys, social skills videos, and visual timers, among others.

Peer-Mediated Interventions

Peer-mediated interventions involve pairing children on the spectrum with typically developing peers. This can help them develop social skills and encourage participation in community-based activities, as well. Peer-mediated interventions also involve teaching peers to interact with and support children diagnosed with ASD, which can play a vital role in promoting social skills and inclusion.

Play Therapy

Play therapy is a form of therapy that enables children to express themselves through play. By using play as the medium, children are able to better explore their feelings and share them with their parents and therapists. Play therapy results in significant improvement in areas such as social skills, language development, regulating emotions, reduction of stereotypical behaviors, or enhanced gross and fine motor skills.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can help children with ASD improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing, and activities of everyday living. Aligning with this, an occupational therapist’s main role is to inculcate daily life skills, such as self-care, independent dressing, grooming, and eating.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy can help children with ASD improve their communication skills, including speech, language, and social communication. With the ultimate goal of helping the child interact in more functional and effective ways, speech therapy can help children on the autism spectrum improve their nonverbal, verbal, and social communication skills.

Parent Training and Education

Providing parents with education and training on how to support their child with ASD can significantly help improve their child’s outcomes and overall family functioning. This approach constitutes a wide range of interventions, including psychoeducation, care coordination, programs designed to address maladaptive behaviors, and treatments for social or language development.

In essence, the above-mentioned approaches play a crucial role in improving the developmental outcomes of children with ASD. By tailoring individualized and effective support, innovative tools, as well as strategies, facilitate the acquisition of important life skills and abilities. Ultimately, this enables children diagnosed with autism to achieve greater autonomy and more enriching life experiences.

 

multitude of innovative tools and strategies available to help children with ASD succeed

As discussed, there are a multitude of innovative tools and strategies available to help children with ASD succeed and thrive. These include –

  •         Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
  •         Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices
  •         Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  •         Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  •         Assistive Technology
  •         Peer-Mediated Interventions
  •         Play Therapy
  •         Occupational Therapy
  •         Speech Therapy
  •         Parent Training and Education

However, it is important for parents and caregivers to stay up-to-date on these advancements and seek out resources to support their child’s needs.

Since every child on the autism spectrum is unique, they may require different types and levels of care. And Early Autism Services (EAS) is committed to providing the best resources for children with autism as well as their families, personalized to their individual needs.

Our team of experts is trained in the latest techniques and strategies, and we are dedicated to helping each child reach their full potential. So, if you are looking for the best autism care for your little one, make sure you get in touch with us right away.

We are here to help and support you every step of the way!

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Helpful Tips for Teaching Self-Care Skills to Children with Autism

Helpful Tips for Teaching Self-Care Skills to Children with Autism

By | Blog

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Children with autism often face challenges associated with carrying out daily activities and also struggle with self-care skills such as bathing, dressing, and handling money.

An important facet of autism care, especially in children, is receiving proper guidance about self-care, hygiene, and safety. Moreover, it is also possible to build up your child’s self-esteem by helping them focus on self-care skills such as grooming and self-hygiene!

Teaching self-care skills is essential for the well-being of children diagnosed with autism; however, it can be difficult since the needs of every child are unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for every kid. Hence, as a caregiver, parent, or teacher of a child with ASD, it is important to know how to nurture these skills effectively and in a way that is tailored to their individual requirements.

And this blog, we will provide helpful tips and strategies for teaching self-care skills to children with autism, with the core objectives of promoting their independence and helping them feel less afraid and anxious in social settings.

So, let’s take a look at some of these tips 

Begin with the basics

When teaching self-care skills to children with ASD, it is important to start with basic skills such as washing hands, brushing teeth, and getting dressed. In addition to adding value to their daily lives, these skills can also help build a stronger foundation for learning more complex skills as they grow older.

Break down tasks into smaller steps

Aba therapy by breaking it down

Children with autism may find it difficult to understand multi-step instructions. Here, breaking down a task into smaller steps makes it easier for them to understand and follow. For example, instead of telling your child to brush their teeth, compartmentalize it into smaller, individual steps such as picking up the toothbrush, applying toothpaste, brushing their teeth, rinsing, and putting the toothbrush back in place.

Implement visual aids

Autism children with flash cards for teaching ABA therapy

Visual aids such as picture cards, schedules, and videos can be helpful in teaching self-care skills to children. Moreover, visual aids provide a pictorial representation of what is expected of them and help them understand the task better. For instance, you can use visual aids to show the steps involved in a particular skill set and, subsequently, provide a pictorial schedule to help them understand what they need to do next.

Use social stories

Social stories are characterized as short, descriptive stories that help children with ASD understand a particular situation or task. You can also use social stories to explain why self-care skills are essential and how to perform them. For example, a social story about keeping your hands clean could explain why it’s important to wash your hands, how to do it correctly, and the benefits of doing it regularly.

Practice positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that helps teach self-care skills effectively. Additionally, praising your child for completing a task or rewarding them with their favorite toy for making progress can help motivate them to work on their self-care skills, and even encourage them to continue practicing the desired behavior.

Practice regularly

Tips to help children with ASD

Practicing self-care skills regularly is crucial to help children with autism become more independent. Also, it is important to note that regular practice helps build muscle memory and makes the skill more comfortable to perform. So, encourage them to practice those skills daily, even if they don’t need to use them at the moment, since it can make a significant difference in terms of their progress.

Remember, patience is key

Teaching self-care skills to children with ASD can take time and patience. Besides, it is also essential to give them time to understand and practice the skills on a regular basis. Here, it helps a great deal when you are patient with their progress and do not get discouraged if and when they struggle to learn. Make sure you celebrate their successes and milestones, no matter how small, and keep working with them to develop their self-care skills!

Teaching self-care skills to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder requires a patient, individualized approach. As demonstrated, the above-mentioned tips can be highly effective in helping children learn self-care skills and become more independent. In fact, the more you work with your little one on these activities, the easier it will be for them to learn new skill sets as they grow up.

Training your child to be self-sufficient is a gradual process. Encouraging them in this regard will not only help reduce their stress levels but also promote their self-confidence and individuality. These skills can also play an essential role in facilitating family relationships while giving your child a sense of belonging.

And in summary, let’s revisit these 7 helpful tips for teaching self-care skills to children with ASD:

  •         Begin with the basics
  •         Break down tasks into smaller steps
  •         Implement visual aids
  •         Use social stories
  •         Practice positive reinforcement
  •         Practice regularly
  •         Remember, patience is key

No two children with autism are alike; this is exactly why Early Autism Services (EAS) strives to present your child with the right assistance, tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, our experienced team is here to help with any questions you may have.

So, make sure you get in touch with us right away and choose the best autism care services for your little one!

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10 advantages of early intervention of people with ASD

Top 10 Advantages of Early Intervention for Children with ASD

By | Blog

Early intervention has been shown to have significant benefits for children on the autism spectrum. It involves offering specialized support as well as services to children as early as possible. Moreover, as per Vikaspedia, early intervention helps minimize delays and improves a child’s potential in reaching normal developmental milestones..

Early interventions occur at or before preschool age (as early as 2 or 3 years). During this period, a young child’s brain is still in the formative stages. Owing to this flexibility, treatments have a higher or better chance of being effective in the longer term.

Through early intervention, several children with ASD make remarkable progress; in essence, they may no longer be on the autism spectrum when they are older. Many of the children who subsequently go off the spectrum have these three aspects in common –

  •  Higher intelligence quotient (IQ) than the average for a child with ASD
  • Treatment and diagnoses at relatively younger ages
  • Improved motor and language skills

Accordingly, in this blog, we will explore the top 10 advantages of early intervention for children with autism since this approach can have a remarkable impact on their overall development and well-being. By understanding these advantages, parents, autism caregivers, as well as educators can work together and ensure the best possible outcomes for children with unique needs

Enhanced Socialization Skills

Aba Therapy improves social skills among children

Children on the autism spectrum often wish to interact with others but may not know how to engage effectively. In fact, they may even become overwhelmed by socialization. Hence, early intervention programs for children with autism typically focus on socialization activities that aid the development of social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and joint attention. By participating in these activities at an early age, children can effectively learn social skills that are crucial for establishing and maintaining friendships, as well as participating in group activities.

Improved Behavior

Improved behaviour due to early intervention in children with Autism

Early intervention often includes behavior management strategies that can play an essential role in tackling challenging behaviors. These include aggression, tantrums, and self-injurious behavior, to name a few. By addressing them early on, children can learn more adaptive ways of responding to their environment, subsequently enhancing their overall functioning as well as their quality of life.

Better Communication Skills

Although some children with ASD have good communication skills, others may find it harder to interact with or relate to others. Since communication is often a major challenge for children with autism, early intervention programs can help address this through speech therapy as well as other communication-based interventions. By focusing on the development of communication skills at an early age, children on the spectrum can develop the ability to express their feelings, emotions, and needs while understanding and responding to others better.

Improved Quality of Life for Children and Families

The advantages of early intervention for children with autism can have a significant impact on the quality of life for both the child and their family. By addressing developmental needs early on, children with autism can develop improved social skills, independence, and academic abilities, which can improve their overall functioning.

Higher Independence Levels

Early intervention also helps develop independent abilities, such as self-help skills (e.g., dressing, eating) and adaptive skills (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making). Through this, children can eventually develop higher independence and self-sufficiency levels, which can enable them to function more efficiently in their daily lives.

Better Academic Performance

In terms of education and schooling, early intervention can have a highly positive influence on the child’s academic performance. Specialized instruction and support for these skills in their formative years can also enable children with autism to read, write, and solve math problems more effectively. And this factor, in turn, can significantly help improve their academic outcomes.

More Opportunities for Inclusion

 Inclusion of children with ASD in classrooms can help reduce the stigma associated with autism, and students can also learn how to interact with their peers. Aligning with this, early intervention programs often provide opportunities for inclusion in regular education classrooms as well as other community activities. By participating in these activities at an early age, children with ASD can develop greater social skills and independence while experiencing a sense of belonging in the broader community.

Reduced Reliance on Special Education Amenities

Early intervention programs also help children address developmental requirements early on. Through this, kids can make relatively greater progress and subsequently require fewer specialized services in the future.

Healthier Family Functioning

The challenges experienced by families of children with ASD range from health problems, financial issues, changes in family dynamics, as well as the absence of social life and a support system. Here, early intervention can offer adequate support and resources for families, which, in turn, helps improve household functioning. By providing parents with information and strategies for managing their child’s behavior and development, early intervention programs can also help strengthen familial relationships

Minimized Parental Stress

Parenting a child with autism can be challenging and stressful, and early intervention programs can help alleviate the pressure. By providing parents with the tools they need to manage their child’s behavior and development, early intervention programs can play a pivotal role in easing feelings of helplessness and anxiety experienced by parents and caregivers.

Early interventions not only provide your child with the best start possible, but also the right opportunities toward reaching their full potential. In summary, here are the top 10 benefits of early intervention for children with autism:

  • Enhanced Socialization Skills
  • Improved Behavior
  • Better Communication Skills
  • Improved Quality of Life for Children and Families
  • Higher Independence Levels
  • Better Academic Performance
  • More Opportunities for Inclusion
  • Reduced Reliance on Special Education Amenities
  • Healthier Family Functioning
  • Minimized Parental Stress

So, if you’re ready to give your child the best autism care in Bengaluru, get in touch with our experts right away – because the right time to begin early intervention is now!

Speak with an EAS clinician today: +91 8929153820