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Helping Young Children with Learning Disabilities at Home

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Helping Young Children with Learning Disabilities at Home

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https://ldaamerica.
org/info/helping-young-children-with-learning-disabilities-at-home/

This is an article from Learning Disabilities Association of America that discusses how parents can help support their children with a learning disability at home.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7uZXkQ-aRk

This video, created by Cornerstone Psychological Services, describes different ways a parent can help their child regulate their emotions.

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A Guide to Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

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A Guide to Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

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https://downsyndromepregnancy.org/the-mediocre-moms-guide-to-raising-a-child-with-down-syndrome-or-any-kid-for-that-matter/

This article is written by Stephanie Hall Meredith who is the co-author of Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome and Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent’s Guide. Stephanie discusses ten different ways to help raise your child with Down Syndrome.

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There are lots of articles out there praising parents as superheroes for raising children with Down syndrome or other conditions, but what if you're a mom or dad who's perfectly average? What if you're the kind of parent who usually has to beg forgiveness from the room mom for forgetting to send in cash for the teacher's birthday? Or you recycle Halloween costumes from year to year as long as they fit? Is there any hope for you and your child? After talking to a number of moms who also consider themselves satisfactory, the short answer is "yup, you can still raise a child with a disability without being a superstar all the time." So, listen up, because this list has taken us a few years to put together. After all, life is busy when you're constantly putting out fires for all of the kids, working, going to school, and basically keeping it together.

1. Eat chicken nuggets, pizza, Goldfish, and ice cream.

Ok, so nobody should do this all the time whether they have a disability or not (especially if they have celiac disease or allergies), but sometimes the parents of kids with Down syndrome feel like they absolutely must feed their kids all organic, grass-fed, Omega-rich, antioxidant diets with supplements galore. That's great for people who enjoy that lifestyle and the benefits I'm sure it provides. I wouldn't know because that's all really expensive and hard to do even though I admire other people with the stamina to do it ... just like I admire the room mom even though I'll never do that either. But kids with Down syndrome are also perfectly fine eating what everyone else in the family eats and just taking a multi-vitamin as a supplement ... on the days you remember.
Stacey shares, "I find goldfish to be an invaluable tool at teaching dexterity, patience, strengthening of pincer grip and problem solving skills. Digging those little suckers out of couch/car seat crevices is hard work. Also useful in building immunity as you never really know how long they have been there."
2. Encourage speech through humor.

Sure, speech therapy is tried and true, and you should talk to all your kids as much as possible when you're not hiding in the bathroom from them. But my family has also been surprised by the impact of humor in teaching both speech and comedic timing.

For example, one day we were preparing to leave for Boy Scouts. My 14-year old son with Down syndrome was trying to encourage his sister to hurry and finish up dinner and said, "Eat Kate." I promptly responded, "We don't support cannibalism in our family Andy." As you'd expect from a teenage boy, he rolled his eyes and then used a longer sentence, "Eat your dinner please, Kate."
Nancy recalls her daughter Gabby's conversational skills resulting from a moment of sarcasm. Gabby proudly told someone, "Mommy has babies in her belly. They are twins. Their names are wine and chocolate." Excellent speech! This can also be the start of a biology lesson which includes the gestation period for human beings (which is not five years).
3. If you don't have the money or energy to go to the store and buy your kids the latest gadget, let your kids play with random things.

Sometimes kids learn quite a bit when you just let them try stuff while you're looking at Pinterest and feeling inadequate.

For instance, when my son was 7-years-old, I was surprised when I heard music blasting from his room because we hadn't gotten him a music player or a speaker or anything. We were shocked to find he had actually fished out the right cords and had piped music from his dad's iPod into my 30-year-old keyboard. Who knew that was even possible?

4. Give lots of opportunities for "self-reliance."

The names have been changed in these examples to protect the mediocre.
One mom describes, "When we went biking as family one day, my 16-year-old son with Down syndrome stopped to take a break at a picnic bench while I picked up my daughters from another part of the bike trail. When my son's friends showed up and asked to talk to him, he was nowhere in sight. Usually I don't worry in these situations because my son is pretty independent, but I have a friend who keeps teasing about losing him. So I rushed up the hill back to our house about a mile before realizing there was no way he'd gotten that far in such a short amount of time. When I went back to check the bike trail, there he was sitting on the picnic table. I asked him where he went, and he said, "I went to the bathroom and then fell asleep on the table waiting for you." Another mom shares, "One time I walked one short block to give my other son his baseball glove, and my son with Down syndrome called 911 because he couldn't get an internet connection. I was gone literally three minutes. When the officer arrived, I told him my son used his amazing communication skills to get what he needed-not that I was a bad parent for leaving my 9-year-old for three minutes. They gave him a sticker and me a look."
5. Relax on the couch while your kid plays Minecraft or watches the Disney channel.

Sometimes parents of kids with disabilities feel like they need to be actively working with their kids every moment to encourage learning, but that can be really exhausting. So, for those of you who need to sit back and relax with a Diet Coke and the latest People magazine, it's really okay. Sometimes those TV shows and video games teach age-appropriate play and help your kids have something in common with their peers.
Meriah shares her secret technique for teaching reading: "Moxie learned the alphabet from Dora ... but everyone thinks it was my hard work/therapy." Heather, who is often found on her laptop, says, "Spontaneous speech like 'mommy come here' and 'mommy, where are you?' have come about for Izzy because she has a distracted mom."
6. If your kid makes a mess, tell them to clean it up.

This is true for any kid. If they spill milk, hand them a wet cloth and tell them to wipe up. Also, if they drop those goldfish on the floor, that's a great time to teach them how to use the vacuum attachment. Start as young as possible on this one ... seriously. But also be apathetic enough that you don't care whether they do it perfectly or not.

Of all my kids, my son with Down syndrome is the best at cleaning his room, but he tends to rearrange his furniture and pack boxes in the closet for when he moves out to the beach someday. When he was 13, I used to try to rearrange everything, but then I decided just to appreciate that he was the one kid without junk all over the floor. So, what do I care if he has a few boxes in his closet ... because you never know when he might get a beach offer.

7. Skip therapy/homework and go to the park sometimes.

Kids with disabilities usually have a pretty full therapy schedule while their parents use that time to go grocery shopping, clean out the car, or wrangle with their other kids and socialize in the waiting room. It can be exhausting for the kids to sing all those rhyming songs in music therapy. So, don't feel bad to play hookie and just go hang out in the park or with the neighbor kids-sometimes even experts can't tell when you've been slacking.
Maureen confides, "I LOVE when a teacher says, 'Oh, I can tell you've been working on this at home,' and my husband and I just look at each other like, SUCKA!!!!"
A straw poll of adequate moms shows that this happens all the time.

8. Hand your kids technology to keep them entertained ... like everyone else.

It's risky letting any kid use technology, but it can be a great tool to keep them entertained and ultimately stay in touch with friends as they get older.

One day I was surprised to get a text from my son's Scout Master saying, "I love my wife." I thought, "Well, of course you do." Then I noticed that the previous text sent from my phone said "I love you." Apparently, my son sent a message to his beloved Scout Master with one of the few phrases he knew how to write at the time. Fortunately, a brief explanation helped us avert a scandal at church. Even though we've had some texting misfires; my son has taken 356 selfies at one time; and I've apparently become one of Taylor Swift's biggest Instagram fans, Andy can now text most of his friends using Siri and makes plans with them on the regular.

9. Let your kids teach each other.

You don't have to do all the work raising your kids. Siblings can also teach each other. Sometimes your child with a Down syndrome will learn to say, "You ruin my life" from his sister. And your other kids will also learn some lessons from their sibling with a disability, like how to make friends by leading a flash mob during the school lunch Spirit Day.
Megan shares that, "Ellie [her 5-year-old daughter with Down syndrome], feeds her baby sister. It's messy. Sometimes she forgets and feeds the baby a cookie. But for a tired mom, who cares!
10. Ditch the kids sometimes ... responsibly, of course.

Unless you're a first time parent or something catastrophic would actually happen if you leave, don't be one of those parents who takes pride in never leaving your children with a babysitter. It's not a badge of honor, it's a badge of being super tired. Go on a date or a Girl's/Guy's Night or book club. Plus, your child may make some really good friends.

So take heart all of you perfectly average parents (whether you have a child with a disability or not) because most of us aren't superstars. We're just doing the best we can muddling through each day. As long as your kids know you love them and you do the normal safety stuff, they are (usually) just fine. Take it easy on yourself and them and have fun together - or just relax and let them entertain themselves.
By Stephanie Hall Meredith, Co-Author of Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother's Guide to Down Syndrome and Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide. Thanks to contributions from Maureen Wallace, Meriah Nichols, Nancy McCrea Iannone, Megan Landmeier, Rachel Douglas, Conny Wenk, Melissa Kline Skavlem, Heather Bradley, and Stacey Calcano.

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The Mediocre Mom's Guide to Raising a Child with Down Syndrome (or any kid for that matter)

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There are lots of articles out there praising parents as superheroes for raising children with Down syndrome or other conditions, but what if you're a mom or dad who's perfectly average? What if you're the kind of parent who usually has to beg forgiveness from the room mom for forgetting to send in cash for the teacher's birthday?

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https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/down-syndrome.html

This article from KidsHealth discusses what causes Down Syndrome and how it is diagnosed. It also discusses how parents can help their child with Down Syndrome.

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What Is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a baby is born with an extra

chromosomenumber 21. The extra chromosome is associated with delays in the child's mental and physical development, as well as an increased risk for health problems.

The physical features and medical problems linked to Down syndrome can vary widely from child to child. While some kids need a lot of medical attention, others lead healthy lives.

Down syndrome, also called trisomy 21, happens by chance, can't be prevented, and isn't caused by anything a parent did or didn't do. Fortunately, the health problems can be managed well, especially when found early, and many resources are available to help kids and their families.

What Causes Down Syndrome?

A baby inherits genetic information from its parents in 46 chromosomes, typically 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. Chromosomes hold our genes, which carry the information that determine how our bodies look and work, including traits from our relatives like hair and eye color.

In most cases of Down syndrome, a child gets an extra chromosome 21 - for a total of 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Rarely, the extra chromosome 21 attaches to another chromosome. This extra genetic material causes the physical features and developmental delays in people with Down syndrome. The features are no different if the extra chromosome is by itself or attached to another one.

How Can Down Syndrome Affect Kids?

Kids with Down syndrome often have similar physical features, such as a flat facial profile, an upward slant to the eyes, small ears, and a tongue that tends to stick out.

Low muscle tone (called hypotonia) is also common in kids with Down syndrome but is less obvious as they get older. Children will reach developmental milestones, like sitting up, crawling, and walking, though typically later than other kids do. Low muscle tone may also contribute to sucking and feeding problems during early childhood, as well as gastroesophageal reflux and constipation.

At birth, babies with Down syndrome are often smaller than other newborns, and they tend to grow at a slower rate and remain shorter than their peers. Toddlers and older kids may have delays in speech and self-care skills like feeding, dressing, and using the toilet.

Down syndrome affects kids' ability to learn in different ways, and most have mild to moderate intellectual disability. Kids can and do learn, and they can develop skills throughout their lives. They just reach goals at a different pace. So it is important to remember that each child with Down syndrome will gain skills in their own time and to not compare them to their typical peers or even kids with the same condition.

Kids with Down syndrome have a wide range of abilities, and there's no way to tell at birth what they can do as they grow up.

What Medical Problems Can Happen With Down Syndrome?

Some kids with Down syndrome have no serious health problems. But others may have medical issues that need extra care. Many go to clinics that specialize in caring for people with Down syndrome. If you don't have a Down syndrome clinic in your area, your primary care doctor can help coordinate care for your child.

Almost half of all children born with Down syndrome will have a congenital heart defect. All newborns with Down syndrome should be checked for this with a specialized ultrasound for the heart ( echocardiogram).

About half of all kids also have problems with hearing and vision. Hearing loss can be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear or to structural problems of the ear itself. Vision problems commonly include strabismus (eyes do not track together), nearsightedness or farsightedness, and cataracts.

Vison and hearing problems can affect language and learning. Regular checkups by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), audiologist, and an ophthalmologist can find and manage any problems.

Children may need to see other medical specialists, depending on their needs. Medical problems that happen more often with Down syndrome include:

People with Down syndrome sometimes have an unstable upper spine (neck) and should be checked by a doctor every year or sooner if they have symptoms, such as neck pain, changes to their walking, or unexpected loss of bladder or bowel control. Some children may need neck X-rays before playing some sports or before getting anesthesia.

How Is Down Syndrome Diagnosed?

Two types of prenatal tests can look for Down syndrome in a fetus:

Screening tests estimate the chances that a fetus has Down syndrome.

Diagnostic tests can tell if the fetus does have the condition.

Screening tests are cost-effective and easy to do. But they don't give a definitive answer about whether a baby has Down syndrome. So these tests are used to help parents decide whether to have more diagnostic tests.

Diagnostic tests accurately diagnose Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems. But because this involves getting some of the baby's cells while still inside the uterus, there is a risk of miscarriage and other complications.

If you're unsure about which test, if any, is right for you, your doctor or a genetic counselor can help you sort through the pros and cons of each.

Screening tests include:

nuchal translucency testing: This test is done between weeks 11-14 of pregnancy. It uses ultrasound to measure the clear space in the folds of tissue behind a developing baby's neck. Babies with Down syndrome and other chromosomal problems tend to have fluid buildup there, making the space look larger. To calculate the odds that the baby has Down syndrome, doctors use this measurement, along with the mother's age (the risk for a baby to have Down syndrome increases with the mother's age), and the baby's gestational age.

the triple screen or quadruple screen (also called the multiple marker screen)

integrated screen: This uses results from first-trimester screening tests (with or without nuchal translucency) and blood tests with a second trimester quadruple screen to come up with the most accurate screening results.

an ultrasound

cell-free fetal DNA analysis: This test analyzes fetal DNA found in the mother's blood. It can be done in the first trimester and is more sensitive at finding trisomy 21 than standard the screening tests noted above.

Diagnostic tests include:

If the doctor suspects Down syndrome after a baby is born, a karyotype test (chromosome analysis) can confirm the diagnosis. This is typically done on a blood sample and the chromosomes are grouped by size, number, and appearance to look for differences.

How Can Parents Help?

If your child has Down syndrome, you may at first have feelings of loss, guilt, and fear of the unknown. Talking with other parents of kids with Down syndrome may help you deal with your concerns and find ways to look toward the future. Many parents find that learning as much as they can about the condition helps ease fears.

Children with Down syndrome benefit from getting early intervention services as soon as possible. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech/feeding therapy can help, and early childhood educators can work with your child to encourage and boost development.

States provide early intervention services to kids with disabilities from birth to age 3. Check with a health care provider - a doctor, nurse, developmental pediatrician, or a social worker - to find resources in your area.

When kids with Down syndrome turn 3 years old, they're guaranteed educational services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under IDEA, local school districts must provide "a free appropriate education in the least restrictive environment" and an individualized education program (IEP) for each child.

Where to send your child to school can be a hard decision. The needs of some kids with Down syndrome are best met in a specialized program. But many kids with Down syndrome go to a typical school and enjoy the same activities as other kids their age. Being in a regular classroom (known as inclusion), when appropriate, is good for both the child with Down syndrome and the other kids.

A few kids with Down syndrome go on to college. Many transition to semi-independent living. Others continue to live at home but hold jobs and find their own success in the community.

Your school district's child study team can work with you to find what's best for your child. All decisions about your child's education should involve your input, as you are your child's best advocate.

You also can find more information and support online at:

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Down Syndrome (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth

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In Down syndrome, an extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. But many resources are available to help kids who have it and their families.

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Parent Strategies for Children with ADHD

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Parent Strategies for Children with ADHD

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktb520seHYk

Erin Gonzalez is a psychologist that discusses three difficulties for children with ADHD and strategies to address those difficulties.

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ADHD 101 - Why Kids With ADHD Need Different Parenting Strategies

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https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/when-your-child-has-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm

This article discusses different strategies that parents could use to manage their child's behavior and challenges.

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Does your child have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Learn what you can do to manage their behavior and deal with common ADHD challenges.

How to help your child with ADHD

Life with a child or teen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) can be frustrating, even overwhelming. But as a parent you can help your child overcome daily challenges, channel their energy into positive arenas, and bring greater calm to your family. And the earlier and more consistently you address your child's problems, the greater chance they have for success in life.

Children with ADHD generally have deficits in executive function: the ability to think and plan ahead, organize, control impulses, and complete tasks. That means you need to take over as the executive, providing extra guidance while your child gradually acquires executive skills of their own.

Although the symptoms of ADHD can be nothing short of exasperating, it's important to remember that the child who is ignoring, annoying, or embarrassing you is not acting willfully. Kids with ADHD want to sit quietly; they want to make their rooms tidy and organized; they want to do everything their parent says to do-but they don't know how to make these things happen.

If you keep in mind that having ADHD is just as frustrating for your child, it will be a lot easier to respond in positive, supportive ways. With patience, compassion, and plenty of support, you can manage childhood ADHD while enjoying a stable, happy home.

ADHD and your family

Before you can successfully parent a child with ADHD, it's essential to understand the impact of your child's symptoms on the family as a whole. Children with ADHD exhibit a slew of behaviors that can disrupt family life. They often don't "hear" parental instructions, so they don't obey them. They're disorganized and easily distracted, keeping other family members waiting. Or they start projects and forget to finish them-let alone clean up after them. Children with impulsivity issues often interrupt conversations, demand attention at inappropriate times, and speak before they think, saying tactless or embarrassing things. It's often difficult to get them to bed and to sleep. Hyperactive children may tear around the house or even put themselves in physical danger.

Because of these behaviors, siblings of children with ADHD face a number of challenges. Their needs often get less attention than those of the child with ADHD. They may be rebuked more sharply when they err, and their successes may be less celebrated or taken for granted. They may be enlisted as assistant parents-and blamed if the sibling with ADHD misbehaves under their supervision. As a result, siblings may find their love for a brother or sister with ADHD mixed with jealousy and resentment.

The demands of monitoring a child with ADHD can be physically and mentally exhausting. Your child's inability to "listen" can lead to frustration and that frustration to anger-followed by guilt about being angry at your child. Your child's behavior can make you anxious and stressed. If there's a basic difference between your personality and that of your child with ADHD, their behavior can be especially difficult to accept.

In order to meet the challenges of raising a child with ADHD, you must to be able to master a combination of compassion and consistency. Living in a home that provides both love and structure is the best thing for a child or teenager who is learning to manage ADHD.

ADHD parenting tip 1: Stay positive and healthy yourself

As a parent, you set the stage for your child's emotional and physical health. You have control over many of the factors that can positively influence the symptoms of your child's disorder.

Maintain a positive attitude. Your best assets for helping your child meet the challenges of ADHD are your positive attitude and common sense. When you are calm and focused, you are more likely to be able to connect with your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well.

Keep things in perspective. Remember that your child's behavior is related to a disorder. Most of the time it is not intentional. Hold on to your sense of humor. What's embarrassing today may be a funny family story ten years from now.

Don't sweat the small stuff and be willing to make some compromises. One chore left undone isn't a big deal when your child has completed two others plus the day's homework. If you are a perfectionist, you will not only be constantly dissatisfied but also create impossible expectations for your child with ADHD.

Believe in your child. Think about or make a written list of everything that is positive, valuable, and unique about your child. Trust that your child can learn, change, mature, and succeed. Reaffirm this trust on a daily basis as you brush your teeth or make your coffee.

Self-care

As your child's role model and most important source of strength, it is vital that you live a healthy life. If you are overtired or have simply run out of patience, you risk losing sight of the structure and support you have so carefully set up for your child with ADHD.

Seek support. One of the most important things to remember in rearing a child with ADHD is that you don't have to do it alone. Talk to your child's doctors, therapists, and teachers. Join an organized support group for parents of children with ADHD. These groups offer a forum for giving and receiving advice, and provide a safe place to vent feelings and share experiences.

Take breaks. Friends and family can be wonderful about offering to babysit, but you may feel guilty about leaving your child, or leaving the volunteer with a child with ADHD. Next time, accept their offer and discuss honestly how best to handle your child.

Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, and find ways to reduce stress, whether it means taking a nightly bath or practicing morning meditation. If you do get sick, acknowledge it and get help.

Tip 2: Establish structure and stick to it

Children with ADHD are more likely to succeed in completing tasks when the tasks occur in predictable patterns and in predictable places. Your job is to create and sustain structure in your home, so that your child knows what to expect and what they are expected to do.

Tips for helping your child with ADHD stay focused and organized:

Follow a routine. It is important to set a time and a place for everything to help the child with ADHD understand and meet expectations. Establish simple and predictable rituals for meals, homework, play, and bed. Have your child lay out clothes for the next morning before going to bed, and make sure whatever he or she needs to take to school is in a special place, ready to grab.

Use clocks and timers. Consider placing clocks throughout the house, with a big one in your child's bedroom. Allow enough time for what your child needs to do, such as homework or getting ready in the morning. Use a timer for homework or transitional times, such as between finishing up play and getting ready for bed.

Simplify your child's schedule. It is good to avoid idle time, but a child with ADHD may become more distracted and "wound up" if there are many after-school activities. You may need to make adjustments to the child's after-school commitments based on the individual child's abilities and the demands of particular activities.

Create a quiet place. Make sure your child has a quiet, private space of their own. A porch or a bedroom work well, as long as it's not the same place as the child goes for a time-out.

Do your best to be neat and organized. Set up your home in an organized way. Make sure your child knows that everything has its place. Lead by example with neatness and organization as much as possible.

Avoid problems by keeping kids with ADHD busy!

For kids with ADHD, idle time may exacerbate their symptoms and create chaos in your home. It is important to keep a child with ADHD busy without piling on so many things that the child becomes overwhelmed.

Sign your child up for a sport, art class, or music. At home, organize simple activities that fill up your child's time. These can be tasks like helping you cook, playing a board game with a sibling, or drawing a picture. Try not to over-rely on the television or computer/video games as time-fillers. Unfortunately, TV and video games are increasingly violent in nature and may only increase your child's symptoms of ADHD.

Tip 3: Encourage movement and sleep

Children with ADHD often have energy to burn. Organized sports and other physical activities can help them get their energy out in healthy ways and focus their attention on specific movements and skills. The benefits of physical activity are endless: it improves concentration, decreases depression and anxiety, and promotes brain growth. Most importantly for children with attention deficits, however, is the fact that exercise leads to better sleep, which in turn can also reduce the symptoms of ADHD.

Find a sport that your child will enjoy and that suits their strengths. For example, sports such as softball that involve a lot of "down time" are not the best fit for children with attention problems. Individual or team sports like basketball and hockey that require constant motion are better options. Children with ADHD may also benefit from training in martial arts (such as tae kwon do) or yoga, which enhance mental control as they work out the body.

The benefits of "green time" in kids with attention deficit disorder

Research shows that children with ADHD benefit from spending time in nature. Kids experience a greater reduction of symptoms of ADHD when they play in a park full of grass and trees than on a concrete playground. Take note of this promising and simple approach to managing ADHD. Even in cities, most families have access to parks and other natural settings. Join your children in this "green time"-you'll also get a much-deserved breath of fresh air for yourself.

ADHD and sleep

Insufficient sleep can make anyone less attentive, but it can be highly detrimental for children with ADHD. Kids with ADHD need at least as much sleep as their unaffected peers, but tend not to get what they need. Their attention problems can lead to overstimulation and trouble falling asleep. A consistent, early bedtime is the most helpful strategy to combat this problem, but it may not completely solve it.

Help your child get better rest by trying out one or more of the following strategies:

Decrease television time and increase your child's activities and exercise levels during the day.

Eliminate caffeine from your child's diet.

Create a buffer time to lower down the activity level for an hour or so before bedtime. Find quieter activities such as coloring, reading or playing quietly.

Spend ten minutes cuddling with your child. This will build a sense of love and security as well as provide a time to calm down.

Use lavender or other aromas in your child's room. The scent may help to calm your child.

Use relaxation tapes as background noise for your child when falling asleep. There are many varieties available including nature sounds and calming music. Children with ADHD often find "white noise" to be calming. You can create white noise by putting a radio on static or running an electric fan.

Tip 4: Set clear expectations and rules

Children with ADHD need consistent rules that they can understand and follow. Make the rules of behavior for the family simple and clear. Write down the rules and hang them up in a place where your child can easily read them.

Children with ADHD respond particularly well to organized systems of rewards and consequences. It's important to explain what will happen when the rules are obeyed and when they are broken. Finally, stick to your system: follow through each and every time with a reward or a consequence.

As you establish these consistent structures, keep in mind that children with ADHD often receive criticism. Be on the lookout for good behavior-and praise it. Praise is especially important for children who have ADHD because they typically get so little of it. These children receive correction, remediation, and complaints about their behavior-but little positive reinforcement.

A smile, positive comment, or other reward from you can improve the attention, concentration and impulse control of your child with ADHD. Do your best to focus on giving positive praise for appropriate behavior and task completion, while giving as few negative responses as possible to inappropriate behavior or poor task performance. Reward your child for small achievements that you might take for granted in another child.

Using Rewards and Consequences

Reward your child with privileges, praise, or activities, rather than with food or toys.

Change rewards frequently. Kids with ADHD get bored if the reward is always the same.

Make a chart with points or stars awarded for good behavior, so your child has a visual reminder of their successes.

Immediate rewards work better than the promise of a future reward, but small rewards leading to a big one can also work.

Always follow through with a reward.

Consequences

Consequences should be spelled out in advance and occur immediately after your child has misbehaved.

Try time-outs and the removal of privileges as consequences for misbehavior.

Remove your child from situations and environments that trigger inappropriate behavior.

When your child misbehaves, ask what he or she could have done instead. Then have your child demonstrate it.

Always follow through with a consequence.

Tip 5: Help your child eat right

Diet is not a direct cause of attention deficit disorder, but food can and does affect your child's mental state, which in turn seems to affect behavior. Monitoring and modifying what, when, and how much your child eats can help decrease the symptoms of ADHD.

All children benefit from fresh foods, regular meal times, and staying away from junk food. These tenets are especially true for children with ADHD, whose impulsiveness and distractedness can lead to missed meals, disordered eating, and overeating.

Children with ADHD are notorious for not eating regularly. Without parental guidance, these children might not eat for hours and then binge on whatever is around. The result of this pattern can be devastating to the child's physical and emotional health.

Prevent unhealthy eating habits by scheduling regular nutritious meals or snacks for your child no more than three hours apart. Physically, a child with ADHD needs a regular intake of healthy food; mentally, meal times are a necessary break and a scheduled rhythm to the day.

Get rid of the junk foods in your home.

Put fatty and sugary foods off-limits when eating out.

Turn off television shows riddled with junk-food ads.

Give your child a daily vitamin-and-mineral supplement.

Tip 6: Teach your child how to make friends

Children with ADHD often have difficulty with simple social interactions. They may struggle with reading social cues, talk too much, interrupt frequently, or come off as aggressive or "too intense." Their relative emotional immaturity can make them stand out among children their own age, and make them targets for unfriendly teasing.

Don't forget, though, that many kids with ADHD are exceptionally intelligent and creative and will eventually figure out for themselves how to get along with others and spot people who aren't appropriate as friends. Moreover, personality traits that might exasperate parents and teachers may come across to peers as funny and charming.

Helping a child with ADHD improve social skills

It's hard for children with ADHD to learn social skills and social rules. You can help your child with ADHD become a better listener, learn to read people's faces and body language, and interact more smoothly in groups.

Speak gently but honestly with your child about their challenges and how to make changes.

Role-play various social scenarios with your child. Trade roles often and try to make it fun.

Be careful to select playmates for your child with similar language and physical skills.

Invite only one or two friends at a time at first. Watch them closely while they play and have a zero-tolerance policy for hitting, pushing and yelling.

Make time and space for your child to play, and reward good play behaviors often.

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Life with a child or teen with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) can be frustrating, even overwhelming. But as a parent you can help your child overcome daily challenges, channel their energy into positive arenas, and bring greater calm to your family.

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http://www.theautismdad.com/blog/

This is a website created by Rob Gorski, "The Autism Dad". Rob is raising three kids with Autism and each blog post is a learning experience for all.

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I've haven't written anything super meaningful in a long time. The truth is that a I've written so much over the years that I've sorta burned out. There's something like 12,500 articles on this blog and I've written 99% of them. The rest is guest or sponsored content.

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file:///C:/Users/ztroughton/Downloads/Anxiety%20and%20Your%20Child%2042022.pdf

Anxiety among our students seems as though it is at an all time high. The following link is a pdf from Lilia Mucka Andrew who has a PhD in Psychology. The pdf was was presented in a webinar from a collaboration between Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health and Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

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This is a website that has many useful resources for a parent who has a child with Autism.

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back

A Parent's Guide to Autism

If your child has recently been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, you have come to the right place.

A Parent's Guide to Autism was developed as part of Autism Speaks' series of Family Support Tool Kits to support you and promote a positive future for your child and family during an often challenging time.

You are not alone in this journey and this guide is a step toward finding the help you need to travel the road to optimal outcomes for you, your child and your family.
Sections include:

Response to the Diagnosis

Your Role as a Parent

Ten Things a Parent Can Do to Help their Child with Autism

Building a Support Network

Taking Care of Yourself

Personal Story: How I Let Go of My Expectations and Learned Unconditional Love

Frequently Asked Questions

Haga clic aquí para acceder este recurso en español.

Complete the form below to access the Tool Kit
By submitting this form you will receive periodic communications from Autism Speaks. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Our Autism Response Team (ART) is specially trained to connect people with autism, their families, and caretakers to information, tools, and resources.
Get in Touch with ART

Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

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A Parent's Guide to Autism | Autism Speaks

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Click here to download the Autism Speaks Parent's Guide to Autism - a tool to support parents after a new autism diagnosis.

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The following book is a memoir from Kate Swanson who has a child that was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism.

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my book.

Forever Boy
Releases April 5, 2022

With her popular blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with Autism. Now, Kate shares her inspiring story in this powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love

When Kate Swenson’s son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. She hadn’t signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability.

At first, Kate experienced the grief of broken dreams. Then she felt the frustration and exhaustion of having to fight for your child in a world that is stacked against them. But through hard work, resilience and personal growth, she would come to learn that Cooper wasn’t the one who needed to change. She was. And it was this transformation that led Kate to acceptance—and ultimately joy.

In Forever Boy, Kate shares her inspiring journey with honesty and compassion, offering solace and hope to others on this path and illuminating the strength and perseverance of mothers. Forever Boy will be released on April 5, 2022 and is available now for preorder.

Dear Reader,

When you have a child diagnosed with something, anything, your world changes in an instant. It gets smaller for one. Suddenly, you feel like you are the only person on this planet going through this unique thing. And you feel alone. I know I sure did. I can say for certain that the beginning of my journey into autism would have been entirely different if I had found someone who I could relate to. This book will do that for you. As you read, I hope you find yourself nodding along, finally feeling understood in something that can feel so isolating. But also seeing hope and joy in a little boy and a misunderstood diagnosis.

Whether you have autism in your life or not, I hope you enjoy reading Forever Boy. And that the yellow-haired boy who adores trains and covers his ears at the grocery store impacts you in a positive way. So next time you see autism, you choose grace and kindness.

—Kate Swenson

Available at

Editorial Reviews

"Until the late twentieth century, autism was hidden in plain sight. Now it’s a public health priority and focus of extensive research. However, it remains a black box. While we wait for answers, extraordinary people like Kate Swenson, through their dedicated and resourceful efforts have taken it upon themselves to create a nurturing environment in which children like Cooper can grow and thrive. Forever Boy will be an inspiration to all who face the challenge of caring for special needs children." —Dr. Jeffrey A. Lieberman, Lawrence C. Kolb Professor and Chairman of Psychiatry, Columbia University

“Forever Boy is a candid journey through the beauty and battles of having a child with autism. Kate blends wit and wisdom in an unapologetic account of marriage, motherhood and unconditional love. She captures the struggles, expectations and reality all parents face while advocating for their children. It's a story of unexpected loss; enduring hope and most importantly, newfound understanding. It should be mandatory reading for teachers or for anyone who has children or is thinking of having children.” –Colin Balfe, founder of Love What Matters

"Kate Swenson has pulled the curtain back to show first-hand the challenges of life with a child with severe autism. For those who are in the dark about the disability, or know little about it, her story will be an eye opener." —Valerie Gilpeer, co-author of I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust

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Book - Finding Cooper's Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism

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my book. Forever BoyReleases April 5, 2022 With her popular blog, Finding Cooper's Voice, Kate Swenson has provided hope and comfort for hundreds of thousands of parents of children with Autism. Now, Kate shares her inspiring story in this powerful memoir about motherhood and unconditional love When Kate Swenson's son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIWeZeYC4GU&list=PLjvfRtcMhn4PB0NTW0RlvsMJGu1Csnn5s&index=3

This video discusses different ways a parent can help their child make progress. It is hosted by Jennifer Mannheim.

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Conversations About Autism: How to help my kid make progress

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr5nQZLkFU4&list=PLjvfRtcMhn4PB0NTW0RlvsMJGu1Csnn5s&index=4

The following video is from Seattle Children's and is hosted by Jennifer Mannheim. The video discusses the first steps for an Autism Diagnosis and the guests joining the conversation are Katrina Davis, Shayla Collins, and John Lemus.

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Conversations About Autism - First Steps After an Autism Diagnosis