Some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to cope with overwhelming situations or emotions. This can lead to sensory overload. Spending time outside is a great way to help your child cope with such situations by giving them an opportunity to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air while playing in a less stimulating environment. This can help encourage play and social skills while allowing the child to redirect their energy. Research has shown that spending time outdoors is beneficial in a number of ways. In an article from The Marcus Autism Center, they explain that “Play in natural environments encourages language and cooperative skills. Outdoor play can improve awareness, reasoning, and observational skills. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress.”
Crafts are an excellent way to help a child relax and improve focus. It’s important to remember that when it comes to behavior, there’s rarely a single cause; stressful situations or events could be causing your child to become anxious, angry, or frustrated. The next time you notice your child having struggling, try making something together. Crafts provide a multi-faceted activity and children can explore new and exciting ways to express their creativity while crafting. If your child is prone to putting inedible objects in their mouth, replace those materials with crafting materials they can eat like sugar free gum drops, dried fruit, or aa homemade edible adhesive. Encourage your kids to make their own crafts rather than buying pre-made ones at stores.
A great activity to connect with your child on an emotional level is to use emotion cards. For example, if you notice they are having a hard time focusing on schoolwork, try to identify how their brain may be feeling under that pressure. Ask them to point out how they are feeling and use that to learn more about what it’s like for them in that moment; then share with them what emotions you think they may be experiencing using cards that use both an illustrative and written example of emotions. You can use this to help guide them through possible solutions to the problem at hand. While empathy isn’t easy to do, it is one of best ways parents can help their children during stressful times or moments of anxiety or frustration.
Engaging in activities with your children will improve your quality of life and theirs. It is also important to have a common activity that you can do together on a regular basis. There are many positive benefits that come from engaging in fun activities with your children; not only will they learn many different skills, but they will also gain more confidence and become more creative at an early age. Learn more about ABA Therapy at our archive below. We are Mandt Certified to increase relationship building and decrease restraints. To learn more about the Mandt System, click here!
This blog offers practical strategies for maintaining your child's ABA progress while still allowing for the fun and relaxation the holidays bring. We've included tips for maintaining routine and structure during the holiday season; creative ways to incorporate ABA strategies into holiday activities like family games, crafts, and social gatherings; how to reinforce important skills like communication, social interaction, and self-regulation while still allowing for some downtime; and practical advice on preventing regression and ensuring your child’s progress continues during time off from school.
Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxury, but for ASD parents, it is a necessity. Self-care involves taking intentional actions to care for one's physical, emotional, and mental health. By prioritizing self-care, parents can recharge their energy, improve their mood, and enhance their ability to cope with stress. It's important for parents to remember that self-care is not selfish; it is a crucial component of being able to care for their child effectively.
Children with autism may struggle to express their needs or frustrations verbally, leading to tantrums as a form of communication. ABA can help identify the triggers and underlying functions of tantrums, allowing for targeted interventions that replace these behaviors with more appropriate forms of communication.