Autism Awareness Day: How Parents can Foster Growth And Confidence in Their Autistic Child
- BY DAKALO NEKHUMBE
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how individuals interact with others, how they learn and behave. As a spectrum disorder, autism displays itself in varying ways, so the symptoms and severity of ASD are distinct from individual to individual. While autism can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms can be identified during the first two years of life.
Supporting and caring for an autistic child can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to start. To help you navigate this journey with confidence, we’ve created a comprehensive guide filled with practical advice and encouragement. Our goal is to provide you with the tools and insights needed to build a strong and supportive environment where your child can thrive.
The Many Faces of Autism
Each individual with autism has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. While some autistic people can speak, others are nonverbal or selectively verbal and others communicate in other ways. Some autistic individuals have difficulty learning while others do not experience this difficulty. Autistic individuals can vary in how much help they need, certain autistic people need a significant amount of support, while others need little support and in some instances they can live independently. In the U.S. autism is more commonly diagnosed at the age of 5, but the symptoms appear around at 2 or 3 years of age.
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Autism can be hard to detect as autistic individuals usually have other behavioural or mental health issues that affect their quality of life. Other behavioural and mental issues that autistic people can suffer from include:
Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Anxiety and depression
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders
Seizures and sleep disorders
Research from the CDC shows that boys have a higher diagnosis for autism than girls do. This is because autism presents itself differently in girls than it does in boys. Girls display their symptoms more subtly, experiencing fewer communication challenges and fewer repetitive behaviours which often lead to a misdiagnosis or an underdiagnosis. Getting a diagnosis as an adult is challenging as adults often hide their autism to blend in. While autism is a lifelong condition the way it presents itself changes as you get older. Autistic individuals may require different support at different life stages.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism:
Autistic individuals often face challenges with social interactions and may struggle to recognize social cues. However, autism presents in a variety of ways, including:
Avoiding or not maintaining direct eye contact.
Not responding to their name by 9 months of age.
Showing minimal or no emotional expressions—such as happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise—by 9 months old.
Using few or no hand gestures, such as waving hello or goodbye, by 12 months.
Not engaging in shared experiences, such as showing a favorite toy, by 15 months.
Not recognizing when others are upset or hurt by 2 years of age.
Difficulty expressing emotions through singing, gestures, or speech development..
Repetitive Behaviours and Interests in Autistic Individuals
Autistic individuals have peculiar interests that set them apart from other conditions associated with a lack of social communication. Some of these can include:
Repeating phrases or words over and over again.
Getting upset by minor changes
Having unusual reactions to the way something smells, feels, tastes, looks or sounds.
Always sticking to a routine
Obsessing over their interests.
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4 Ways to Support Your Autistic Child
1. Be Consistent:
Children with ASD have difficulty applying what they have learned in one setting to a different setting. However, as a parent, you can play a crucial role in helping them adapt. By learning and reinforcing what your child’s therapist teaches your child you not only establish routine, but you also create a sense of stability for your child. Routine is essential for autistic children as it provides comfort and predictability. Establishing consistent daily habits helps your child feel secure and capable of managing changes.
2. Stick To A Schedule:
A set schedule with regular times for meals, therapy, school and bedtime helps your child thrive as this speaks to the consistency they love. Minimise disruptions to your child’s routine as much as possible, but when changes are unavoidable prepare your child in advance. Giving them time to anticipate and adjust to the shift can make transitions smoother and less stressful.
3. Acknowledge and Reward Good Behaviour:
Take note of times when your child acts appropriately or learns a new skill, and acknowledge their good behaviour. Be specific about what you’re praising them for and reward them with playing with their favourite toy or giving them a sticker.
4. Make Your Home A Refuge:
Create a comfortable and secure space where your child can relax and feel safe. This means setting clear boundaries and organizing the environment in a way that makes sense to them. If your child is prone to tantrums or self-injurious behavior, consider safety-proofing your home to minimize risks and ensure their well-being. A well-structured, calming space can provide them with the reassurance and stability they need to thrive.
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Incorporating these techniques in your routine with your child will bring stability and encourage them to thrive in a fast-paced world.
For resources on autism visit:
