5 Ways to Connect With Your Autistic Child
Building a connection with your child is usually one of the easiest things you do as a parent. Being with them every day from the day they make their grand entrance into the world, tending to their every need, and ensuring they are loved makes it easy to form an unbreakable bond with them. For parents with children on the autism spectrum, this can become challenging, especially when you’re child is nonspeaking. The more ‘traditional’ ways of forming that connection may not work, leaving parents struggling to come up with ideas on how to create meaningful and lasting connections with their children. We’ve put together five tips to help you connect with your autistic child.
1. Listen to your child:
Listening to your child is one of the best ways to build a connection with them. Be open and attentive when your child communicates with you. Even if you’re child is not verbal, there are other forms of communication (AAC device, sign language, hand leading, PECS) they can use to relay their message. Knowing they can communicate their needs and their voice is respected is huge and is a great way to build a bond with your child.
2. Be patient
This may seem like a given, but is often overlooked. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects how an individual processes information and interacts with their environment. Depending on where your child falls on the spectrum, language, and communication may be more difficult for them. Allowing your child additional time to process information and respond is crucial to making them feel comfortable enough to build trust.
3. Spend quality time together
Make time to spend with your child on a regular basis. This could include activities such as playing a game together, cooking a meal, or reading a book. Carving out time during a busy day to give your child your undivided attention lets them know they are important to you. Spending quality time together allows your child to experience that softer side of you which opens up the possibility of a stronger emotional connection. It also gives them an opportunity to share their interests with you in a meaningful way.
4. Show empathy
Showing empathy for your child’s feelings is important for developing a connection. Children with autism often struggle with understanding and expressing emotion, so giving your child a safe environment to express their emotions without judgment makes it easier for them to build an emotional bond with you.
Additionally, showing empathy lets your child know that you understand their struggles, and are willing to help them through them. You’re also modeling the behavior for your child which can be a huge help for them to work on this skill.
5. Celebrate successes
Celebrating successes, no matter how small, can help your child feel valued and appreciated. Highlight your child’s accomplishments and let them know you are proud of their efforts. But don’t stop there, celebrate their failures as well. Let them know that it is okay to fail too, as long as they’ve tried their best. Help them find small lessons in failures and try to find ways they can improve next time around. Your child will see that you have their best interest at heart and this will help them be more vulnerable with you.
Using these five strategies can help you create meaningful connections with your autistic child and build stronger relationships. Notwithstanding that, however, you are also giving your child opportunities to practice skills we often take for granted. The world will never be different in the eyes of your autistic child, helping them hone in on skills that will be beneficial for them in the long run is always a win while building a bond with them that will last a lifetime.