Sleep problems are very common in children with autism. With my own son, Brad, I struggled with getting him to sleep in his own bed through the night for 8 years. Using techniques though, I was finally able to establish a step-by-step procedure that resulted in him sleeping through the night consistently in his own bed and not sleeping on couch
Every night, despite giving Brad his medication . and letting him fall asleep in his own bed, he would wake up. He sometimes would be up for hours. And oftentimes he would run into our room and climb into our bed and fall back to sleep. Sometimes I try not to close his door until he fall asleep. Sure to close his door right after he fall asleep so that he can stay asleep because he does here everything and anything. Brad life, his sleeping me and my husband pattern every single night. One of the first pieces of advice was for me to lock our bedroom door at night. This prevented Brad from just barging in and jumping in our bed. I explained to Brad that the door would be locked and he would need to knock. I also explained that he would get a special reinforcement for staying asleep in his own bed and for waking up alone in his bed in the morning.
How Are Sensory Balls
Used For Autism?
The use of sensory balls and toys to help children with autism is becoming more and more common. There are many different types of sensory balls and toys available, appealing to one or more of the different senses. Sensory balls are toys work to engage a child’s senses in an enjoyable way.
Sensory ball used for autism can help children focus better, calm down, and relax, however, sensory toys do not replace formal and evidence-based treatment for autism spectrum disorders. In the end, sensory toys are meant to help a child learn more about their senses in a fun way. Through the use of play, a child with autism may better understand their senses and how to manage them.
These sensory reflective balls help children with autism by helping them develop a visual sense. that children with ADHD and autism have less of the ability to process visual sensory information. This is a great solution to help get your child started!
What Are Sensory Issues?
There are two types of sensory issues that might affect a child with autism: hyper-sensitivities and hypo-sensitivities. Both types of sensitivities affect how the child processes and reacts to different types of stimuli. can include, but are not limited to:
- Sights
- Sounds
- Smells
- Tastes
- Touch
- Balance
- Body Awareness
Hyper-Sensitive Children
Children who are hypersensitive are overly responsive to stimulants. This is often called “sensory overload.” Both regular and extreme stimuli, like bright lights or strong smells, can affect hyper-sensitive children, leaving them feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of strategies that can be used to help children with sensory hypersensitivity. In order to ensure appropriate support is in place, parents should consult with an occupational therapist or professional to determine the best way to support their child with hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Hypo-Sensitive Children
As opposed to hyper-sensitivity, some children with autism are actually under-responsive to senses and stimulants. One example of this is a low sensitivity to pain. A child who has hypo-sensitivity also may be under-responsive to body signals that affect balance control and physical coordination. Some accommodations that can be made for children who are hypo-sensitive include weighted blankets, strong tasting or textured foods, and activities that practice physical skills such as dancing, jumping, running, and catching.
Children with autism tend to experience difficulties with self-regulation or sensory integration, which refers to our ability to use and respond to both external and internal stimuli. This has adverse effects on a child’s mood and behavior. Yoga can help in this regard, as studies show that the combination of yoga poses and breathing exercises improves self-regulation and coping skills, reducing mood and behavioral problems.
Yoga therapy improves balance and stability
Autism children often suffer from problems with balance and stability due to limited body awareness. This is something that yoga is effective at remedying as it gets kids familiar with body parts and structured movements. Yoga therapy helps kids develop a greater sense of body awareness and control, especially when the poses involve both proprioceptive.
Yoga therapy reduces anxiety and stress levels
Because of impaired sensory integration, children with autism often experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
Yoga is widely recognized for its efficacy in helping lower stress and anxiety,
Say this words out loud everyone. Some positive affirmations to you though your day. We are all beautiful don’t forget that. Keep reminding yourself how gifted you are. Well get thorough This in believe in yourself Www.livebeyondautism.com
For autism kids language difficulties affect children academically, socially and personally. The ability to communicate is and essential skill that can impact our kids life. Which can cause frustration and often crying for everyone. we strive to help our kids communication matter
There is a significant different between talking and communication. As most of us know, the inability to use speech does not preclude the ability to be understood by others. Sign language, body language, pictures, all facilitate non-verbal communication and others. Sign language, pictures, all facilitate non-verbal communication and these can provide an opportunity to work towards increasing vocalization in autism kids.
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Celebrate Mother’s Day.
Being a mom has brought me the greatest joy in my life. I am so blessed to have 2 amazing kids that I get to share each day with. I am so happy to celebrate this day and everyday with my family. I am so grateful to my husband for helping build a solid foundation to raise our kids. My family helped me realize how much I love being with a mother and how much I enjoy discovering the world as mother. I’ve grown and found purpose in helping other that have autism kids.Being mom has helped me discover strengths I did not know I had and a love that is so deep and pure that words cannot describe. It is that love that brings me here to listen to other's stories. Our roads as moms are often more like roller coasters with highs and lows and unexpected twists. Our lift filled with many excitement, tears of joy and/or pain, challenges, eager anticipation.I’ve learned to embrace each day as a mother and be present to helped my kids grow and to be the best wife to my husband.
I also think about my mom and grandmother what strengths and insights I gained from them. We all have been influenced in one way or another which shapes us into who we are today. I encourage you to take time this week and reflect on what does being mom mean to you or characteristics of strength you have gained from mom in your life. Happy Mother’s Day. www.livebeyondautism.com
Www.livebeyondautism.com Children with autism tend to have difficulties interacting socially. That’s why they may act out or have a full meltdown when stressed, confused, afraid, and anxious about something.
Strategies To Calm Children With Autism
Different from tantrums, autism meltdowns are an intense response to overwhelming circumstances. The common triggers include changes in routine, sensory differences, communication difficulties, and anxiety. Getting overly anxious leads to a meltdown or involuntary coping mechanism. In this article, you’ll learn some effective strategies to calm children with autism. See below:
Have Your Child Wear A Weighted Vest
Vest can hold weight. This special vest designed for autistic children has pockets inside where you can place small ½ or ¼ pound weights. An anxious child with autism felt calmer and focused wearing a weighted vest because of the compression and weight, providing deep muscle and joint pressure that resembles a firm hug. Start with light weights and gradually increase them. Ensure that the vest is not more than 5 to 10% of the child’s body weight. Also, distribute the weight evenly throughout the vest to snugly fit the child’s body. Schedule your child to wear a weighted vest twice or thrice a day, no longer than 15 minutes for each instance.
Children with autism have difficulty processing sensory information. They can be under-reactive (hypersensitive) or over-reactive (hypersensitive). A weighted vest helps an autistic child calm down when feeling stressed because of the sensory input. It makes the child feel more comfortable,
Children with autism can benefit from wearing weighted vests, such as the following:
- Increase focus
- Reduce anxiety
- Improve communication
- Promote problem-solving skills
- Regulate emotions
- Increase body awareness
- Promote better coordination