Autism and Parenting

Recently, I came across a fascinating study that got me thinking about the power of love and care. In this experiment, a number of rabbits were divided into two groups and fed a high-fat diet. Group A rabbits developed high cholesterol, as expected, but Group B rabbits had remarkably lower cholesterol levels! 🩺 What was different about Group B? It turns out that their caretakers regularly held th...

Today, I want to share a beautiful step in my son’s journey. As a non-verbal autistic child, his communication has always been unique and meaningful in its own way. Recently, he started speaking a few words, identifying letters, and surprising us with his own creative take on spelling! 💙 It’s incredible to watch him call out words, some from school and others from his own imagination. For instanc...

In a world full of noise, children with special needs often thrive with clarity. 🌱 Here’s why clear and crisp instructions make a difference: 🧩 Reduces Overwhelm: Too much information can be confusing. Simple steps help them stay focused. 🔄 Consistency Builds Trust: Repeating the same clear instructions fosters security and predictability. 🚀 Encourages Independence: Precise directions empower...

As parents of special kids, we often find ourselves justifying or covering up our child’s behavior to the world. 🌍 But in doing so, are we blocking our own path to true acceptance? 🤔 It’s natural to want to protect our little ones from judgment, but constantly explaining or masking their unique ways can make us feel overly conscious everywhere we go. Acceptance begins when we stop apologizing fo...

Being a parent of a special child, especially one who’s non-verbal, means becoming fluent in a unique language. A language made of body language, gestures, and subtle cues that express so much when words aren’t possible. For example, my autistic son Rewansh communicates his needs with simple gestures. While taking milk (he uses a bottle and I am okay with this): 1️⃣ When he hands me his bottle aft...

As parents of special children, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting instant results. We often think, “I’ll start teaching them once they understand,” but this mindset overlooks the crucial fact that our children need us to actively teach and guide them to make progress. The temptation for instant gratification can lead us to expect immediate learning outcomes, which can be discouraging fo...

Once upon a time, a few animals wanted to decide who among them was the superior one. They sought wisdom from an owl, who set up a series of competitions. The bird soared to great heights in the flying contest, the rabbit dug its way to victory, the monkey swiftly climbed to the top of the tree, and the fish effortlessly swam to its destination first. Two powerful lessons for parents: 1️⃣ Every ch...

Cognitive defusion is a way to counteract cognitive fusion. Cognitive defusion involves techniques that help individuals create distance from their thoughts, allowing them to see these thoughts as mere mental events rather than as absolute truths. 1. Mindfulness Exercises: By focusing on the present moment, individuals can observe their thoughts without judgment and without becoming overly attache...

Cognitive fusion is a psychological concept central to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It refers to the tendency of individuals to become overly entangled with their thoughts, treating them as absolute truths rather than as transient mental events. People in a fused state often see their thoughts as inseparable from their identity or reality and to them it gives similar mental pleasure or...

Many people have automatic thoughts shaped by past experiences and learned behaviors, which influence how they perceive themselves and others. These thoughts can emerge without conscious awareness and are often deeply ingrained, stemming from a lifetime of accumulated beliefs. For parents, especially those of children with special needs, these automatic thoughts can extend to their perceptions of...

As a doting dad, I openly express my love for my child and make sure he knows just how much he means to me. I am always vocal about my affection and pride in him. However, I also embrace a form of detachment. This balanced approach allows me to remain indifferent at times, which prevents me from being overly stubborn about specific outcomes. It enables me to provide my special child with the space...

Once upon a time, two parents and their child lived in a cozy home filled with love and laughter. One morning, as one parent was leaving for work and noticed that the child playing near a table where a glass bowl was precariously placed. From the doorway, called out to the other parent, “Please move the glass bowl from the table!” and then hurried off to work. Later that day, a distressing phone c...

Psychological errors often arise from mismatches between human instincts and environmental cues. One such error is when people attempt to pull a door labeled “push” simply because it has a handle. This seemingly trivial mistake highlights how external factors can override basic instructions, leading to unintended actions. The handle on the push side of the door creates a misleading cue, prompting...

As a parent to an 8-year-old autistic son, every milestone, no matter how small, feels like a monumental achievement. Recently, my son began to speak simple words while this progress is significant, it does not fully encompass his communication capabilities. His ability to communicate extends far beyond verbal expression, encompassing gestures, indications, expressions, and a myriad of other forms...

Creating an environment that fosters personal growth is crucial for psychological and emotional development. As McLeod (2014) highlights, such an environment must provide individuals with genuineness, acceptance, and empathy. Genuineness involves openness and self-disclosure, creating a space where individuals can be authentic without fear of judgment. Acceptance means being seen with unconditiona...

Coaches and senior players provide guidance and mentorship to help less experienced players develop their skills and confidence. Similarly, parents act as mentors to their children, offering wisdom, support, and encouragement to help them navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. A successful cricket team requires careful delegation, training, and preparation. Each player has a unique role, wh...

Homework plays a crucial role in the educational development of all children, including those with special needs. For kids in general, homework reinforces lessons learned in school, providing opportunities to practice and solidify newly acquired knowledge and skills. This repetition is key to deepening understanding and retention, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practica...

Usually, grown-ups teach children, but often, children have lessons to offer back to their parents, caregivers, and elders. When it comes to children with special needs, learning patience is a universal experience for all caregivers and parents. This is something I also learned while working with my son. My son has taught me to be present in the moment and to live it to the fullest. The past is un...

The “waiting room experiment,” a social experiment conducted by a hidden camera show called “What Would You Do?” or similar social psychology experiments. In this scenario, A waiting room is arranged with several actors posing as regular people waiting for an appointment. These actors are instructed to stand up every time a bell rings. At intervals, a bell sounds, prompting the actors to stand up...

Exposing children on the autism spectrum to various experiences can play a crucial role in reducing hypersensitivity towards textures. Here’s why it’s important: 1. Sensory Integration: Children with autism often struggle with sensory integration, where their brains have difficulty processing and organizing sensory information. By exposing them to different textures in a controlled and supportive...

Organizing our thoughts is akin to organizing our wardrobe—a concept that parallels the physical realm with the intangible realm of the mind. Just as a cluttered wardrobe can impede our ability to find what we need, a cluttered mind can hinder our progress and well-being. In this discourse, we’ll delve into the significance of mental organization, drawing parallels between tidying up our thoughts...

When we’re kids, we want to be loved and accepted by the people around us—our family, friends, and teachers. Sometimes, to get this love and attention, we do things we think will make others happy or impress them. For example, we might tell jokes, try to be good at sports, or do what others want us to do, even if it doesn’t feel quite right for us. This is like wearing a mask; we’re not showing wh...

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a fairly new eating disorder. Children with ARFID are extremely selective eaters and sometimes have little interest in eating food. They may eat a limited variety of preferred foods, which can lead to poor growth and poor nutrition. ARFID usually starts at younger ages than other eating disorders and is more common in boys. Kids with ARFID fall...

In our daily lives, we often adhere to structured schedules and routines, finding comfort and efficiency in the predictability they provide. Disruptions to these routines can evoke feelings of irritation or frustration, as we prefer the stability and familiarity of our established patterns. Similarly, children, especially those on the autism spectrum, often exhibit heightened sensitivity towards d...

As a devoted single father to my autistic child, I am frequently asked about how I show my love and support for him. I confidently affirm that his autism diagnosis has not altered the deep bond we share. I embrace his condition with understanding and recognize that he may require additional assistance, but I am not resigned to simply accepting limitations. Instead, I actively engage in his growth...