Autism: Finding Tradition in the Non-Traditional

EPISODE 8:

Perhaps you have found that the presence of autism in your life has expanded your mind in ways you never thought possible. Before I was a parent, I thought I knew how it worked. Fast forward just 5 years, and I’m now parenting in a way that I never thought I would. My son, my pride and joy, has taught me a few tricks along the way.

 

On today’s episode, I’m speaking with fellow autism mom Alicia Rasmussen on a few of the traditions she has established on her non-traditional journey. Her journey with autism began in 2006 when her four-year old son was first diagnosed. He is now a thriving teenager, an accomplished musician, who is currently studying Japanese, Korean, and French simultaneously, in addition to learning Danish. He’s travel the world as an exchange student and is planning on attending college to study music or further his language studies.

  

SUMMARY

Everyone deserves to have their gifts developed and nurtured in a way that leads to personal fulfillment and positive outcomes.

Some of the more traditional tips incorporate into your daily lives may include: 

1. First/Then
   1. Depending on your needs and the skill set of your child, you can do this verbally, or with pictures. “First we clean up, then we can play.”
2. Timers
   1. Your child may need a 5-minute or even a 1-minute warning before there is a transition to a new activity. This helps a child feel more in control without controlling the parent.
3. Reward Positive Behavior
   1. It’s really important to recognize behaviors that a child usually struggles with! Sharing, following directions, being quiet. With positive affirmation, you can let the children know their behaviors were noticed.
4. Focus On “Positive Speak”
   1. Instead of telling your child what you DON’T want them to do, tell them what you DO want them to do.
5. Lead By Example
   1. They’re looking at you to set the example for behavior. Even if you don’t feel calm, try to make sure that your behavior represents calm in sometimes-difficult situations.