When it comes to the autism spectrum disorder, one of the most widely known and prominent features is the different way in which the person with the disorder sees and communicates with the world around it. While that is true, and tackling this aspect early on is highly recommended, this isn’t the only way in which you can help a child with autism.
Depending on the child, they might experience different health-related issues that should be recognized as soon as possible in order to properly treat them.
All of that is why, in order to help you, as a parent, guardian, or teacher to contribute to the health of the child in question in the best way possible, in this article, we are going to guide you through the most prominent things that you should look out for, as well as how to assess these situations.
Mental health – children with autism and anxiety
Did you know that anxiety disorders affect up to a staggering 42 percent of people with autism? On the other hand, it affects an estimated 3 percent of children and 15 percent of adults in the general population.
To be even more specific, one of the major types of anxiety that children with autism experience are social anxiety, and that’s because many people that have been diagnosed with the autism spectrum disorder have trouble assessing and expressing how they and others feel, as well as what are people’s intentions and thoughts.
Developing communication skills
There are many different ways in which you can help the child develop better communication skills, and which one is the most suitable depends on the extent of the diagnosis. Basically, it all comes down to starting as early as possible and really committing to reading the social cues that your child is expressing – whatever they may be.
DIR Floortime Therapy
DIR (developmental Individual-difference relationship-based model) floortime therapy is a model that has been developed in order to help children with autism spectrum disorder connect by communicating while using their own interests to develop different engagement skills, symbolic thinking, increase logical thinking, and also to improve interaction.
Basically, DIR floortime therapy is a great way to help children with autism engage in such a way that they interact while being both comfortable and interactive, and this is the key to success. Forcing a certain type of communication that is familiar to you to the child that just doesn’t find it feasible is only going to result in more anxiety.
Autism and epilepsy
Epilepsy is unfortunately pretty common in people that are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, some approximations even suggest that it affects up to a third of people with autism. This is a really high number since, in contrast, it affects only 1 to 2 percent of the general population. So, how can you help a child that is diagnosed both with epilepsy and with autism?
The warning signs
In a person with epilepsy, a seizure basically happens when certain brain nerves fire in an abnormal manner. This ultimately causes effects that the person has no control over, and most of the time, there are some signs that can help you to know when to act and how.
The biggest red flags when it comes to warning signs are involuntary movements, unexplained confusion, severe headaches, as well as the combination of these symptoms. Other, less-specific signs can include sleepiness, disrupted sleep, unexplained changes in abilities or emotions, and similar – but these can be attributed to many different things.
In any case – if you are suspecting that your child may have epilepsy, be sure to seek an evaluation from a neurologist. This is especially important since child with autism will often not be able to communicate these issues in an obvious way, so, you need to stay vigilant.
In the end, it all comes down to truly committing to trying to understand your child and the moments when issues arise, as well as acting on them by taking your child to the doctor Being a parent is by no means an easy task, but by being persistent and by providing support, love, and comfort, both you and your child can go a long way!
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various strategies and approaches that can benefit the health of a child with autism. By focusing on their unique needs and strengths, implementing early intervention, creating a structured and supportive environment, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, we can enhance their overall well-being and development. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, therapists, educators, and support networks is crucial in providing the best possible care and support for children with autism. With the right interventions and a holistic approach, we can help children with autism thrive and lead healthier, happier lives.
FAQs
What is autism, and how does it affect a child’s health?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior. It can affect a child’s health by influencing their sensory processing, sleep patterns, gastrointestinal health, and overall physical and mental well-being.
What are some common health challenges experienced by children with autism?
Children with autism may face various health challenges, including sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal issues, dietary restrictions, anxiety, and difficulty with transitions. It is important to address these challenges to support their overall health and well-being.
How can early intervention benefit the health of a child with autism?
Early intervention programs and therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy, can help improve communication skills, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors. By addressing these areas early on, it can positively impact a child’s overall development and well-being.
Are there specific lifestyle habits that can benefit the health of a child with autism?
Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques, can benefit the overall health and well-being of a child with autism. These habits can support their physical health, emotional regulation, and cognitive function.