“You are the only you God made... God made you and broke the mold.”

Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot

“You are the only you God made...God made you and broke the mold.”

Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot

5 STEPS TO TAKE IMMEDIATELY

  1. Take the time to sit with your child and get to know him in a fresh way. What songs does he like? What are her interests, and who are her friends? Why? The clues to knowing your child are in a conversation.
  2. See the big picture; know your child’s extraordinary talents as well as the struggles.
  3. Use the A-List Formula™ as a template for solutions, to give you a clear and easy route to success.
  4. Learn how the family can help
  5. Remember that your child comes first, and solutions come second.

SEE THE BIG PICTURE

  • The concept that autism is not a ‘disorder’, but a brilliant kind of difference.
  • With autism, there is often heightened sensitivity, both positively and negatively to emotions and one or more of the 5 senses: Hearing – Touch – Smell – Taste – Sight.
  • EMOTIONS: Super-sensitivity is usually present. People with autism connect intensely with people, objects, and ideas. They feel emotions more deeply.
  • THERE ARE EXCITING PARTS TO AUTISM: A deep sensitivity and awareness of life’s wonders.

KNOW THATAutism is where great gifts and talents are also found.This brilliance comes at a price.

KNOW THATAutism is where great gifts and talents are also found.This brilliance comes at a price.

5 TIPS TO HELPING YOUR CHILD OVERCOME THEIR STRUGGLES AND EMBRACE THEIR DIFFERENCES

Know they’re unique, whilst struggling with extra sensitivities. Recognize both parts of the individual.

Accept, Allow for, and Accommodate the areas where they’re sensitive (hearing, sight, touch, emotions, etc.), so that their sensitivities don’t control their lives.

Eg. If they struggle with focus, a decluttered environment can make a big difference.

Manage their sensitivities with love. As a role model, you’ll teach them how to love themselves, and replace their fear with confidence.

Know they’ll always be sensitive and that they’ll always see more of the potential of life. Help them celebrate their strengths and manage their struggles.

Inject humor and fun into your interactions. Laughter is the best medicine; it heals and brings perspective.