As a parent, giving your child the best possible start in life is your greatest priority. If your little angel shows signs of being neurodivergent, adapting to this situation should be at the top of your agenda.
Ultimately, every family that has a child with neurodiverse conditions is on its unique path. Nonetheless, the following checklist should go a long way to helping.
Get an early diagnosis
A parent’s intuition is incredibly powerful. So, if you have spotted the early signs of a potential neurodivergence, you should trust your instinct. Even if you’re wrong, ruling it out is far better than living in a constant state of uncertainty.
It is now possible to screen for autism from 16 months. So, there is no need to delay the process until your child is in school. The sooner an issue is diagnosed, the sooner you can take action. Likewise, it may allow you to unlock funding at an earlier age.
Crucially, it will allow you to gain a better understanding of your child’s specific needs. After all, one child’s experience of neurodivergence can be vastly different from another’s.
Adapt the home
Every child deserves to feel comfortable in their home. For a neurodivergent child, it needs to be a safe space. First and foremost, parents must ensure that the property is secure from intruders and kept childproof. But they must make special adjustments for their child.
Firstly, you should focus on an autism-friendly bedroom design. This includes relaxing colors, quiet flooring, and the right scents. It will ensure that bedtimes are smoother while your son or daughter will also feel able to calm themselves when things get too much.
Away from the bedroom, having a dedicated sensory area could be vital too. Depending on your child’s needs, this may focus on sensory stimulation or deprivation.
Find great activities for the home]
If your child is to feel truly comfortable and comfortable at home, you need to keep them entertained. As with all children, your son or daughter will probably gravitate to a small selection of activities that they take great enjoyment from.
There is no single right or wrong option. It may revolve around cooking and making dessert with the children. Alternatively, you may find that artistic crafts or making forts is their favorite activity. Either way, your job is to unearth and celebrate what they love.
On a side note, the backyard can bring a whole new dimension to your home lives. It’s a safe and familiar setting that removes any risk of becoming overwhelmed.
Find a combination of specialized and standard activities
Social activities are important for all children. Especially when looking at activities that aid your child’s development. If your child is neurodivergent, it’s likely that they will respond best to a combo of autistic-friendly groups and general activities.
This could mean finding sensory sessions at the soft play center. Meanwhile, sporting activities like trampolining are ideal if your child seeks sensory stimulation. Above all else, you should maintain an open dialogue with trainers and coaches.
Once supervisors are aware of your child’s needs, they can make the environment more welcoming. In turn, your child will gain the full experience.
Be ready for difficulties in public
If your child has an issue like sensory processing disorder, it’s likely that some public settings will feel too much. Therefore, having the items to calm your child, as well as the ability to spot triggers or troublesome situations, is crucial.
When sound is an issue, ear defenders for autism and SPD are a great choice. This calms the surrounding noise to keep them at ease. Meanwhile, having chewable necklaces or other items in place can be useful. Of course, the key is to find what works for your little angel.
Even when the accessories and tactical responses are not needed, having them in place will put your mind at ease.
Educate yourself
Neurodiversity doesn’t only affect the child. Your entire family will notice a difference in almost every aspect of your lives. However, you can make things a lot easier for yourselves by developing a greater understanding of the situation.
Following a diagnosis, you can read up on lots of information while also speaking to the experts. Meanwhile, other families can provide a winning support network for you. Whether online or in the real world, making those connections is pivotal.
A deeper understanding of what your child thinks and feels will allow you to adjust your parenting techniques. In turn, your son or daughter will receive the support they deserve.
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