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What can I as a parent do?
The most important thing parents of persons with autism can do is to educate themselves about the disorder and become an advocate for your child and your family. It is important to identify a professional who can help you through the system initially. It is also critical to meet other parents of people with autism. Parents are generally the most helpful to other parents. Other parents can tell you how you can handle certain problems that may arise for your child and your family. Furthermore, service organizations will often listen more readily to parents than to professionals. Finally, it is most important that you love your child. Treat him as normally as possible. Autism is important; it is important to help you understand what is wrong with your child; and, it is important to help you get the services he/she needs. After that, every child is different. The more normally a person with autism is treated, the better he/she is going to do. While it is important to recognize that while treating a child normally is the ideal, it may take the child with autism longer to learn the things necessary to function independently in society as an adult. However with love, early intervention and education, people with autism can and do lead happy, productive lives and can be integrated into society. The problem is that society is not always tolerant of persons who are different. It is up to us as parents and professionals to educate society and help them understand and appreciate these very special people challenged by autism.

Guidelines for Parents

1. Do not baby the child when talking with them.
2. Give 2 chances and if the child doesn't follow, apply physical prompting.
3. Don't say too much praises or negative words.
4. Minimize compromises.
5. Talk to your child like any other siblings and do the same in inculcating discipline.
6. When your child is in therapy sessions parents should back-off unless needed.
7. If someone is handling the child's behavior should not intervene unless the parent/therapist ask for help.
8. If you call his/her attention to perform task be sure that the child will respond.
9. Be authoritative in giving command don't allow them to manipulate you.
10. If the child doesn't follow any behavioral command ignore him or use the non-positive approach.

Guidelines before/during/after thowing temper tantrums:

1. Take away the object or cause of temper tantrums.
2. Redirect the child's attention.
3. Give one simple command or warning.
4. Don't show that you pity him/her and don't show that you are worried about the behavior.
5. Give time out or keep him settled in one place.
6. Don't give any positive reinforcer or praise after the temper tantrums.
7. Ignore the child if he/she calms down after throwing.
8. Discuss what you want with him/her to do. (in a positive way)

Guidelines for food intake:

Lessen the following food:

• chocolates - ice cream, cakes, bars, or candies and drinks
• soft drinks
• high sugar content

Monitor the following:

1. T.V. watching / beta, VHS
2. Listening on the radio/playing tapes, CD
3. Playing computer
4. Language at home

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