EY Newsletter: Its Time to Debunk Some Common Autism Parenting Myths
Does parenting advice from books, friends, or family just not work for your child with autism?
It’s not just you…
Often, parents learning to raise a child with an autism diagnosis find it challenging because advice that may have worked for their neurotypical kiddo doesn't have the same effect on their child with autism.
Or the advice given from other parents and friends (although well-intended) backfires, causing a number of challenging behaviors in your child diagnosed with autism.
This is because children with developmental disabilities learn and process their environment in very different ways than a child who is neurotypical (don't have a developmental disability).
Let's debunk some common recommendations and explore why they might not work for your unique situation.
Myth 1: Punishment and Time-Outs: Traditional discipline like time-outs often overlooks the sensory and communication challenges faced by children with autism, leading to increased frustration rather than understanding.
Alternative: Use clear, consistent communication and visual aids to set boundaries. Positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors can be more effective.
Myth 2: 'They'll Grow Out of It': Waiting for your child to 'outgrow' autism disregards their current needs for support and understanding.
Alternative: Early intervention and tailored therapies can help your child develop essential skills for navigating their world.
Myth 3: “They Need to Learn to Adapt”: While adapting to the world is important, so is the world adapting to them. Advocating for environments that recognize and respect neurodiversity can make a significant difference in their lives.
Myth 4: “They’ll Eat When They’re Hungry”: For children with autism, especially those with sensory processing issues, eating isn't always about hunger. It's about texture, color, and sensory experiences. Understanding and accommodating these needs is crucial.
In the next email, we are going to shed some light on some of the most common emotional parenting challenges we see that parents with developmental disabilities face and how you can set your family up for success in overcoming these challenges.
