Autism does not only effect the people who are on the spectrum, but it effects their family and friends as well. Parents lives change after having a child with ASD and if they aren't intentional about creating an optimal environment and schedule for their family, they could be inhibiting their child's development and family relationships.
Children with ASD function best on routine which can be a big adjustment for some families. Anything out of the ordinary or unexpected can stimulate the child to "lose control" and feel angry, stressed and confused. However, it can be difficult to live on a specific, unchangeable routine which is why it is necessary to prepare children on the spectrum in advance so they aren't completely taken aback when something is different. Children with autism might also create their own unnecessary routines such as watching the same video from beginning to end or skipping every crack in the sidewalk and when they aren't provided the opportunity to do these things, they can feel extremely frustrated, ("Autism Spectrum Disorder").
In addition to routine, many kids with ASD have unusual interests or behaviors. Some of them can include lining up toys, playing with toys the same way every time, staying very organized, having obsessive interests, flapping hands and more. They also might spend a lot of time performing repetitive motions whether that be moving one part of the body, moving side to side, moving a toy, or turning the lights on and off, ("Autism Spectrum Disorder"). All of these activities can help children feel in control, calm, and self-stimulated.
Overall, parents usually have to adjust their lifestyles in order to ensure an optimal environment and schedule for their children. It can be difficult when families have children with and without autism since each child functions differently and wants different things, but allowing children with ASD to thrive on a routine is a sacrifice that is beneficial and rewarding.
Work Cited:
“Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24 Feb. 2015, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/treatment.html.
