Yes!! You can support a family member with ASD at home.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by varying difficulties in social interaction, communication, and the presence of restricted interests or repetitive behaviors. It may also include impairments in areas such as intelligence, language, and sensory processing.

Overall, ASD encompasses a broad spectrum of symptoms and challenges that children and adults face in their daily lives. 

The syndrome can significantly affect parent-child relationships, peer interactions, and adaptation to educational and societal environments.

The level of functioning among children with ASD varies considerably, influenced by factors such as age, language proficiency, intellectual development, treatment history, and the extent of ongoing support.

The treatment for ASD focuses on improving the child's functioning via behavioral, educational, and social skills training, plus ongoing parental support. Medication doesn't cure core social and communication impairments in ASD but helps manage behaviors like aggression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleep problems, supporting children to benefit more from other therapies.

To help a child with autism:

 Create a structured routine

“Ram is a 10-year-old diagnosed with L-2 ASD. He has a morning routine (using the bathroom, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed), an afternoon schedule (school, therapy, and playtime), and a consistent bedtime ritual (bath, pajamas, and a story). Friday evening is pizza night, Sunday is a playdate, and Sunday is at the library. He has a chart in his room at a good visual height to keep the sequences.”  

“Eva has high-functioning Level 1 ASD. She left my therapy room. She rushed towards her lunch box; the clock had struck 12.30. Keeping a schedule was very important for her. As she started to eat, her parents patiently sat across her, understanding her need to follow a structure.”

These routines reduce anxiety by providing predictability and a sense of control. 

Use clear and simple communication

 Direct, simple, and literal language is helpful. For example, saying "Please put the toys in the box" instead of "Can you tidy up your room?" Other strategies involve breaking down instructions into small steps, providing visual support like schedules or pictures, and avoiding sarcasm, idioms, and other forms of indirect communication that can be confusing. 

Follow flow is a good example of being direct, using their name, and allowing processing time.

Mother- Ronnie

Ronnie- Yes

Mother- Can you come and sit here?

Ronnie takes a circle, goes up and down few steps, plays with his balls, comes around to sit

Mother is patient, watching and waiting. She knows the routine.

Mother- Ronnie

Ronnie- yes

Mother- I have something to ask Ronnie.

Ronnie- What?

Mother- We need to sleep early. It is good for health.

Ronnie- No, I do not want to.

Mother- Ronnie

Ronnie- What?

Mother- Sorry, we need to sleep early.

Ronnie-Okay

Clear communication helps by reducing confusion, enhancing their ability to express themselves, and improving social interactions. It prevents misunderstandings, which decreases anxiety and frustration and fosters a stronger connection with others.

Provide a supportive environment

• Stay positive: Be patient and stay positive, showing your love and interest in your child.

• Reward good behavior: Use positive reinforcement, like praise or a special activity, to encourage appropriate actions.

• Create a calm space: Designate a "safety zone" where your child can relax and feel secure.

• Reduce sensory overload: Minimize loud background noise and consider how lighting might affect your child. 

A positive environment helps by providing structure, reducing anxiety, and boosting development, social skills, and self-confidence.

Seek professional help

• Consult therapists: Work with specialists like speech and language therapists or occupational therapists for communication and sensory issues.

• Explore other therapies: Art, music, or other creative therapies.

• Find local resources: Look for local support groups.