IMPORTANCE OF PARENTS AND THERAPIES IN TREATING AUTISTIC CHILD

Autism is not a disease it’s a  

variation in functioning.

Autism is a Neuro developmental disorder where there is a problem with the communication and social interaction and restricted interest and Repetitive behaviour. It occurs 3-4 times more in boys than girls. Parents will notice signs in first  2-3 years of child’s life and some children reach their milestones normally and then worsen. Autism affects information processing in the brain & don’t know why this is occurring in the brain. Research is going on this. 

CAUSES: There is no specific cause but some Combination of Genetic & Environmental factors involved.

RISK FACTORS: Some infections like Rubella during pregnancy & Alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

There is no known treatment for this to cure. 

Early speech or behavioural interventions can help children with autism to gain self care, social and communication skills. Not all but some children are successful to live independently. This is because of combination of treatments or therapies.

Some Medicines used to treat problems associated with ASD like Psychoactive drugs or Anticonvulsants but there is no known medication to cure ASD symptoms and some medications have adverse effects or undesired harmful effects on body also. 

Autistic child improvement is majorly depend on family along with the therapies.

Patience & Tolerance of parents play major role. For making their child independent

So Just teach &teach &teach until they learn things. No one will learn things without proper and continues teaching.

Don’t think THEY CAN’T AND THEY WON’T, THEY CAN AND THEY WILL do and participate in all activities if there is proper training. 

Spend more time with your kid and take them to new places every time & educate them how to move along through various circumstances. 

Some parents depend more on Therapist / Therapy treatments and they won't give training in the house. Remember Every kid first learn all milestones from parents only at home even you and Me learn everything  First from Parents only, so Learn how to train your child from Therapist and later do the same at home. May be he won’t pay interest first but after few days may be he can. 

Fear by seeing crowd and my child start crying many parents will say this it happens because they are unfamiliar with the things in the crowd so they may feel fear by seeing new people, new smell, and new sound. So make them familiar by Taking them to near parks or malls and let them  play with other kids,  if they are not playing make them to play or otherwise let them move in the crowd,  so that they learn new things like hearing new sounds , new voices and will smell fresh air or any spray of perfume and he may feel the things by touch and their brain will  learn new things and he may  lose his fear and familiar with the things around him. 

Some parents with their wrong perception and because of their busy life they are making children to stay at home after therapy treatments. Then there is no use of therapies please spend more time to make your child independent. 

Some parents may GO TO DEPRESSION and think that after Therapy training also there will be no improvement  and its waste to take the therapy its waste of time and money . SLOW AND STEADY will win the race be patient and train them maximum, one day you will see the change for sure. There are many success stories of Autistic kids so why can’t you be the success parent. Don’t lose your hope until you succeed.

THERAPY TREATMENTS Give them proper therapy treatments which include Behavioural therapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy, Changes in the diet pattern and PHYSIOTHERAPY.

PHYSIOTHERAPY ROLE:

Physiotherapist will assess the child’s overall motor functioning, identify the underlying difficulties, and provide an intervention program to help to improve these difficulties and subsequently the child’s overall functioning. Physiotherapy intervention plan include:

• Specific exercises or activities for muscle strength, posture, endurance, motor planning and balance reactions

• Sensory feedback strategies to improve a child’s awareness of their body posture and movements

• Recommendations for taping, orthotics, and/or other bracing or positioning strategies and equipment to enhance the child’s body alignment, posture and body awareness during functional or physical activities

• Recommendations and support to participate in community based physical activity programs that will support their physical skills and endurance

TIPS FOR EXERCISES:

• When teaching a child with autism a new exercise, it’s important to do so in a calm and supportive environment. 

• Use positive reinforcement such as “You’re doing a great job!” 

• Also use verbal or hands-on cues to help guide them through the movements and decrease the chances of them getting frustrated and upset.

• Start slow and monitor for signs of fatigue such as shortness or breath, muscle cramps, or dizziness.

• Ensure the child is well hydrated and rested before exercising.

• It’s best to start at a low intensity and slowly work your way up to harder, more vigorous sessions.

Autistic child need multi-disciplinary team, Working together with occupational therapist, speech therapist and psychologists, dietician, physiotherapist , most importantly parents and family members can make a childs overall fuction independent and improves their quality of Life.

Note:Always consult a doctor before starting an exercise program with a child with autism