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Recognizing that students have different learning styles leads to the discovery that most students with autism spectrum disorders are visual learners. That means they understand what they see better than what they hear. Many other students with communication and/or behavior challenges also demonstrate strength in understanding what they see compared to what they hear. 

It is important to understand why an inability to effectively take in and process information can be a significant challenge for these students

How important is communication for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders?

It is critical! Communication is one of the primary areas of difficulty for persons who experience autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD, and others within that autism spectrum. The difficulty is pervasive, affecting a wide range of skills including the student’s ability to:

• understand social communication
• understand environmental cues
• follow directions
• perform self-management or organizational tasks
• develop effective expressive communication.

Improving communication is one of their most important goals.

• Many of these students talk. Do they still have a problem?

Communication is more complex than “just speech.” It involves multiple skills including establishing attention, taking in information, interpreting that information, remembering past information, and eventually formulating a response.

• How do you make communication easier for these students to understand?

Make communication more visual. Many of these students appear to understand what they see better than what they hear. 

There are have Body movements, environmental cues, pictures, objects and written language can all be used to support communication.​ 

There are too many to list! Schedules and calendars are the most common visual tools used to give students information.. Visual tools used to give information are probably the most helpful, particularly for gaining student’s positive participation and for avoiding behavior problems.

• Why do behavior problems exist?

That’s a good question! The most critical step in attempting to structure environments and solve behavior problems is to identify why the behavior difficulties exist. For students with autism spectrum disorders, communication difficulties can be a primary reason, a “root cause,” for many behavior problems. When analyzing situations where behavior problems occur it becomes obvious that many of them are the result of a student not understanding what is going on in his life.

• If students don’t understand, what can you do?

Use visual tools. Visual tools help students by supporting changes and transitions. They help students understand what they are supposed to do. They help clarify what not to do. The purpose of using these aids is to enhance the student’s understanding of what is happening in his life and what is expected of him. The result is successfully reducing or eliminating communication, social and behavior challenges.

References

Improving Communication & Behavior

Many children have trouble paying attention in class at some point in their academic career.

When this happens, especially with young students, it leaves parents wondering why their child can’t focus—and whether he or she could have a learning difficulty.

It’s important to know that not every student who has a hard time focusing in school has a learning difficulty such as ADD or ADHD.

In many cases, the concentration issues children have in school can be caused by a number of different reasons.

SIGNS OF A CONCENTRATION PROBLEM

Common signs that your child is having trouble concentrating in the classroom include:

• Low grades
• A dislike of school
• Disruptive behavior in class

These signs don’t automatically mean your child has a learning difficulty. Before you start looking for solutions, the first step is to identify the reasons your child is having trouble focusing in school.

Reasons yours child is having trouble trouble focusing in school 

• Lack of Practice 

Many young children have a hard time focusing in the classroom simply because they are in a new environment. This can also happen to older children after a break from school, such as March break or summer holidays.

• Isn’t being challenged enough 

For some children, what is being taught in class isn’t challenging enough. Children who are not challenged at a high enough level can lose interest in the material and stop paying attention altogether.

• Distracted by Stimuli 

The classroom can be a place full of distractions, from chatty classmates to a cluttered workstation. Some children have a harder time than others filtering out these distractions making paying attention to the teacher more challenging.

• Lack of Motivation 

In some cases, your child’s concentration problem may actually be a motivation problem. This lack of motivation can lead to a number issues in the classroom—including disinterest in the material.

• Mismatched Learning Style

Different students have different learning styles: some learn best by seeing, some by hearing, and others by doing. If your child’s teacher emphasizes a learning style that doesn’t match with how your child learns, this can result in a lack of focus and understanding.

• Not Getting Proper Sleep or Nutrition 

If your child is not getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep each night, he or she won’t have the energy needed to concentrate in class. Skipping breakfast is another big cause of lack of focus in class. If your child is heading to class hungry, he or she is more apt to be distracted than learning-ready.

• School Anxiety 

Anxiety about school or grades can be another deeper issue leading to lack of focus in the classroom. Students who are overwhelmed or stressed by a subject may simply check out, leading to dropping grades and confidence.

As adults, it is extremely difficult to change our ways and develop a good habit. You would all agree when I say that it is easier to pick up good habits as a child.

Take a look at these 12 healthy habits that you could teach your little one and make part of their daily routines. With a little guidance and effort from you, they can do it in a simpler and quicker fashion.

1. Follow Bedtime Routines:

A minimum of 8 hours is absolutely essential for all children. Encourage them to sleep early.

They must be in bed latest by 10 pm and should have an early start to the day. They should be up and running by 7 am.​ 

This is an important part of the routine and will help a lot of other factors fall into place. Ensure that they drink enough water after dinner and use the bathroom before calling it a day. This will help them sleep tight till the morning.

2. Step Outdoors:

Play is just as important as work. And as a child, one must spend at least 1 to 1.5 hours daily on physical activities. This does not mean indoor games. It means getting a lot of Sun, making new friends and a lot of physical activity outdoors.

As parents and instructors, it is our responsibility to ensure that children do not spend more than 1 hour watching TV, playing on the iPad or Xbox. This makes them lethargic and damages their eyesight too.

3. Obey Safety Rules:

There is no such thing as old-fashioned when it comes to obeying safety rules. Explain to your child that rules are important for keeping people safe and happy.

When everyone follows rules, people often don’t get hurt and people treat each other with kindness and respect on the road, in the school or even at home.

They must learn to carefully walk the streets, cross only at the zebra crossing, get off a car only onto the pavement, not disturb the driver at any point, not meddle with hazardous things like gas stoves, firecrackers, heating rods, to name a few. This is a safety habit that children must follow.

4. Be Aware Of Stranger Danger:

Children at the young age of 3 and 4 work purely on impulse. They are not old enough to differentiate between good and bad. They are ready to make friends and trust easily.

It might be tough to teach them the concept of a stranger, but it is important to start the discussion. When you go out, ask them to stay close. Also, kids this age must be taught what is a good touch and bad touch and how to say no if they are uncomfortable.

Kids might find the concept of a stranger very confusing, so besides Grandpa, Uncle and Aunty, give a few examples of adults a child can go to for help – another trusted parent, teacher, or school administrator.

Point out authority figures, like security guards and apartment caretakers, so your child can identify strangers who might be able to help.

5. Eat Right, Eat Healthy:

A good, healthy diet is a habit. Especially in children, it does not happen overnight.

They need to be encouraged to eat more fresh foods like fruits and must avoid fatty and sugary snacks.

A low-fat dairy product also must be a part of their meals. This could be a tall glass of milk or a bowl of curd. Avoid giving your child sugary treats when they achieve something.

6. Drink Plenty Of Water:

As children play throughout the day, we must remember that water helps them to control the body temperature.

Without the right amount of water, a child could easily get dehydrated and regular bodily functions may get hit. Hydration in children is particularly important as their water requirement in relation to their body weight is much higher than that of an adult.

7. Stay Hygienic:

As young kids, they tend to play for long hours. As a result, their clothes collect dead skin cells, sweat and possibly other stains.

Overnight bacteria start to work on these stains, not only leaving the clothes smelly but also could spread some disease or infection to the child.

One must ensure that a young child has a bath at least once a day in lukewarm water and wears freshly washed clothes. The child must change clothes post-school, post-play and before bed.

Remember you have sweat glands in your head too. So children have to have a clean scalp. Their hair must be washed with a child-friendly shampoo at least twice a week.

8. The Most Important Meal Of The Day:

Almost all child nutritionists harp on this issue – Breakfast. It is the most important meal of the day and gives us maximum energy. As a parent, you must ensure that your kids are early risers and have enough time to enjoy a healthy, tasty breakfast before school.

Children often skip breakfast or play with their meal and rush to school. They feel weak all day and find it tough to cope with the tough and physically/mentally intensive activities.

9. General Awareness:

In this growing day and age it is not enough to just learn the alphabets and numbers. There is a lot happening in the world too and a child can start learning about these happenings. One can pull out simple child-friendly news articles and read it out to them or help them read.

Not only does this broaden their horizons but also enhances their language skills. Also, encourage them to start reading books and watch them fall in love with reading.

10. Household Chores:

They are never too young to help around the house. You can get them to do very small chores like keeping their room clean, arranging the magazine shelf, packing their toys, laying the dining table etc.

This makes them feel older and much more important. Also, it teaches them to be more independent. They will also be respectful toward those who help and clean at home, in a school or at a restaurant.

12 Good Habits Every Parent Must Teach Their Child

Children take everything literally and the way you talk to them goes a long way in building their personality. 

Unfortunately, a child’s mind is not developed enough to understand that these were unintentional and as a result, it cripples their little minds.

The only way we can avoid this from happening is, by carefully monitoring what we speak to and in front of our children.

So here are the 10 things that you should definitely refrain from saying to your child.

1. ‘You are a bad boy/girl’

Never feed your child with negative thoughts, it kills his/her self-esteem. Kids are innocent and believe in goodness. Always tell them to be good, happy, and positive.

Explain to them that some words or actions are bad and might hurt or harm somebody. But don’t tell them that it makes them a bad boy/girl.

Teach them what is right and wrong, and to value good things over bad.

2. ‘Why can’t you be like your brother/sister?’

Never compare your children with their brother/sister. It makes them jealous. They will feel left out. It drives the feeling of failure in your kids and develops dislike between siblings.

3. A straight ‘NO’

If kids hear ‘no’ all the time, they lose confidence and faith in their parents. If you don’t approve of your child’s action, try giving options.

Instead of “Don’t play in the house,” tell him/her “Why don’t you call your friends to the park and play.”

4. ‘You can’t do this!’

There will be times when children would want to do something that you know they won’t be able to do. Just remember to give them a chance as long as it doesn’t harm them.

Kids learn through trial and error. However they’ll never try anything new, if you’ve made them afraid to try.

5. ‘Don’t talk to me’

Never ask children to stop talking or arguing. Let them question and share their opinion freely. Rather talk to them if you want them to stick to your advice.

Tell them what they are supposed to do and why it’s important.

Convince them with your words, tone, and expressions. Yes, keep talking and listening till they buy your point.

6. ‘Girls/Boys don’t do that’

A child is a child, so let him/her be. Don’t create gender-biased rules.

Let kids decide for themselves — whether to be more like a girl or a boy when they grow up. Don’t stop them from exploring things they may be curious about or good at.

7. ‘No one wants a kid like you’

They are a reflection of the parents.

They have learnt everything from their parents, family, friends, and surroundings.

So if you think your child isn’t behaving properly, remember, he/she didn’t choose to be in the world that surrounds.

You chose that world!

8. ‘You are too big to do this!’

Don’t deprive your kid of childhood.

Kids will grow up, what’s the hurry? Instead, be like them and see if it makes them more comfortable and happy.

As a parent, it’s our responsibility to make them happy, secure, and confident to face the world.

10 Things Not To Say To Your Child

Mental health problems affect about 1 in 10 children and young people. They include depression, anxiety and conduct disorder, and are often a direct response to what is happening in their lives.

The emotional wellbeing of children is just as important as their physical health. Good mental health allows children and young people to develop the resilience to cope with whatever life throws at them and grow into well-rounded, healthy adults.

Things that can help keep children and young people mentally well include:

• being in good physical health, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise
• having time and the freedom to play, indoors and outdoors
• being part of a family that gets along well most of the time
• going to a school that looks after the wellbeing of all its pupils
• taking part in local activities for young people.

Other factors are also important, including:

• feeling loved, trusted, understood, valued and safe
• being interested in life and having opportunities to enjoy themselves
• being hopeful and optimistic
• being able to learn and having opportunities to succeed
• accepting who they are and recognizing what they are good at
• having a sense of belonging in their family, school and community
• feeling they have some control over their own life
• having the strength to cope when something is wrong (resilience) and the ability to solve problems.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/c/children-and-young-people

Let us see our life (children) does not run out of our hands, Let us join our hearts and heads to understand them. Reading this Blog on 21st century parenting, we are sure you will understand the situations and today’s generation.

1. Please Stop Underestimating Your Child Instead Start Understanding The Child

Every child is gifted with some talent. Identify your child’s talent.

Instead, understand your child and give what he wants the best not what you can give him the best! Hope it’s clear.

For example, you want your child to be a Doctor but he/she is only interested in music than please start encouraging your child to be the best, the most popular musician in the world. 

2. Say No To Comparison

Do not compare your child with anyone because no two individual in this world is born with the same mind, same opinion, same tastes etc.

Every child is a unique though they may be identical twins of same parents for surprisingly!

3. Education Is Not Life But Education Is Part Of Life

What your child can do? What your child can be? What your child likes? What your child’s strength? What your child’s weakness? What your child’s dream? What your child’s heart?

Understand your child first, If they are wrong try to correct them at right time in a right way for bright future do not forget that life belongs to your child but not yours be careful in dealing them! All the best.

4. Gift them character and best personality but not cars, currency and properties

Yes, this is 101% a valued/valid point to be remembered see that your child starts learning character-development, personality development, value-based education right from the school age to inter than there ends the matter.

5. Be the best parent

Do not forget that the child’s first school is the parent’s lap. For example, if parents are smokers than definitely the child be the smoker and you don’t have any right to say ‘NO’ to your child’s smoking because the child had learnt from you. So, please be careful in front of children, the way you behave, the way you live at home, your choices, your selection, your tastes etc everything will be under the observation of your children.

“If you don’t love them – don’t expect love from them”

“If you are lazy – don’t expect them to be active”

“If you are characterless – don’t expect them to be with good character, etc”

Because they come from you, sharing your blood, sharing your color, sharing your genes, sharing everything of yours. If we hurt you by this, please think, let us accept the truth. Let us change for the change of your children, change of the nation.

6. Check your environment and your child’s emotions 

The child environment has a greater role in their life, we have read about Pandeva’s and Kauravas. Though the guru is one but the groups are different.

So please check your child’s school environment! Are they giving only education or mechanical education or value- based education?

There are many things that a child learns from their peer-groups. So have an Eye-On it.

7. Check your food and habits

Whatever the parents eat and drink, the child eats the same. As of a scientific research

Let us eat vegetarian food and say no to Non-vegetarian food and artificial foods. As a parent please habituate with your child going to temple at least once in a week, do meditation at least 30 minutes spend your time with your children, laugh with them, cry with them, share your limited emotions with them, make them understand what you are! And what you are for!!

Dear parents!

Hope you understand our valid ideas for your child. As Khalil Gibran says, “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you. You may give them your love but not your thoughts. For they have their own thoughts and life.”

21st CENTURY PARENTING | Must Read

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms during pregnancy and how the baby’s body functions as it grows in the womb and after birth. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. Babies with Down syndrome have an extra copy of one of these chromosomes, chromosome 21. A medical term for having an extra copy of a chromosome is ‘trisomy.’ Down syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges for the baby.

Even though people with Down syndrome might act and look similar, each person has different abilities. People with Down syndrome usually have an IQ (a measure of intelligence) in the mildly-to-moderately low range and are slower to speak than other children.

Some common physical features of Down syndrome include:

• A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose
• Almond-shaped eyes that slant up
• A short neck
• Small ears
• A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth
• Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye
• Small hands and feet
• A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
• Small pinky fingers that sometimes curve toward the thumb
• Poor muscle tone or loose joints
• Shorter in height as children and adults

How Many Babies are Born with Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome remains the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the United States. Each year, about 6,000 babies born in the United States have Down syndrome. This means that Down syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 700 babies.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The extra chromosome 21 leads to the physical features and developmental challenges that can occur among people with Down syndrome. Researchers know that Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome, but no one knows for sure why Down syndrome occurs or how many different factors play a role.
• One factor that increases the risk for having a baby with Down syndrome is the mother’s age. Women who are 35 years or older when they become pregnant are more likely to have a pregnancy affected by Down syndrome than women who become pregnant at a younger age. However, the majority of babies with Down syndrome are born to mothers less than 35 years old, because there are many more births among younger women.

Other Health Problems

Many people with Down syndrome have the common facial features and no other major birth defects. However, some people with Down syndrome might have one or more major birth defects or other medical problems. Some of the more common health problems among children with Down syndrome are listed below

• Hearing loss
• Obstructive sleep apnea, which is a condition where the person’s breathing temporarily stops while asleep
• Ear infections
• Eye diseases
• Heart defects present at birth

Health care providers routinely monitor children with Down syndrome for these conditions.

Treatments

Down syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on helping children with Down syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy. Children with Down syndrome may also need extra help or attention in school, although many children are included in regular classes.

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/downsyndrome.html

As parents, we think a lot about how our children speak to us and how they behave. We correct them when they need discipline, and we make sure they use good manners and steer them away from rude behavior. But we may not always pay attention to what we say and how we say it.

Assessing How You Talk to Your Child

It’s often difficult for us to view our own actions objectively. As you consider the question of how you would describe the way that you interact with your child daily, imagine yourself recording your interactions and playing back the digital images and sound. Would your voice sound patient and loving? Would you seem engaged and interested in what your child was saying? 

Important Reasons Why Tone and Words Should Be More Positive

1. Your child will be more likely to listen. This is basic logic. What would you prefer—someone who is speaking to you in a harsh or critical tone or someone who’s talking to you in a calm, reasonable, and nice voice? Even if there’s a disagreement or you need to correct something your child is doing, a gentle voice, even if it’s firm, is likely to get more of your child’s attention and she’ll be more likely to listen to what you are saying.
2. Being harsh isn’t effective. When you yell or speak aggressively to your child, you’re less likely to get good results and may even harm your relationship. In fact, research shows that yelling may be as harmful as aggressive discipline.1

Sure, your child may listen in the short-term, but if you want your child to develop the skills he needs to regulate his own behavior, speaking nicely is clearly the better way to go.

1. Kids learn from our behavior. The surest way to get your child to speak nicely to you is to speak nicely to her. And if you constantly criticize and speak harshly to her? Well, you can guess what you’ll get from that.
2. You’ll have a stronger relationship. When you treat your child with respect and kindness, you’ll strengthen your bond. Say “Thank you” and “Please” when you speak to your child, and firmly explain that you expect him to do the same. Treating each other with good manners and respect will bring you closer; mean words and a harsh voice will have the opposite effect.
3. Your child will treat friends, teachers, and others in his life with respect. When you use a nice tone of voice with your child at home, she’ll naturally do this at school and in other settings. It won’t be long before those around your child comment on her beautiful manners and nice way of speaking, and she’ll be proud of these skills, which will carry her into adolescence and beyond. Imagine it: a polite teen who knows how to express herself in a respectful manner! It’s possible when you instill these skills now.

Raising kids with enough self-confidence to not only survive but thrive, is a goal for many parents. And while the focus is primarily on “self,” parents do play a significant role in how a child develops competence and a strong sense of self, which is important for their health and psychological well-being. 1

Knowing how to encourage your child, and staying clued in on what to say when they look to you for guidance, can mean the difference between a child who believes in themselves and one that often doubts their abilities.

Here are some general guidelines you can follow to help your child develop self-confidence.

• Showing that you’ll love and appreciate them, no matter what will help your child build their self-esteem and feeling of self-appreciation. 2 When these feelings are intact, it’s easier for a child to explore new opportunities and embrace the unknown with confidence, which leads to an increase in self-confidence and a willingness to trust their abilities.
• Make Time to Play 

Kids of all ages learn through play and interactions with others. As a parent, you are often your child’s first “playmate,” which means you are also the first person to help them develop a strong sense of self.

By being fully present through play, spending time together, getting outdoors, or just sitting down and reading their favorite book, you show your child they are valuable and worthy of your time. And when your child feels valuable and supported, they are more willing to take on life’s challenges. 

• Pay Attention to How Often You Praise

Children of all ages like to hear approval from their parents. In fact, praise and positive feedback are often two of the most common ways kids measure their worth. That’s why it is so important to be realistic in how you praise.

Dr. Jeff Nalin, PsyD, a clinical psychologist, and Founder and Executive Director at Paradigm Malibu Treatment Center, says to give positive feedback when your child succeeds at or attempts a new challenge, but refrain from giving unwarranted praise. “Although praise is valuable, children should also be applauded for their competence,” he explains.

• Wait Before You Offer Help

Kids need a lot of practice in life to learn how to manage themselves and overcome obstacles. So giving them the space to try things on their own before offering help builds their self-confidence. “Parents should nurture a child’s ability to solve problems as these will inevitably become a regular part of their life,” explains Nalin. 

• Embrace Risk-Taking 

Mistakes are bound to happen, which is why Nalin says parents should teach children that failure is a part of life and a great learning experience. When children are struggling with a setback, Nalin says it is important that parents offer their unconditional support by listening and offering encouragement, regardless of the end result.

“In times of failure, children should understand that it’s never too late to try again and that the effort is infinitely more valuable than the outcome,” he explains. 

• Check Your Confidence

If you want to help your child develop confidence, you first need to take inventory of your own. “Children are great mimickers, so parents should be conscious of the way in which they handle their own problems,” says Nalin. 

One of the most important parts of parenting is teaching and modeling confidence. By creating an environment that allows your child to feel safe and loved, they may be more willing to take risks, make mistakes, and learn on their own. 

https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-help-your-child-develop-self-confidence-4770566

To help kids with autism learn to play, it helps to know the barriers that can affect play skills. For example, some children with autism may have limited interests. They may only play with one or two toys, doing the same action over and over, or only play with parts of toys. They also may:

• Not know how to play with toys
• Be unable to learn just by watching others because it’s hard for them to imitate
• Not have the foundational skills play requires, like issues with coordination

Why play matters

For children, playtime is learning time, and playing with toys and games is very important for developing new skills. Creating interest in toys and games can lead to opportunities for appropriate play instead of engaging in self-stimulating behavior.

During playtime, you can help kids with autism practice communication skills like asking questions and using new words. Some children with autism may not pay attention to others, and playtime is a great way for them to learn that spending time with others can be fun. It’s also a good time to introduce social skills, like taking turns and sharing.

It’s important to help kids with autism improve their play skills, because play is a foundation for learning. During playtime, try working on:

• Foundational learning skills—like attention and flexibility
• Cognitive skills—like problem-solving
• Communication skills—like practicing new words
• Social skills—like taking turns, sharing and talking to peers
• Fine motor skills—like self-feeding and drawing
• Gross motor skills—like running and jumping

Playtime is also a great opportunity to encourage more parent-child interaction. When kids with autism play with their parents, it can set the stage for them to play with their peers in the future. Parents play an important role in a child’s development of all skills, and playtime is a chance to give your child attention and validation. You can also pair yourself with fun, enjoyable activities and create opportunities for learning in a natural environment.

To promote play in your little one:

• Get on her level. Position yourself on the floor or at eye level to promote interaction and make it more likely that your child is aware of your presence.
• Copy her actions when appropriate. Imitating your child’s actions can show your approval and make it more likely that she will imitate you or be aware of your actions in the future.
• Make it fun. Being silly and modeling fun things to do with toys based on your child’s interests can increase your child’s interest in toys and help teach play.
• Expand interests by introducing new toys or games or incorporate preferred items into play activities. 
• Work on foundational skills such as imitation and matching that may help with play.

Play should be fun for both you and your child. If you need more ideas, read about building interest in toys and games.

https://www.marcus.org/autism-resources/autism-tips-and-resources/promoting-early-play-skills