Parenting is a rewarding yet challenging journey, and when it comes to a child with autism, it requires more understanding, patience, and a tailor-made approach. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by challenges such as negative behavior, limited to no social interaction, and difficulties with communication. Every child with autism is unique and requires a customized parenting style that ensures they thrive in nearly every setting. This article will explore several parenting styles for children with autism, focusing on positive parenting styles and activities that promote the parenting style.  

Understanding ASD

Before we unpack the parenting styles, it is vital to have a basic understanding of autism. Firstly, the condition affects each child differently, meaning a tailored treatment approach is the ideal way to go. Some autistic children might experience severe challenges, while others find it easier to cope once they have started with applied behavior analysis therapy at ABA centers. Understanding your child's specific challenges is the first step toward establishing a parenting style. 

Structured Parenting

One of the core challenges for autistic children is disruption in routine. They often thrive in structured environments where anything from having a meal at 1 pm to a swim lesson at 4 pm is expected. The child may become overwhelmed and frustrated once there is a break in this routine. For parents, a structured parenting style involves establishing routines with clear expectations. 

 Consistency creates a thriving environment for autistic children and reduces stress and anxiety, which leads to a better quality of life. Parents should consider creating routines with each item, activity, meal, etc. outlined. This routine should be communicated with your child and explained in detail. Using visual schedules and charts is often one of the best tools for autistic children and allows them the freedom to check their schedules. 

Activities to accompany the parenting style: 

• Sensory Tent: Setting up a sensory tent provides a safe, quiet space where your child can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed, helping to calm and center them.

• Find age-appropriate board games that are easy to understand and navigate and have the same outcome every time. 

• Puzzles are great for consistency since a puzzle will always have the same result.  

Positive Reinforcement

One of the cornerstones to improving the life of an autistic child is to focus on positive reinforcement and affirmation. As stated previously, negative behaviors are one of the challenges autistic children face, and the idea is to transform the negative behaviors into positive ones. The positive reinforcement approach manages expectations of your child and builds self-esteem. 

 The idea is to acknowledge and reward (within reason) your child's positive behavior. There are several ways to acknowledge positive behavior, including verbal praise, their favorite treat, and an activity. The idea of positive reinforcement is to show that, over time, this method can lead to the development of new skills and positive behavior. 

Activities to accompany the parenting style: 

• Physical activity: Promote motor skills and routine by adding some form of physical activity where you can praise your child for the outcome. 

Communication-Based

Children with ASD have various degrees of communication challenges, and this is often the most frustrating provocation. This makes communicated-based parenting one of the most crucial parenting styles since effective communication can ease stress and anxiety. 

 A communication-based parenting style includes using clear and concise language, incorporating visual aids where necessary, and using alternative communication methods such as sign language. Autistic children should be encouraged to express themselves positively, using a method or approach suited for them. 

Activities to accompany the parenting style: 

• Arts and creativity: Look at activities that include a form of self-expression. There are several ways to do this through art. A pro tip: use different textures when your child is creating art, helping them with sensory activity, too.  

Sensory Based

Children with ASD experience sensory overload, and when they become overwhelmed, it can lead to unfortunate instances of stress. Supporting your child and creating sensory-friendly environments is paramount for their continued growth and development. The sensory-based parenting style focuses on sensory sensitivities which affect a child’s daily life. So, what does it entail for the parent? 

 The aim is to be mindful of your child’s sensitivities and create an environment that minimizes sensory overload. While this might seem impossible initially, parents should look at things such as lighting, noise levels, and texture. It is advised to incorporate activities that include sensory needs, like fidget toys or even calming spaces to relax if they become overwhelmed.

Activities to accompany the parenting style: 

• Sensory bins: These can be filled with rice, sand, or beans to play around with texture.

• Temperature: Explain different temperatures using touch; for example, showcase extreme cold with an ice block and allow them to touch it lightly.

• Play-based: Look at finger painting and water play. 

An Individualized Approach

For some, this might be a strange notion since children with autism require a community of care, including parents, siblings, extended family members, and healthcare providers such as doctors and therapists. However, parents should look at an individualized parenting approach that embraces and recognizes their child's individuality. So, what does that mean for the parent and child? 

 An individualized parenting style involves tailoring your methods based on your child’s needs, such as their weaknesses, strengths, interests, and challenges. This essentially means that you need to get to know your child thoroughly. It might seem like a challenging task, but there is support from psychologists and ABA therapists. Document your child’s preferences, then plan a strategy accordingly. A positive outcome of this parenting style means you will build a deeper bond with your child, and they will feel heard and supported. 

Activities to accompany the parenting style: 

• Imaginative play: Allow your child to explore their imagination through creating scenarios and pretend play. 

What Will You Choose for Your Child?

Choosing a parenting style is a highly individualized process that requires patience, flexibility, and the utmost care for your child. You can look at structured parenting to promote routines, positive reinforcement to create positive behaviors, communication to encourage self-expression, sensory-based to mitigate sensory overload, and an individualized approach to promote your child's individuality.