The Transformative Power of Physical Activities for Children with Autism

autism, physical activities of children with autism

The Transformative Power of Physical Activities for Children with Autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how some children communicate and behave. But there is more to it – motor skills matter too. Even if not directly part of the diagnosis, research shows that things like balance and coordination can subtly impact how children with ASD connect with the world. Studies have shown that these gross motor abilities can have an underlying influence on these children in the way they experience and interact with the social world.  

Engaging in physical activities is a wonderful approach for children with autism, supporting their overall health and growth. These activities bring multiple advantages, promoting better health and increased happiness. Let us explore the special advantages these activities bring to children with autism. 

Mastery of Motor Skills: The arena of physical activities transforms into a training ground for honing motor skills. The art of coordination, balance, and fine motor skills finds its canvas in activities such as running, jumping, and scaling. This playground of movement not only builds muscles but also enriches their physical prowess. 

Harmonizing Sensory Symphony: For many children with autism, understanding their senses could be complicated. Engaging in physical activities serves as a compass, guiding them through the intricacies of sensory integration. The rhythmic swing of a swing, the bounce on a trampoline, or the tactile interaction with sensory toys all blend into a symphony of sensory harmony, enabling them to regulate their sensory experiences. 

Cultivating Social Bonds: Physical activities open opportunities for making connections and bonds. Whether engaging in team sports or participating in group endeavors, these activities become the stage for social interactions, communication enhancement, and collaborative skills. Here, children learn the art of rules, the spirit of turn-taking, and the power of teamwork. 

An Embrace of Emotional Wellness: Engaging in regular physical activities is like a boost for emotional well-being. This immersive experience triggers the release of endorphins, often dubbed the “feel-good” hormones. In this symphony, anxiety, and stress make way for an uplifted mood, transforming physical exertion into an emotional tonic for children with autism. 

Amplification of Focus: Within the landscape of physical activities, the art of concentration takes center stage. Engaging in tasks that demand singular focus helps children refine their attention. Activities marked by repetitive motions, such as swimming or cycling, emerge as meditative practices that refine concentration skills. 

Champions of Confidence: Each success in physical activities boosts their self-belief. From conquering milestones to crafting successful social interactions, each feat fosters a sense of achievement. As they master their physical abilities and take part in meaningful social exchanges, their self-confidence grows. 

Pioneers of Holistic Health: Physical activities become pioneers of holistic health, underpinning a vibrant life. Through each step, jump, and play, children embrace a journey of physical well-being. Regular exercise supports maintaining a healthy weight, improving heart health, and boosting overall energy levels. 

A Symphony of Structure: By participating in physical activities, children with autism find comfort in routine. Regular schedules provide predictability, giving them a sense of control over their surroundings.  

The impact of physical activities on children with autism is profound. From enhancing motor skills and sensory integration to cultivating social connections and emotional well-being, these activities play a pivotal role in their journey toward holistic development. At CognitiveBotics, our commitment to empowering children with autism remains unwavering. Through innovative AI-powered computer vision games, we provide personalized learning experiences designed to boost cognitive growth, social skills, and motor abilities. Whether through your therapist’s guidance or direct contact with us, join us on this transformative journey toward a brighter future for every child. 

Fun Ways to Boost Motor Skills of Children with Autism

Autism, Motor Skills

Fun Ways to Boost Motor Skills of Children with Autism

Engaging in physical activities holds a profound significance for the holistic well-being of children with autism, transcending beyond mere recreation to become a conduit for honing their motor skills. These activities, nestled within the realms of play, unveil a world where children with autism can refine their coordination, amplify their balance, and nurture their fine motor skills while immersing themselves in joyous experiences. The journey toward motor skill development is paved with these exhilarating and captivating activities:

Exploring Nature’s Obstacle Course: Transform your backyard or local park into a vibrant obstacle course adorned with cones, hula hoops, and agility ladders. Empower your child to traverse this dynamic pathway, punctuated with jumps, crawls, and climbs. This intricate voyage could result in enhanced coordination, amplified body awareness, and a heightened sense of equilibrium.

Harmonizing Dance Expeditions: Infuse energy into the atmosphere with lively music, embarking on a dance expedition hand in hand with your child. Dancing serves as a rhythmic medium for enhancing gross motor skills, refining coordination, and synchronizing with rhythm. Please encourage your child to venture into uncharted dance territories or even compose their unique choreographies.

Sculpting with Playdough: The tactile world of playdough unfolds an opportunity for sensory exploration while concurrently nurturing fine motor skills. Invite your child to knead, roll, and shape playdough, thereby strengthening hand muscles and fostering nimble dexterity.

Balloons Engage in Volley: Inflate a balloon and embark on an enthralling volleyball match with your child. Balloon volleyball, a blend of amusement and skill refinement, hones hand-eye coordination and refines gross motor prowess. Invent an impromptu net using a bedsheet or string to amplify the spirited contest.

Simon Says Agility Unveiled: The timeless game of Simon Says takes on a new dimension as your child imitates your actions following your lead. Infuse the commands with diverse movements targeting various motor skills—exemplify jumping jacks, single-leg hops, and graceful toe-touches. This interactive pursuit not only nurtures body awareness but also elevates coordination.

Enigmatic Scavenger Quests: Foster a sense of discovery with a scavenger hunt, prompting your child to unearth designated items or conquer physical challenges. Conceal objects within the nooks of your home or the expanse of your yard, propelling your child to engage in crawling escapades beneath tables or to elegantly leap over cushions. This intricate pursuit refines motor planning, nurtures problem-solving acumen, and sharpens coordination.

Embarking on Youthful Yoga Journeys: Extend an introduction to yoga’s realm, introducing your child to poses and sequences tailored to their tender age. Yoga invokes balance, heightens flexibility, and instills a profound consciousness of one’s body. Abundant online resources and videos cater to guiding children through yoga regimens impeccably suited for their developmental stage.

Pedaling into Exploration Territory: Unveil the joy of bicycle riding, supporting your child with training wheels or a balance bike, if needed. Beyond the pleasure of cruising, bike riding nurtures equilibrium, forges coordination, and fortifies leg muscles. Moreover, it instills a sense of autonomy and encourages exploration.

Conclusion: Remember to adapt these activities based on your child’s abilities and preferences. The key is to make them enjoyable and engaging, keeping in mind their individual needs and interests. By incorporating these fun and energizing activities into their daily routine, you can support the development of motor skills while creating lasting memories with your child.

As you guide your child through these energizing activities, consider the endless possibilities that lie ahead. At CognitiveBotics, we believe in harnessing innovative approaches to support children with autism on their developmental journey. Our AI-powered platform is designed to complement these activities, offering customized learning experiences that enhance cognitive growth and motor skills. Talk to your therapist or get in touch with us. Together, we can create a holistic path towards a brighter future for every child.

Understanding the Underlying Causes of Autism: A Comprehensive Guide

autism, causes of autism

Understanding the Underlying Causes of Autism: A Comprehensive Guide

The early years of autism discovery witnessed several assumptions around the causes of autism, where mothers of autistic infants mantled with this load. Leo Kanner, an Australian American psychiatrist, also known as the father of child psychiatry, was the first to study children with autism and also the first to link the lack of mothers’ attention to their newborns to the leading cause of autism. Kanner described early infantile autism as a distinct clinical syndrome based on his observation study on 11 children with similar behavior. Despite being a small dataset, the study revealed that these children did not relate to people or situations. In the 1940s, Kanner coined the phrase refrigerator mother to symbolize the lack of emotional attachment of parents correlating to children’s autistic behavior.

Contrasting results derived from a study by Folstein and Rutter in 1977 reveal that the incidence of autism in siblings was fifty times higher than the average, proving a strong link between genetics and autism in children. The study further stated that monozygotic twins (Twins that result from the fertilization of a single egg splitting into two embryos) were more likely to share a diagnosis than dizygotic twins (twins born out of two different eggs), suggesting genetic significance in the disorder.

Another study conducted on 21 British twin pairs by A Bailey and his colleagues strengthened these findings by concluding a 60 percent consistency or concordance for the occurrence of ASD in monozygotic twins while observing none in dizygotic twins—pronouncements such as these show significant evidence to prove a visible correlation between genes and autism. While genetic factors contribute to susceptibility, environmental factors also hold significance to ASD. Interactions between genes and the environment are crucial in increasing vulnerability to autism.

Advanced technology and more sophisticated scientific research revealed environmental and genetic causes of autism in children, such as the following.

Maternal Infections

Maternal infections during pregnancy also surfaced as potent environmental risk factors contributing to neurodiversity in children. Infection agents like the rubella virus activate the mother’s immune system. Such immunological activity in the early stages of pregnancy can directly impact the developing brain of the embryo or fetus. 

The research further illustrated a strong correlation between monozygotic twins and autism when compared with autism occurence in dizygotgic twins.

Genetic Mutations

Several genetic mutations are associated with ASD. Notably, so, mutations in the SHANK3 and CHD8 genes have been linked to an increased risk of autism, which aggravates in the later stages of life. The SHANK3 gene is critical in the formation and function of synapses (connections between neurons in the brain). On the other hand, CHD8 helps with brain development, and mutations to this gene can lead to rapid changes in the brain’s original structure and formation. 

Air Pollution

According to an article by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, early-life exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of autism in the fetus. Mothers who live near a freeway or busy roads during their third trimester were twice likely to have children who later developed ASD.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

25-30 pounds is an optimal weight gain during pregnancy. According to a study by the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, abnormal weight gain has a visible correlation to children developing autism while in the mother’s womb.

Metals, Pesticides, and Other Contaminants

Exposure to heavy metals like mercury in the prenatal period is associated with autism causes. Researchers reported that pre-natal exposure to high mercury, zinc, lead, and arsenic levels in the blood because of continuous exposure to contaminants, could increase the risk of autism.

Prevention of Autism is Possible

With advancements in medical research, child psychiatry, and diagnostic techniques, couples planning pregnancy can prevent the probability of autism in their children with specific lifestyle changes during pregnancy. Taking precautions such as those during pregnancy has indicated psychological health in children.

  • Regular check-ups with family obstetricians are critical to keep maternal health in check.
  • A balanced diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, etc., can reduce the risk of autism occurrence in children.
  • Mothers should abide by scheduled vaccinations to gain immunity against German measles (Rubella) and Influenza.
  • An infant’s neurological ability is naturally enhanced by passing through the birth canal. Unnecessary C-Section surveys heavily correlate to autism in children, which must be avoided.
  • Seeking medical help to prevent gestational diabetes and cure any pre-existing medical conditions lowers the risk of autism.  

Identifying the causes of autism is as important as working towards its mitigation. While autism is caused by genetic and environmental disturbances, awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders in couples is paramount for the prevention and early intervention to tackle autism. 

Regular medical consultations and the right diagnostic approach can significantly contribute to calling off that danger zone for your child. Speak with your pediatrician to learn about early intervention in autism-related disorders and make informed choices for your child’s well-being.

The Startling Truth About Screen Time and Autism

Autism, screen time

The Startling Truth About Screen Time and Autism

Unsurprisingly, parents struggle to make peace with how much time their child spends watching a screen. Perplexed with medical warnings, numerous studies highlighting screen time’s detrimental impact on your child, and quintessential jargon such as ‘digital babysitting,’ parents like you can feel overwhelmingly pressured about allowing your child even to see a screen. Watching could become a far cry! Yet, it’s critical to observe the conformity behind ‘mindful screen time’ and seek the benefits it may hold for your child’s cognitive development.

Before educating yourself with healthy screen viewing guidelines, you are advised to get a handle on the pros and cons of screen viewing, especially for your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This approach allows you to make informed decisions that can not just complement your child’s developmental progression but also bring a sense of settlement to your family.

The Thin Line That Separates Good From Bad

Education about healthy digital hours for your child’s learning curve enables you to decipher the equation between the risk and reward screen viewing can offer.  Sure, children that spend too much time on their phones and tablets will likely have a shorter attention span, frequent sleep interruptions, and delayed development of linguistic abilities. 

Excessive screen time could also cause obesity and degraded sociability in your child. In children with autism, this downward spiral is much faster and goes unhinged if not taken care of on time.

On the contrary, a study on 388 children with ASD in the UK, Spain, and Belgium revealed a strong link between improved linguistic abilities and digital learning interfaces. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed designated digital-media guidelines, also termed ‘mindful screen time,’ to reduce the negative impact digital exposure can have on children while considering the experiential learning curve it offers.

  • Birth to 18 months
    AAP advises zero digital media consumption for infants and toddlers.

  • 18 to 24 months
    AAP advises the use of only high-quality programming where a parent sits with the child. Giving children full control of the screen is prohibited.
  • 2 to 5 years
    AAP advises parents to co-view the content with their child to discuss what the child is watching. Advised time limit screen is at most 1 hour.
  • 5 to 18 years
    This phase is crucial for your child’s emotional development. The child understands the natural family bond and creates a personality alignment with how the family functions. Although children can watch content independently, parents must zero screen time during family meal hours and social events as an atomic habit. Prohibiting night viewing at least 1 hour before bedtime is essential to ensure your child’s good night’s sleep.

Research has repeatedly proven that mindful screen time increases motivation and engagement in children with autism, supported by a visible improvement in their creative and problem-solving skills.

To minimize the risks posed by digital media, you can opt for a rather interactive device and digital schedule providing educational content appropriate for the psychological age of your child. You can choose any type of video content, such as educational games, virtual group activities, and virtual tours, that help your child prepare for new or unknown events or interactions.

A research paper published in 1999 by Patti M. Valkenburg, Marina Krcmar, Allerd Peeters, and Nies M. Marseille developed constructive mediation strategies with three distinct video viewing styles, as jotted below.

  • Restrictive Mediation
    In this viewing style, you will set boundaries for the content your child watches and its frequency.

  • Social Co-Viewing
    This viewing style is very conservative, where you discuss the content displayed on the screen with your child. This style stresses the importance of children differentiating between the real world and the world on screen.
  • Interactive Mediation
    This viewing style is the most effective, as it builds a friendly bond between the parent and child, where both can discuss and vocalize their views about the video content.

A research study on children from low and middle-income families by William R. Penuel, Margaret Mary Riel, Ann E. Krause, and Kenneth A. Frank revealed that social co-viewing and active mediation by preschool teachers accelerated children’s literacy levels.

Children with autism require hand-holding to comprehend the transfer of information in audio and video formats. This need speaks volumes about how parental supervision can transform digital content consumption from a leisure activity to a profound educational exercise promoting an exceptional learning opportunity for your child.

Pew Research surveyed parents to understand their views of their children watching online video content. Surprisingly, 88% felt positive about their child learning new things on YouTube, and 75% felt that the platform exposes their children to diverse cultures. To strengthen this observation, researchers found that devices with interactive touch-based video frames can upskill children faster when compared to static non-digital images for the same content.

Studies such as these compel parents and therapists to reconsider screen time restrictions for a better learning experience for children with ASD. Technology will become an inevitable part of your child’s academic curriculum. You as a parent must establish viewing discipline and avoid using the screen as your child’s pacifier for example when the child throws a tantrm. CognitiveBotics is a platform designed to address your challenges as a parent with empathy and dedication.

We complement your unique parental journey with our AI-powered eLearning platfrom that offers structured, distraction-free learning for your child while enhancing focus and instilling confidence. To discover what our platform can offer to your child’s growth and how it can be your companion in the journey forward, book a demo today! 

Early Intervention is the Key to Managing Autism

Early Intervention is the key to Managing Autism

Did you know that your toddler has incredible brain plasticity? The first three years of human life are most conducive to nurturing language and social abilities in your little ones. While cognitive growth is effortless for a typical toddler, it can be quite challenging for a neurodiverse child with ASD in their later years.  This reason is enough for parents and teachers to harness this golden phase of growth and development in children.  

What Does Early Intervention Mean? 
Early intervention means using “therapy services to enhance a child’s ability to interact with others and the environment; these everyday experiences and interactions are essential for optimal child development,” says Anne Zachry, PhD, Associate Professor of occupational therapy at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center. 

It becomes essential for us to provide intervention as soon as the assessments are conducted, and ASD is identified in a child. Early identification of autism can help children receive timely intervention, develop communication skills, and manage sensory experiences and behaviours, leading to improved quality of life both now and in the future. These interventions can be therapies, at-home activities and psychoeducation.  

Provision of Early Intervention (EI) can help the child be on par with his peers, engage in healthy social behaviour and better regulate their tantrums when faced with discomfort or triggers.  

Why is Early Intervention critical? 
Early autism detection plays a crucial role in enabling children to build behavioural, social, and self-regulatory capabilities that improve physical and cognitive health.  

ASD affects every child differently meaning the care that is to be provided to the child can be better determined by using reliable tools for assessments. These assessments help us in providing appropriate care and intervention for the symptoms shown by the child.  

The M-CHAT-R assessment helps in screening the level of risk of developing ASD in a child as young as 16 months to 30 months of age. Such screening tests help in identifying the risk of having other developmental delays/disorders as well.  It shows that with appropriate intervention, we can combat these delays, so they don’t go on to develop full-blown diagnoses of ASD or other developmental delays.  

The Stigma Around Autism Detection 
Many parents, across different countries, hold a lot of stigma against ASD such as viewing it as a disappointment, inconvenience and shame. This stigma around Autism often keeps parents away from seeking a diagnosis or getting proper intervention for the child, possibly ailing the child’s development significantly.  

According to Harvard Health Publishing (2021), Neurodiversity, commonly used in the context of ASD, describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways; there is no one “right” way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not viewed as deficits. The concept of Neurodiversity aims to reduce the stigma around individuals with Autism and promotes the acceptance of such individuals. 

How Can You Best Address Autism?  
Early intervention gives enough room for parents to understand the situation and its associated therapeutic interventions. Reaching out to your family doctor or a paediatrician for some advice or support, in case of disruptive behaviours or developmental delays can help in providing early intervention and getting the necessary diagnosis.  

Some early signs of Autism include, but not limited to, are: 

  • Not responding to one’s name 
  • Avoiding eye contact with people around them 
  • Throwing tantrums in case they do not like a particular taste, smell or a sensation 
  • Repetitive behaviours like rocking their body, flapping their arms, etc.  
  • Not smiling at people or not interacting with others when interacted with
  • Repeating phrases repeatedly  

Available therapies for ASD 
Autism intervention focuses on helping the child effectively manage the symptoms and help the child in functioning independently. It becomes essential for us to provide intervention as soon as the assessments are conducted, and ASD is identified in a child. EI can help effectively manage and potentially reduce the symptoms of a child who has a high risk of developing autism. 

ASD varies widely in presentation and severity, making accurate evaluation essential for implementing individualized treatment plans that cover: 

  • Occupational therapy  
  • Sensory Integration 
  • Speech therapy 
  • Behavioural therapy with Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) 
  • Social and emotional learning skills
  • Skill building
  • Cognitive learning
  • Augmented reality therapy 

Success stories of people with ASD
Today we see a lot of professionals come out and openly talk about their experience with living with ASD. Popular speaker Kerry Magro once said, “My Autism will never define the wonderful human being that I am”. He has learnt how to deal with his autism and believes that it has gotten him where he is today, he says, “I realized lots of practice, patience, perseverance and my acceptance of my Autism has gotten me where I am today and will guide me in the future.”  

Renowned animal behaviourist, Temple Grandin, has also been diagnosed with Autism. Grandin’s mother suspected that she might be autistic at a very young age and provided the necessary available intervention. Today she is known for her work and contribution towards animal psychology and as an autism advocate pushing towards necessary intervention and resources for the same.  

Our founders’ son, Ram, who also was diagnosed with Autism, with Early Intervention has learnt to live an independent life while working as a full-time corporate employee in Amazon. 

From these examples, we can see that provision of early intervention for an individual who has been diagnosed with ASD or has the risk of developing ASD, can benefit immensely to function independently on par with a neurotypical in society.   

CognitiveBotics and Early Intervention
We, CognitiveBotics, aim at making early intervention a lot more accessible to every parent and child through our app. CognitiveBotics is a comprehensive AI-powered eLearning platform tailored for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  

We believe, our platform can complement your child’s therapy sessions to create a holistic learning experience and stand as a testament to fostering broader social transformation through extensive support and care.  

How to Travel with Children who have Autism

How to Travel with Children who have Autism

Travel can be an exciting yet anxiety-provoking experience for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Your child may be uncomfortable with flying, routine changes, navigating unfamiliar environments, and sensory stimulation. You must prepare your child and the rest of your family much before the travel date so that you can create memories on every vacation.

Dividing your vacation time into periods and associating tasks for every period can help you become aware of the resources available so that you can plan much in advance. Remember, build a plan of action for the worst-case scenario you may encounter daily. Prepping for holidays much in advance gives your child ample opportunity to do more of what he wants to do.

The Preparatory Period
Your preparatory period leading up to the actual holiday should create safety. In essence, you must inform, acknowledge, and relax before your holiday. Providing airlines with advanced information about your travel with a mention of the likes and dislikes of your autistic child and the possible challenges you might encounter during the flight is a suggested practice that parents of children with ASD should employ. Drafting a one-pager with information about aspects of criticality, such as the following, will save you tons of time and gallons of effort while tackling unknown troubles while on the flight.

  • Diagnosis of your child with ASD
  • Allergies, if any
  • Important medications and medical procedures while in emergency 
  • Behavioral information about your child, such as communication disability, sensory irritability, etc.

Practice
In the weeks leading up to the holiday, create a social story that overviews the air travel process with your child. Doing this, you help your child understand the functions of security, safety, and precautions at the airport. If your child responds better to visual stimuli, you can show pictures and descriptions of every procedure you will likely follow before and while you board the plane.

Children with autism are usually taken aback by unfamiliarity. There is no harm in practicing new social situations with your child to improve familiarity in his mind. Teaching stories are a beautiful way to tackle revision. These customized, brief stories help your child identify, understand, and familiarize with a new social situation or behavior. You can get teaching stories like “A guide for air travel with children with autism” by Autism Speaks or create your own.

Teaching stories can be very impactful, as they make an impression in your child’s mind about social situations, people, places, and conversations in your child’s mind. Take another step further for enhanced practice sessions so your child can use the expected behavioral pattern during the holiday. For example, audio and video rehearsal sessions can help your child understand the possible sensory stimuli they may encounter at the airport and while on holiday.

Responsibility
A few weeks before travel, hang a calendar with the date of departure marked on it. Ask your child to check off each day until departure. This daily routine instills a sense of responsibility and safety in your child so he is not flabbergasted by the sudden movement from his familiar setup, home.

Learning how to utilize a calendar visually represents the concept of time. Following calendar dates creates a good habit and leaves a subtle but lasting impression in your child’s memory.

The Memory Equipment
Encourage your child to explain the process on the travel day to you or his toys. This technique demonstrates how much your child grasped the traveling process and exposes the hidden insecurity your child may have. 

If your child has strong verbal skills, you can ask him to verbally explain how the travel day might look like. Asking “Tell me about boarding the plane” questions will help your child connect the dots and be more present during the revision.

Packing Done Right!
Pack all the essentials for your child; there’s no excuse you can give for anything missing. Terminals and airplanes have a limited assortment of food. For the voyage, you must pre-pack meals and snacks of your child’s liking, like fruit gummies and bagels.

Having an item, such as a blanket or a plush toy, that feels and smells like home can create a comfort zone for a traveler with ASD. Hence, don’t wash any comfort items before travel.

Airport Security
To accommodate travelers with physio-diverse and neurodiverse abilities, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) established protocols that allow special accommodations. You can contact the airport personnel to book a practice walk-through of the airport security for your child a day before your travel. Doing this will help your child familiarize with the airport security procedures.

If the airport doesn’t allow mock runs, take photographs of the process and conduct a roleplay at home. The more detail-oriented the drill will be, the more associations your child can form about the process.

Boarding the Plane
Inform the flight attendant that you are traveling with a child with ASD and request them to allow you to board early so your family doesn’t have to wait in the queue. To reduce discomfort during takeoff and landing, ask your child to chew a piece of gum or candy. Use ear plugs to avoid any discomfort in the ears and a safe ear popping.

Allow your child to access the gadgets on the plane while he has toys to play with. For instance, your child may like tactile stimulation while playing with a dough or clay toy.

Placing a digital cloak or countdown timer in front of the child will help your child know how long he should wait till the plane lands.

Stick to the Routine
When you arrive at the location, you must stick to the plan you already designed and ask your child to narrate it, if possible. To avoid unnecessary meltdowns, keep the routine your child usually has while on holiday too. For example, you can save some of his video class on your phone and show it to your child when he usually goes to school.

Be Alert
Anticipate potential temptations and triggers caused by crowded stores, impatient shoppers, and long lines while on vacation. You must stay realistic about sudden surprises and talk to your child about them. If you notice a possibility of a meltdown, prepare your child so you are safe and relaxed.

If your child doesn’t respond well to verbal stimuli, you must learn to communicate with teamwork. Always stay together as a family and teach your child to stop and wait if you are not around. Review the safety plan if someone from your family gets lost. Tag your child with his identity information and your mobile phone number, so you can be contacted if he gets lost.

A more ambitious approach to preparing your child for emergencies is to teach him how to ask for help, which can be substantially avoided if the family always stays together.

Reward with Empathy
To maintain calm and quiet for your child throughout the vacation, it is essential to reinforce good behavior and reward it with praise or a gift. For instance, you can gift your child a toy or a book he likes at the end of a successful flight or cruise.

Things can go haywire despite sticking to the plan and revising it multiple times. Keeping a family wandering emergency plan provided by your therapist based on your child’s daily needs often comes in handy. Talk to your Therapist learn more about child care during travel and equip your family with the failsafe toolkit required for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday.