Here at The Place for Children with Autism, we are committed to supporting the communities who need ABA therapy services the most. While there has certainly been an increase in providers and advocates for children on the autism spectrum, still many families are left without the vital support they need to ensure the healthy development and growth of their child. There’s plenty of need in the autism community and thankfully there’s plenty we can do to support underserved children on the autism spectrum. In this post, we’ll share some of the best ways to offer your support to a family in need.
The Importance of Checking In
Not everything needs to be a grand gesture. If you know the family of a child on the spectrum, checking in with them can go a long way. Asking questions is a simple act that shows you care and want to understand. Check-in with the family and see what kind of support they may need if any. If you are in a position where you spend more one on one time with the child on the autism spectrum, being a trusted friend or offering a listening ear can make a world of difference for them. This is especially true if the child experiences some of the common symptoms of autism, like the following:
- Challenges with verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Challenges reading and understanding social cues and by extent, challenges with social interaction.
- Sensitivity to sensory stimulation and interpretation, causing sensory meltdowns or tantrums.
- Delayed developmental learning and cognition and by extent, challenges in traditional classroom settings.
Get to know the child’s symptoms to best understand how you may be able to offer support in any capacity.
Help with Necessities
In a time of crisis or financial hardship, even the most basic human necessities can be hard to come by. If you have the means to provide some basic items like food, cleaning supplies or diapers to an underserved family in need, you can always do so. Even if you may not be in direct contact with a family in need, there’s always local food banks and shelters that can use the support.
Beyond donations, if you know a family with a child on the spectrum who is struggling, even offering support in the form of your time can be a big help. Offer a ride or tag along on an errand or trip to the park. When the family’s hands are full with their child, offer to help with the other things in their life so they can have a little extra time on their hands. No matter what you commit, it will be a help.
Share Resources
Many children who go undiagnosed or underserved do so because their family is unaware or unable to access resources that would otherwise help them. If you are aware of some useful resources or information, be sure to share it with them and point them in the right direction. Share information on ABA Therapy or even books, podcasts and helpful tech.
At the base of all of these ideas is a basic empathy and understanding for the people in your life. Holding on to that understanding and keeping others at the top of mind is crucial to being part of someone’s network of support.
For more ABA and autism-related news and tips visit our blog and follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. If you have questions regarding ABA therapy services or you’re interested in visiting one of our locations, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on our contact page. We’re always here to answer your questions and support your family’s needs as best as we can.
