Raising autism awareness can seem difficult to do when you are still learning about the condition yourself. However, your child is counting on you to set the example about how to share information with others and teach others how to approach autism and how they can assist children with autism learn and grow.
Educate Yourself
There are many misconceptions about autism and what it means for children and families. The first step in raising awareness is first educating yourself. Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting provides information and training for parents, guardians, and families to support their loved ones. Dedicate some time learning to effectively communicate and interact with individuals with autism. During the process, look for the successes rather than the struggles of the child. With practice and understanding, you can help others understand what you have learned. Finding support in the early stages of a child’s development can help both you and your child receive the information and support you need.
Get Involved
Your child isn’t the only one that needs to be working toward improvement. As a parent or guardian, there are opportunities for you to grow and learn too. Solstice Behavioral Health and Consulting provides Parent Training that can be extremely beneficial for parents who are both just starting this journey and those who want to improve their skills and understanding. Solstice and many other community organizations also hold events where parents and supporters are welcome to assist and participate alongside other parents and experienced professionals like Dr. Solandy Forte.
Be an Advocate
Being an advocate for a child with autism can be as simple as listening. Children with autism often have problems communicating, but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the effort to communicate. It is also important to learn some of the language used for this condition. Using person-first language (child with autism; not “autistic child”) reminds everyone that the child’s care & wellbeing come before their struggles. Doing so can help children with special needs feel welcomed, valued, and treated with respect. We at Solstice believe that with the right support, anyone can be successful.
Use Your Voice
Often, there are laws, regulations, and policies that directly affect those with autism. These can include state and local laws, school policies, and insurance benefits. Be aware of how these regulations affect access to services, insurance coverage, resources, and assistance. Your child is counting on you to be aware and make the right choices to provide them with the support they need.
Be a Role Model
Being a role model is one of the best ways to support your child and raise autism awareness. Use the appropriate language and practice the communication skills you have learned to support your child. Your community and your children watch the way you interact and handle situations. Supporters can learn from one another how best to communicate with their children and others with autism. It is also important to provide opportunities for children with autism to participate in events, groups, and activities. Providing these opportunities allows parents, leaders, and children to practice and improve their communication and advocacy skills.
As you and your child work together to raise awareness and acceptance, you can help create a community of support. With more than 10 years of providing support and training for families, Solstice Behavioral Health and Consulting in Shelton, Connecticut strives to become a bedrock for autism awareness and education. Solstice has created multiple programs and activities to help children and communities enhance their skills and develop their support networks. Contact our office to see how we can help you and your family move forward together.
