Research has shown that behavioral therapy enables children with autism to develop key life skills. If therapy starts early enough, they can learn to enjoy personal comforts while also participating in activities that can help them grown. As a companion to your licensed behavioral therapy regimen, here are some things to do for home behavioral improvement for children with autism.
Healthy Routines
A daily routine is a great comfort to most people, but especially those on the autism spectrum. It’s tough to shake your own routine, which is one of the reasons bad habits are so difficult to break. A healthy, energizing routine can provide a strong foundation for your child with autism, however.
Starting a new routine can be difficult at first. The experts at Special Strong recommend guiding your child through new activities. You can do this by announcing them when you know your child is paying attention. You may prepare for the next activity by creating and presenting a “Social Story.” This is a picture representation of what you’re trying to say, and this can help make the transition easier.
Time to Play
It can be tough to ensure that your child with autism is listening and digesting what you say. This may be due to pent-up energy that never got expelled during the course of the day. If your child is doing work at school and then coming home to follow more directions, then it’s easy to understand why focusing can be so difficult.
The experts at Special Strong advise adding playtime to the routine we suggested earlier. When your child knows that they’ll have the opportunity to play later, over time of reinforcement, then getting them to listen when you need them to can become easier.
Room to Rage
With autism comes sensory discomforts that are inescapable and difficult for those with differing abilities to understand. Something that seems small and ordinary to you may seem overwhelming and scary to your child with autism. Despite all the efforts you put into making your child feel more secure, meltdowns are inevitable.
That’s why it’s important to provide your child with a safe space to feel their feelings. You may have a dedicated room for this or just a corner of your child’s room call the “Frustration Station.” In this area, your child has the freedom to yell, roll around or stim. This may keep your child from acting out in self-destructive or violent ways.
Regular Exercise
An exercise routine has shown amazing results in children and adults with autism. Not only does physical exercise lower the risk of obesity, heart disease and so many other physical ailments, but it also improves confidence, focus and brain activity. If you’re ready to start your child on their journey toward the best version of themselves, sign up for personal training sessions or local boot camps with Special Strong today.