• Supporting your Child Whose Sibling has ASD

    When you’re the parent of a child with ASD, you know the impact Autism Spectrum Disorder can have on your entire family. What you may not realize is how much of a toll ASD can take on the siblings of the child with ASD. Studies indicate that siblings of children with ASD are at risk of anxiety, depression, and social difficulties. While you’re coping with the challenges facing your child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, how can you support your child who does not have an ASD diagnosis?

  • Be understanding when your child has negative emotions about his or her sibling with ASD. Sometimes, a neurotypical child might be embarrassed by the behavior of a sibling with ASD, or jealous of the time and energy required from the parents. Whatever your child is feeling, honor that, and help the child to work through it.
  • Recognize that each child is unique, regardless of abilities or special needs. The child who doesn’t have ASD still needs to be recognized as a unique individual with his or her own needs, thoughts, hopes, and desires. Be mindful of your typical child’s needs, making a plan to handle difficult situations that may arise. This is especially important when ensuring that each of your children gets the academic support they need.
  • Nurture a relationship between the siblings. Sometimes it’s hard for a child to build a relationship with a sibling who has ASD. Fortunately, you can teach your children how to engage their sibling, so that the children can play together and form a bond. Most children with siblings who have ASD develop a fierce devotion and loyalty to their siblings.
  • Acknowledge that your neurotypical child may be responsible for his or her sibling later in life. It is likely that your child with ASD will outlive you and will need the support or even care of his sibling. Knowing this can be challenging to siblings trying to build their own lives, but you can help by encouraging them to form their own identities outside of the family, as well as discussing plans you have in place for your child with ASD.
  • Give each child one on one time. Your child with ASD needs to be a fully integrated member of your family, but that doesn’t mean that every activity must be shared by the whole family. Remember to give your neurotypical children regular, separate time, whether that’s one evening a week or just a few minutes each day. Make a point of celebrating each child’s achievements, and allow your children without ASD to be the central focus sometimes.

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.

  • Enjoying Springtime Activities with your Child with ASD

    Easter is something fun that can be challenging for a child with ASD. If you celebrate this holiday, it’s important to take some steps to make it fun for your child and not overwhelming.

    • Manage your own expectations. Especially if you have neurotypical children as well as a child with ASD, you may have a picture in your mind for how Easter is “supposed” to be. You may need to let that go, and just let it be what works best for your family.
    • The egg hunt can be altered to be ASD friendly.
      • If you’re going to an egg hunt with other families, practice ahead of time, explaining the rules.
      • Consider an egg hunt at home, limiting the eggs to just one or two colors.
      • Look for inclusive egg hunts in your area.
      • Be prepared to leave if your child isn’t into it or becomes overwhelmed.
      • Bring whatever your child might need to feel comfortable, whether it’s headphones, sunglasses, a snack, or some comfort item from home.
    • Be prepared to navigate social interaction, with a backup plan if it’s too much. Easter functions can involve big crowds and tons of other kids. Sometimes they can be rowdy and loud, and sometimes they might involve family gatherings with people who might not respect your child’s boundaries. Have a plan in place to make your child feel safe, even If that means leaving.

    Of course, Easter isn’t the only thing going on in the spring. There are plenty of fun things to do with your children, and the key to managing spring activities is to understand and accommodate your unique child.

    • Playgrounds can provide exercise and socialization, but they can also be overwhelming. Observe the playground before you go, looking for times where the crowds aren’t heavy. Better yet, look for an inclusive playground.
    • Earth Day can be very meaningful, but it might be better to avoid festival crowds. Instead, do an Earth Day craft, plant a garden, or simply take a walk with your children.
    • Getting outdoors with your child with ASD can be great fun for both of you. Draw with sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles. Create an obstacle course in your yard, using household items like hula hoops and jump ropes, and letting your child help set it up.

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. Founded in 2006, we provide behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.

  • Ventura is Getting a New Inclusive Playground

    If you are the parent of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) you know that your child faces many challenges that neurotypical children do not have to face. On the other hand, a child with ASD, like any child with a disability, is like every other kid in many ways. No matter what your child’s capabilities may be, kids need to have time to socialize with other kids. They also need downtime, to get outside and play.

    • Soon, a new playground is coming to Ventura, with the goal of facilitating playtime for all children, regardless of ability. This is very exciting news because it’s the first inclusive playground in the City of Ventura. It will be built to include all kinds of kids, and it will have rubberized surfaces so that kids can play safely without fear of injury. There will be ramps to play structures for kids with limited mobility, and sensory components, to engage every child. Shady spots and areas to sit and rest will also be incorporated, as well as equipment that enables parents and caregivers to play with the children.

    Inclusive playgrounds are important, especially because nearly 13 percent of people in the United States are dealing with some sort of disability. For children with disabilities, research indicates that playgrounds are crucial in helping them form relationships with their non-disabled peers. At a playground, children can connect, discover, and grow, but in traditional playgrounds, children with differing abilities are not always able to play and participate.

    In a playground that’s inclusive, children connect with each other, gain new skills, and connect intergenerationally. They’re able to exercise their bodies, as well as their imaginations. When people of diverse ages and differing abilities are able to freely interact on a playground, they reap the benefits of socializing with people whose paths they might not otherwise cross. These playgrounds promote community engagement, as disparate groups of people interact with each other.

    In Ventura, design plans for the new playground are still being finalized. Construction is slated to begin in the fall of 2020, with the hope of opening the new park in the winter. Fundraising is ongoing, as the city’s funds only cover a portion of the project.

    If your child has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, STAR of CA is here to offer support. One of the ways we do that is by keeping you in the loop on all things ASD in our community, whether it’s a new playground, a sensory-friendly event, a social activity, or an educational opportunity. Founded in 2006, STAR of CA offers behavioral and psychological services to people with ASD and related disorders in a nurturing environment that offers support for the entire family. We love what we do, and are devoted to improving lives through focused, caring services. You can contact us through our website or by calling 805.588.8896.