How to Help Your Autistic Child Manage Stress

How you manage to help your child to deal with stress is determinant in their further development.

Dealing with stress is fundamental to feel better every day and improve our daily routines. Just like adults, children get stressed since its a natural process of growing up. However, helping them deal with stress can create a positive impact in their lives, so here are some tips on how to help your autistic child manage stress.

Help your child know that facing fear is important
It’s very natural to try and avoid situations that make us feel scared, but this can become a problem in the growing and development process of a child which can lead to anxiety and avoid the source of that emotion.A child needs to be taught that facing his/her fears is the healthiest and most natural way to grow and reduce that anxiety. 

Teach your child that perfection is not mandatory
Parents naturally want their children to do well in every situation in life; academic work, sports, daily activities and more. But it’s fundamental to understand that kids need the opportunity to be kids!
Although, as a parent, you need to teach them to work hard, and you have to be prepared to accept imperfections and mistakes as your child learn these lessons.

Keep a positive thinking
When a child gets anxious or stressed out, they might fall into negative self-criticism. If they grow with the tendency of focusing on the negative rather than the positive side of things, it can cause your child to get anxious about future situations. 
Try to set good examples and draw their attention to positive attributes and situations.

Make time to relax
Just like adults, children need time to relax and rest their minds. Try to schedule fun activities that can help them release anxiety. A relaxing space can help too. A room with lowlights and relaxing sounds can be beneficial.

Set the example
When it comes to self-care and behavior, parents become role models to follow. Since your child will try to emulate your behavior, you must try to avoid excess anxiety and deal with stress in healthy ways so he/she can learn to do the same. 
Make sure to schedule enough time to take care of yourself; this way your children will understand how important is self-care in their lives.

Reward any act of bravery
Deliver any positive reward when your child takes a step in standing against his/her fears. You can use tangible prizes such as stickers and treats or intangible rewards as hugs and praises. Rewarding positive behaviors will inspire your child and motivate them to keep a good behavior.

Try to implement these tips in everyday life to help your children grow and improve their behavior. These tips should help them outcome many situations and challenges that may appear in life. 
Keep checking our blog and social media networks for more tips, news, and information about everything related to Autism. If you’re interested in Autism Soccer’s project, be sure to check our social media accounts!

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   Just like adults, kids need time to relax and feel calm.

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Tips and Exercises to Promote Empathy in Autistic Children

Sometimes we want to transmit things that people may perceive, think or feel differently.

People usually think that having Autism Spectrum Disorder or any other related disorder will prevent children from developing empathy. People mistakenly believe that people on the spectrum can become violent or uncaring because of a lack of empathy. This is not true.

What is actually true, is that people with ASD sometimes need to make a bigger effort to see things from other people’s perspectives. Although, a child or adult on the autism spectrum might understand that someone is sad or angry or that the person is in pain, but will not necessarily understand why.

To promote empathy in autistic children (or adults), you can try these steps:

Developing the five senses

• Elaborate exercises so that your child becomes familiar with the senses and the organs that develop them and the verbs associated with them (see, smell, hear, touch and taste). First, try with showing photographs of people and ask them to point out the different organs of the senses, as well as pointing them out in themselves. To work the verbs (see smell, hear, touch and taste) try with different objects such as the ones that can be seen (toys, table), that can be smelled (food, perfume, flowers), others that can be tasted (chocolate, soup, juice), others that can be heard (music and instruments, the tv) and the ones that can be played (a cat, a ball).

Use visual aids as much a possible

• Autistic people are usually visual learners. You can try to show your child visually how other people feel in certain situations. These exercises can help him/her develop the ability to understand other people’s perspectives. Try watching a tv show or movie with your child, then pause the show at certain points and ask your child what the characters think or feel and why it might be happening.

Relate experiences to your child’s point of view

• This is the most basic skill you can teach to your child. Teach them to look at past experiences from others, and try to relate them to your child’s point of view. For example, you want to teach your child not to grab toys out of other children’s hands. Get as an example a book, a toy or stuffed animal that he or she loves and couldn’t bear to lose, then proceed to remind them the feeling that they can sense when the toy gets lost.

Verbalize your own empathy

• Parents become models and example for children. As children with ASD learn well by seeing what others do, you can demonstrate your abilities to take other people’s perspectives.

But above all, remember that children (and also adults) with Autism Spectrum Disorder CAN experience empathy. Have confidence that your child can and will learn to be empathic with others; you just need to help him/her learn and develop this virtue.

Being empathic starts with being aware and controlling our own five senses. Helping autistic children get in control of their senses, may help them grow empathy.

For more content, facts, and more information about the Autism Spectrum Disorder make sure to check our social media and keep reading our blog. Autism Soccer is here to help!

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Airplanes and children with autism: make it a pleasant experience

Traveling with an autistic child might be a challenge, it requires planning and patience to achieve success.

Traveling by air with kids can be difficult since they can feel very uncomfortable with the length of the flight and the plane noises. Children love places where they can run, jump, play and even lay down to take a short nap, but an airplane might not be the most comfortable place to do such things. For many families, air travel can be a little stressful. But when it comes to traveling with children with autism spectrum, traveling can be a major challenge.

Today Autism Soccer is sharing some tips to try and make air travel a pleasant experience for your special kids.

Speak up

This step is one of the most important in order to have a good flying experience. When booking a flight, call the airline and mention your child’s condition. Many airlines have policies to help people with specific disabilities and are willing to make the aircraft comfortable for their needs. When arriving at the gate, is a good idea to tell the flight attendant that your child has ASD and explain why is a good idea to board first, getting settled in the seats early can make the whole flight easier.

Pay for what matters

If your kids are happy, you will be happy too. If your child likes the window seat, pay the extra fee to get it. In the long run, it’ll be money well spent, and you’ll be calmed and relaxed because your child is having a good time.

Plan for the worst

Better safe than sorry. Plan for situations that might not even happen. Pack a few of your child’s favorite toys, favorite snacks, water bottles, some change of clothes if an accident happens when eating or drinking beverages and lollipops or candies that can actually help if his/her ears start bothering. If your child is into iPad or a gaming device, bring it along with a charger that can be used on the plane.

Communicate

It’s a good idea to introduce yourself and your child to the person who sits in front of you and illustrate his/her condition. Explain to them that you’ll try to keep your child content during the flight, but ask for tolerance because it’s hard for your both of you. When doing this, people are more understanding, can actually help and understand better what's going on.

Try to plan everything before booking a flight.

Others suggestions are:

• Take someone with you for support:
• Take a friendly-face that can help you with your child during the flight, having a friend or someone close there to help you will be appreciated, especially for stretching your legs and taking a walk around the airport.
• Be flexible:
• You may have planned for different entertaining places like park or beaches, or other touristic places, but changes in routine for your autistic child can be a little difficult and can lead to meltdowns. Try to understand and be supportive. Be patient and give some love and help your child with the difficulties he may face.

If planned correctly, you can successfully have a pleasant flight with your child. Remember, try to walk in your child’s shoes to understand their needs and support them in every way possible.

For more content about the Autism Spectrum Disorder, facts, and general information about the topic, make sure to follow our social media and keep reading our blog. Autism Soccer is here to help autistic children develop safely and offer them support to achieve success!

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Tips to Make Your Home Autism-Friendly for Your Child

One of the things that parents of autistic children need to do is make their home as comfortable as they can for their children.

Many people on the autism spectrum are sensitive to sensory “strikes” –ranging from loud noises to bright lights and crowds. For people with autism, school, work, social and cultural events, even birthday parties can affect them, possibly causing sensory overload, frustration, bullying, confusion, or just plain unpleasantness.

They are also more likely to be overwhelmed or upset when changes in routine, new foods, new people or new settings occur. Given the difficulties that autistic people can sometimes carry in their daily life, it makes sense that home should be a really comfortable place.

Sometimes, making home a comfortable place for an autistic person is not that easy. Here are just a few of the issues standing in the way:

• Siblings and parents also have needs. Sometimes they may choose to invite friends, make noise, try different food, or change daily life in some way that might be hard for the autistic member.
• Many of the treatments recommended for autistic children are home-based, meaning that after hours in school (with school-based therapies too), children may return home to more hours of therapy.
• When not so predictable emergencies or life-changing events such as a grandparent being sick or a sibling being injured, daily life and routine might have to change. 

Given the fact they can't always have a perfectly calm life, what can families do to encourage a relaxed experience for the family member with autism? Here are some realistic tips and recommendations:

• Provide a real schedule that you and your autistic family member can follow, at least most of the time. This type of schedule works just as well for siblings and young autistic members. A schedule such as “come home, take a shower, eat dinner, watch TV for one hour, do homework, go to bed” may work.
• Give your child time and space to relax alone. For many people –with and without autism–, calm and alone time is essential.
• Keep their favorite foods in the house, so that your autistic family member can enjoy eating at least one item every now and then. 
• Try to remove smells, lights, and sounds that may bother your autistic family member. You’ll need some cleaning supplies, yes, but you can find some with minimal odors. Yes, siblings can listen to music, but they may be able to use headphones too. You need light at home, but fluorescent lights can be uncomfortable even for someone without sensory challenges.
• Try to incorporate a minimum amount of therapies to be at home, unless they are really useful, necessary, and relatively pleasant for your child. It’s possible to provide play-based therapies or relaxing occupational or sensory therapies at home. This types of treatments may be of greater pleasure for the child.
• Keep alert for signs of stress in your autistic family member. Sometimes it may be hard for them to communicate what is exactly bothering them, so you should keep your eyes open to determine what it can be. Maybe they’re not enjoying the smell of broccoli cooking, or their sister’s phone sound is irritating.

Always keep an eye on small details, they can make a difference. Whether you’re a parent or a person living on the spectrum, remember that is okay to ask for help and guidance.

You need to make sure to have the right amount of stimulation and repose for your child to grow happily.

Autism Soccer wants to help and support children to develop their skills and social relationships through soccer. For more information, contact us through our social networks or website.

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Here Are Some Tips on What to Do After an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis is Given to Your Child

The most important thing to have in mind when such diagnose occur is that love and support are the keys to face this challenge.

Sometimes parents worry excessively about their kids, whether they’re paying too much attention to small details or paying no attention at all, that can lead to help or interfere with their child's development. Other times, this “excessive” focus helps with early diagnosis, early treatments and, positive outcomes.

Even though autism can be diagnosed in late childhood or even in adulthood, with proper treatment and support, significant and positive outcomes can occur.

Support your child

Remember that your child is the same person as always. Been diagnosed doesn’t make your child better or worst. Now that you know he has autism, you can start helping him the right way. You can inform yourself (and others) to help your child develop comfortably. You can now understand his needs and give him proper support.

At school

You can speak to the school principal and teachers so they can also be aware of the situation and find ways on how your child might be able to get that extra help hi may need. There are also some therapies that can be practiced at school with the help of teachers.

At home

As a parent, you’ll need to learn to understand his behavior, what can cause meltdowns in your child and how to stop sensory overloads. There are a lot of therapies that can be practiced at home with a specialist or with the parents, as they can learn the basics. You can also find guidance on autism websites.

It's important to support and care for your autistic child, but you should also give support to his siblings and anyone who could be affected.

Support for siblings

Siblings might feel that parents deliver all of their time and attention to the autistic child. We recommend, when possible:

• Help siblings be aware of the situation and understand better their brother or sister and his/her needs.
• Listen to them. Take some time to listen to their worries and concerns in any important aspect of their life.
• Make time for siblings by doing some activities separately.
• Allow siblings have time for themselves. For example, staying at a friend’s home or going to the movies.
• Allow siblings to bring friends home sometimes and enjoy themselves.
• Listen to their suggestions. Older children sometimes have good ideas on how to manage certain situations, especially if they have a good relationship with the autistic child. 

As a parent

Remaining positive is important. It might take a while to learn how to help your child the best way possible. You should deal with it productively with the rest of your family as well. Remember to rely on family members and friends.

Feeling angry or frustrated is normal, but remember to take some time to yourself to relax and think of ways of enduring such challenge with the best disposition. Things like walking the dog or grocery shopping might be useful ways of unwinding from the daily rhythm.

Remember to do a lot of research and look for the treatment that can be the best for your child.

Here are some links that can help:

• Occupational Therapy
• Effective Autism Treatments
• Popular therapies recommended by parents

Stay tuned to Autism Soccer’s blog to know more about treatments and topics in general about autism.

Ask us anything; we are here to help!

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5 consejos de Autism Soccer para ayudar a tu hijo a socializar

Desarrollar nuestra capacidad de comunicación es parte de tener una vida más sana.

Cuando somos padres, una de las cosas que más nos hacen ilusión es ver a nuestros hijos crecer rodeados de amor, convertirse en individuos completos y comenzar a interactuar con el mundo a su alrededor, descubriéndolo y explorándolo por sí mismos. ¿Pero qué sucede cuando nada es como esperábamos que fuese? Nos damos cuenta de que nuestro pequeño tiene dificultades para comunicarse, le cuesta hacer amigos y no asimila bien su entorno. Tampoco se adapta del todo a las complejidades del lenguaje humano. Es normal que desesperemos y que queramos hacer todo lo posible para ayudar a nuestros hijos a socializar, pero debemos ser cuidadosos, separar nuestros deseos personales de la realidad y enfocarnos en su bienestar.

Después de todo, en Autism Soccer, hemos visto miles y miles de niños que han venido a nuestras actividades con varios problemas, pero terminan encontrando amigos y comunicándose con los demás. Entendemos que la paciencia, la aceptación y el amor son claves para ayudarlos sanamente. Mejorar las habilidades de socialización de los niños especiales es un proceso lento y complejo que, aunque puede hacernos desfallecer o frustrarnos, vale la pena. Sobre todo si queremos ayudar a nuestros hijos a ser felices. Estos son cinco consejos que te ofrecemos para que, desde casa, aprendas a asistir a tu niño en su crecimiento.

Haz de la comunicación una rutina

A muchos niños especiales, los cambios o las situaciones desconocidas pueden provocarles estados de ansiedad o estrés. Una de las cosas que puedes hacer es volver la tarea de socializar una rutina con una serie de pasos preestablecidos que ellos puedan anticipar. Enséñale a dar la mano o saludar a quien vea por primera vez y enséñale también a despedirse. Ayúdalo repitiendo algunos patrones y mostrándole qué puede esperar de diversas situaciones sociales.

Utiliza el role-playing

El role-playing o juego de roles es una forma excelente de enfrentar a tus hijos a situaciones diferentes, sin el riesgo de que sean reales y puedan salir mal. Inventa historias o escenarios que obliguen de cierta forma a tu hijo a socializar y a expresar sus pensamientos y emociones. Guía el proceso y corrige su comportamiento cuando lo consideres necesario.

Ayúdate con recompensas

Cada vez que tus pequeños lo hagan bien, no dudes en hacérselos saber. Aprenderán que deben tener un buen comportamiento y que el esfuerzo extra que requiere socializar vale la pena. Asimismo, si cometen algún error, corrígelo inmediatamente para que el efecto no se pierda. Además, puedes crear situaciones que los obliguen a pedir ayuda, como, por ejemplo, al poner un juguete fuera de su alcance. Esto hará que sientan la necesidad de expresarse e iniciar la interacción social. Ayudarlos a bajar el juguete es una forma de recompensa por haberse atrevido a pedir un favor.

Crea y supervisa situaciones para socializar

Finalmente, tus hijos deben enfrentarse a situaciones reales para mejorar sus habilidades sociales y comunicativas. Organiza reuniones, días de juego o pijamadas y mantente alerta observando sus interacciones y corrigiendo, de ser necesario, alguna reacción. Conversa con su maestro o maestra y asegúrate de que estén en sintonía con sus necesidades. Sentarlos o juntarlos con niños que se muestren más abiertos a establecer una amistad con otros niños con necesidades especiales puede ser una buena estrategia para motivarlos a hacer nuevos amigos.

Déjalo practicar deportes u otra actividad

No bromeamos cuando decimos que el deporte es vida. Mejora muchísimos aspectos de nuestra personalidad y nos ayuda a superarnos cada día. El deporte, así como otras actividades sociales, puede propiciar la ocasión perfecta para que los niños hagan amigos sin siquiera darse cuenta de que están socializando y saliendo de su caparazón. Además, liberarán su mente de las preocupaciones y ansiedades que pueden limitarlos en su día a día y acentuar sus dificultades comunicativas. El deporte también ayuda a los pequeños a volverse más independientes y a fortalecer su carácter.

Lo hemos visto en muchísimas oportunidades en los campos de juego de Autism Soccer. Por eso estamos felices de poder  ayudar a miles de chicos y chicas a mejorar sus vidas a través del fútbol. ¿Quieres inscribir a tu niño en nuestro campamento y aprender más sobre nuestra labor? ¡Visita nuestra página web y entérate de cómo contactarnos!

Somos más felices cuando sabemos comunicarnos mejor.

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