Autism is a confusing diagnosis, and you may be overwhelmed and not sure what you should do. There are resources that can help you understand what’s going on with your child, and how to best manage any problem behaviors your child is displaying.
Autism is more common that many people realize. It’s estimated that 1 in 59 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Boys are four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism.
Dr. Rainilda Valencia is a highly skilled and compassionate pediatrician with an office in Victorville, California. She has a wealth of experience in working with children with autism and their parents. In addition to offering autism screenings, she provides you with a personalized care plan that helps your child develop and thrive.
Autism is a developmental disorder that’s referred to as autism spectrum disorder because it encompasses a wide range of conditions. Characteristics of these conditions are repetitive behaviors, social challenges, issues with motor skills, and difficulty with speech and nonverbal communication. Each child with autism is unique and has a specific set of challenges.
Parenting a child with autism can be challenging, but it gets easier with the right information and support. Here are a few things you can do that can help a lot.
It can be a huge challenge for your child to take lessons learned from therapists or at school and apply those at home. Communicate with your child’s teachers and therapists, and adopt as many of their ideas and techniques as you can. Try to remain consistent in how you react to your child even if your child is unpredictable.
Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that each child with autism is different. Pay attention to your child’s behaviors and learn what they’re trying to tell you. Try to celebrate your child’s uniqueness, accept your child, and celebrate their progress.
Having a familiar routine and knowing what to expect can be helpful to children with autism. Set up times for meals, appointments, and bedtime that are consistent from day to day. Try not to deviate from the schedule without giving your child advance warning.
A treatment plan ensures that your child is getting the treatment they need on a regular basis. It’s based on a complete assessment of your child’s needs. This can include therapies that may help, such as behavioral, speech, or family therapy.
Parenting a child with autism often brings added stress. To take care of your child, you need to take care of yourself. If you need therapy or a support group to help you cope, find a way to attend. Make time for self-care so that you don’t get exhausted and burned out.
Autism can present some significant challenges to a parent, but with the proper information and support, your child can thrive. We’re here to help you along the way.
To set up an appointment with Dr. Valencia, simply call our office and speak to our friendly and helpful staff.
