All kids have their own unique habits and preferences and a wide range of skills.
Some of these habits or behaviors can be challenging, and while they are common in kids with autism, they can happen in anyone.
Some behaviors can be stressful for both the child and the parents or caregivers.
The first thing to know is that you're not alone! These are all very common, and many parents have found creative ways to ease the stress and make things easier.
Here are a few general tips:
Try to understand things from your child's point of view.
- Often a habit or behavior happens because of the way that a child compensates for how they experience their environment.
- Some kids get unusually stressed by sensory information like noises, lights or textures, and this is especially true of kids with autism.
- Be patient and realize that their behavior helps them to cope.
Talk to other parents to learn how they have handled similar challenges.
- The best advice often comes from people who have been there. Other parents of kids with these issues can have useful advice, tips, tricks and solutions.
- But remember that you still know your child best. You don't have to take every piece of advice you get!
- See the section on connecting with support programs and other parents. (Look in the menu on the left side of your screen. The menu is at the top if you're on a phone.)
Watch this helpful 20-minute video about understanding and managing your child's behaviors.
- It's from LASARD: The Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders Project.
- It helps you understand why kids may be acting the way they do, and what they may be trying to tell you.
- It includes practical techniques to give them a better way to tell you what they need.