Autistic Role Models for Children: Why there should be more?

Autistic children can't relate to most role models on the media, which could lead them to feel isolated or not taken into consideration.

From the moment you gain awareness of the world you’re in, a sudden curiosity takes over. All you want is to touch, feel and see almost everything around you. After several years, you can tell which things are good and which are bad. At this point, you look up to your parents as if they were the best, your heroes and examples, the role model you ideally want to become.

What happens after you’re 10 to 12 years old? This is when you start experiencing more profoundly what’s out there and the people outside your family environment. You watch TV, meet new people, and discover new things about yourself. As an autistic individual, you might find it strange that there are many actors, models, and famous people in general, covering the TV shows and in the spotlight, but that, unfortunately, are people you can't relate with or make your role model. Perhaps you thought there should be more autistic people being mentioned and recognized, so there could be someone you could look up to, right? You couldn’t be more right!

Having someone to look up to is not only for admiration. When you see someone you can relate to becoming successful, you feel empathy immediately and desire to improve, as a personal challenge. You want, in some way, to “be like them.” As surprising as it might sound, there are several successful autistic people that, sadly, haven’t made it to the mainstream media. Today you will have an opportunity to meet them. I’ll list three important role models to soothe the spirit.

Satoshi Tajiri

The name by itself doesn't ring any bells, but perhaps if I mention the word “Pokémon,” you’ll identify the person. Referred as “Dr. Bug” by his companions because of his fixation with these, Satoshi was one of the minds behind the creation of one of the most famous video game/anime franchises in the world today. Perhaps you didn’t know, but he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Satoshi is a successful autistic model passionate about his work and projects.

Donna Williams

The author of the bestselling book Nobody Nowhere is an autistic writer and artist that decided to open up and express what is like to be born “different.” Donna managed to learn how to express herself by using her own hands: excelling in sculpting, painting, screenplay managing and books. Nobody Nowhere is an autobiography, where she exposes her life through her personal experience as an autistic individual.

Thomas Mckean

Thomas Mckean is one of the supporters of autistic research and education. He became popular for his continued work and due to his life experiences related to autism. He was first diagnosed with autism at the age of 14 years old, in 1979. All his life experiences with this condition are a source of inspiration for advocates and members of this neurotribe.

As you can see, role models are out there waiting for you to reach out to them and learn from their experiences. With time, people will understand the importance of autistic individuals in society. Autism Soccer is an organization capable of providing you with the best tools to help you improve your skills and grow as an individual. No matter who or what is pulling you back, they’ll be there for you!

Hopefully, with the change of perfection about autism, we'll be seeing more characters autistic children can adopt as role models.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

How to Become a Cyber-Parent

Checking on blogs and social media about what's common is a way to stay updated about the tendencies in young children.

In order to keep a safe control of what your children are doing, you must be vigilant and prepared. Being a parent is letting your children know that they’ll be okay and no matter what happens, you’ll be there for them. There are some things that might go out of your hands somehow, like the internet and how your children interact with it.

To be able to keep up with the way internet works, you need to stay informed of how young children use it and which networks they tend to use. Also, you must watch out for strangers on the internet that might want to take advantage of your children’s disabilities.

The point of doing this is to watch over your children and make sure they’re not accessing inappropriate websites or exposing on the internet. There’s a limit for this too, you can be logged in at all times. Talk with them before allowing the access on the internet: explain the risks of the internet, how he must stay out of risks. You’re a parent, not a security camera, and you must trust your children in this.

A parent who knows how to navigate through the internet will be able to find information to stay updated about special needs children. It’s important to investigate everything you can to be prepared for anything that might happen related to your children’s autism. It’s not necessary to be an expert in computers: with basic knowledge of how the internet runs, you have it covered.

With the internet as your tool, you have a positive tool for helping your children out when they need it. But try not to rely too much on this, as most of the information could be false and mislead you into making a mistake. Remember to look for the experts in the matter to get assistance if you feel lost. You can count on the experts of Autism Soccer, to make your children forget about the internet for a while and practice some sports. Contact them for more information.

Allow them to have their space on the internet, they're children and their identity must be developed in order to have a solid self-esteem.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

Mozart and Autism: Sounds Of Knowledge

Therapy with music has great impact and improves their social skills, cognition and communication with peers.

Music has been in the history of mankind for a very long time, and it never ceases to evolve along with our capacities as human beings. It’s incredible how much a song can affect people’s mood: from sadness to rage, peace, calmness, joy, happiness, all from listening to music. If chosen correctly, it’s the best therapy for the mind.

Children with autism are not exceptions of its effects; kids with this special trait are very receptive to what they hear. Listening to music makes them relieve stress and also stimulates their brains when listening to songs that remind them of experiences they lived or moments associated with happiness.

Most of the children with autism find it difficult to communicate in a verbal way or understanding what’s being said to them. This makes it hard for them to express emotions properly and this can make them feel depressed and frustrated. Music opens up a path for verbal communication, as it stimulates parts of the brain that are associated with social interaction. Thus, they become more courageous when meeting new people, as they feel comfortable if the music and environment are appropriate.

Same applies with learning and cognitive processes. Studies have shown that children who were exposed to music when younger, have better learning skills and also develop a better spatial recognition. Autistic children who interacted or learned to play an instrument also have better mathematical reasoning.

If you can, try music therapy with your children. Don’t be afraid of the consequences, there are no risks in this therapy and your kid will be thankful for the opportunity and will grow exponentially in the process.

As Confucius says: “Music produces a pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” You as parents, have the responsibility to let your children experience the joys of the music. Don’t forget they need you as a guide. You’re their biggest example to follow, so you must show them how much you care. Remember you’re not alone in this, you can always count with the experts of Autism Soccer, they’ll help you raise your children in the best way possible.

Listening to instrumental music while learning or studying has proven to be more profitable than just studying in silence.

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram:
Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave
Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

Autismsoccer.org

How to Teach Your Child to Deal With Changes

It's inevitable to deal with changes. You need to teach your children how to use them for their benefit. 

You must know that kids usually do different things during the day. I mean, they always want to explore and get to know the diversity of what surrounds them. In that way, it seems that they have different habits and routines, but that’s not true. Most children follow just one line of things that are quite common in families, like: waking up in the morning, taking a shower, going to school, doing homeworks, playing videogames, going to bed early, among other things. That’s why when some of those things change, kids might feel disoriented. In most cases, this happens when parents get divorced and their kid moves in with one of them. Everything changes.

Remember that kids like habits, because it makes them feel safe and confident. And more than that, they feel loved if you, both parents, are part of that routine. Your children need all the attention and they need to be told if something is about to change, because if not, it might create a kind of stress and disorder on them, especially on children with special needs.

For that reason, you, as a parent, need to teach them how to handle the different kind of changes that you and your family might go through. This is a skill that will be vital for your children’s development throughout the years, because, sometimes, changes are inevitable and important to delve into new things. That’s why you need to be there for your kids when they are involved in those changes. Today, I will show 4 tips you should know to help them handle those situations:

1. Explain them the new situation: Children are highly intelligent and they can understand why and how things change if you take your time to explain it to them. I’ll assure you that they’ll be more calm and understanding.

2. Let them experience grief: Small children and even preteens are prone to experience lost of emotions. It’s important for them to have the freedom to feel the grief of those changes.

3. Teach them how to be positive and optimistic: When facing a change in a routine, you need to explain your children how it will impact their lives in a positive way. Most of the time, children will see the positive part of a situation, your job is to keep that in their minds when it comes to changes.

4. Involve them in the process: It’s easier for everyone to understand the changes when they are involved in the process. That’s why you need to let your children know that they are involved in every single step. That would make things easier for them to handle.

You, as a parent or caretaker, are responsible to take the lead when it comes to raising your children. Teach them how to handle the changes, from new habits to new places. In fact, when it comes to new habits and have a new wonderful and positive change, you might consider sports for your kids. That’s why, Autism Soccer is your best choice. They have a professional team prepared to work with your children to help them reach their full potential and love for those sports that will accompany them throughout their lives. Contact them now!

If you prepare your children for changes, it'll be easier for them when they happen. 

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

autismcoccer.org

5 Incredible Tips to Increase Quality Time with Your Children

Spend quality time with your children and let them know they are important.

The greatest gift you can give to someone is your time. That’s why you should spend it with your children and family, despite the responsibilities that you, as a parent, must carry out in your daily routine. Most of the time, working and doing homework at home force you not to pay the proper attention to your kids. And when they grow up and this happens, it’s hard to create a good connection between you and your children, that’s why you should do it since they’re in their earliest years. Have you noticed that the time your children spend with you is little compared to the time they spend with others? If you noticed that it is so, don’t worry! Today, I will show you how to fix that.  

What is quality time?

Even though we are in a world where technology keeps us connected to each other, we must spend more quality time face to face. If you want to spend quality time with your children, there are a few characteristics that you need to follow:

1. Undivided attention.
2. Enjoyment for all involved between you and your kids.
3. Creation of memories.
4. Signals of affection (physical or verbal).

How to increase quality time with your children

To start having quality time with your children, you must start paying attention from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. For that reason, here are 5 incredible tips to create incredible moments between both of you:

• Make plans on time: Make plans for the weekend, such as cooking or picnicking with your whole family. It not only increases your connection with them, but children also will have good memories about you.

• Go for walks: Most kids love simple things, like playing outside or just walking with you. As a parent or caretaker, these are great opportunities to get a bit of physical exercise while spending quality time with them.

• Involve them in house chores: Cooking and cleaning might not seem like activities kids enjoy, but when they are motivated and feel like they are doing something that adults usually do. It also increases their self-confidence and helps them gather knowledge to use it later in life.

• Learn something together: Learn something new with your children, like practicing a sport. It will help you create a good relationship.

• Join them in playtime: For most children, playing is the way to connect with the things around. If you join them in that playtime, you will be involved in something they love and enjoy with your company.

Spending quality time with your family doesn’t have to be a task, it has to become a part of your daily routine. That way, you, parents, have to apply these advices to create a good relationship in your family. Most importantly, they will not only have the skills to be a better people in the future, but they also will remember you as the people who were in charge of giving them all the attention and happiness they deserved. That’s why for Autism Soccer is vital to involve parents and caretakers in the process of learning soccer. That way, it helps children create a connection with the sport itself and the people that support them during their practices. What are you waiting for? Contact them!

Spend enthusiastically your time with your children to improve your relationship with them. 

---

Facebook: Autism Soccer

Instagram: Autism Soccer

Twitter: Autism Soccer

15165 NW 77 Ave Suite 1005 Miami Lakes FL 33014

autismcoccer.org