Why Is My Toddler With Autism So Agitated?
If you've just received a diagnosis of autism for your child, then you know that autism treatment for toddlers is of the utmost importance. You are also most likely plenty scared about what will follow, and what autism treatment is best for your toddler. Don't worry, that is a natural reaction. There are plenty of therapists, doctors and other parents that will be able to help you along your journey and understant which autism treatment is best.
Sensory Integration Therapy – an Innovative Autism Treatment for Toddlers
One kind of autism treatment that can be very useful in the treatment of autism in toddlers is sensory integration therapy. You see, most kids with autism have sensory issues – they will scream in agony if something is too loud, tastes bad, has an unpleasant texture, or is too busy or uncomfortable visually. We use the 5 senses to take in all our information about the world.
Toddlers with autism, however, receive sensory information 100 times stronger than we do. Everything is magnified for them. This is one reason that your autistic toddler can often seem so agitated.
For Some Toddlers the Best Autism Treatment is to Avoid Sensory Overwhelm
So what can you do? Well, for starters, try to avoid crowded places if you can. Don't take your toddler with autism to movies, plays or restaurants, as the noise and commotion will most likely be too much for them. Be aware if they have a tantrum, it might be something sensory related, like their shirt is too scratchy, their clothing is too tight, or something your baby hears is too loud for them. Let's face it, simple solutions may be the best autism treatments for overly sensitive toddlers.
Music that you are playing in the room may be a source of agitation, or even the sound of a piece of paper in ripping in two can set some autistic toddlers with sensitive hearing on edge. Wearing perfume or fragranced products can be an assault on the sensory system of your toddler with autism. It is a good idea to wash their clothes with unscented detergent and use unscented soaps for bath time. You may not think of these simple steps as autism treatment, but in a way they are.
Autism Treatment for Toddlers Can be Tricky
When you live with a toddler with autism, you need to be aware of their sensory needs, among other things. Autism treatment for toddlers can be a tricky business, but it is not impossible.
Many parents worry, many times needlessly, about their toddlers and young children crying and having meltdowns. They may assume that they need complex autism treatments for their toddlers. They do not realize that the solution is often straight forward and simple. Ensure that you focus on the sensory issues that surround your toddler. Ignoring this simple rule can make the difference between a happy and content child and one who is irritable and always upset.
Parents should learn as much as you can about sensory issues and autism treatments for toddlers. Tips from other parents and professionals can be extremely helpful.
And for additional tips and suggestions about autism treatment for toddlers read Craig Kendall's book, The Autism Survival Guide.
Craig's book The Autism Survival Guide has received rave reviews from parents and professionals alike for its pragmatic and practical approaches to solving the everyday problems that parents face as well as concise information on autism treatments that really work.
Click here for more information on autism treatment for toddlers, and to sign up for Craig's FREE Autism Newsletter.
I enjoy and appreciate the information, anything to help my son and my own understanding of what life is like for Nicholas. It also helps me educate my son's teacher and EA which this process is ongoing and at times very frustrating.
My name is Matt Turner from Australia. I have a 6 y.o. with autism (fairly mild). I found your work insightful and helpful - my wife is a doctor and spent many hours wading through medical texts to no avail. Our son Finley Turner is a very bright, friendly, healthy, unconditionally loved boy who can lose it sometimes. The guide helped us understand what to do and it helps him as much as us. Thanks for the work and I have recommended you to other parents in similar situations.
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I have been reading your Newsletter for a while now. Find attached a picture of my family. Joel is the little boy in glasses. Thanks for putting a smile on me. My knowledge and support is increasing. I feel more positive towards helping my son than ever.
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