Autistic children should be empowered to understand their strengths, says autism expert

Experts say children with autism should be encouraged to have positive conversations about who they are and understand what they are good at and where they excel.

For many parents and caregivers, the battle to diagnose a child with autism is long and arduous. When that day comes, it may be a huge relief, but what happens next?

Parents and schools may get support, but young people are less likely to get much guidance on what it means to them and how they feel about it.

A new Parent’s Guide, coming out later this month (February 21), aims to change that.

Give your child the tools to succeed

While there may be an emphasis on how to educate children with autism, there is not much support for developing a sense of identity in a positive way.

An autism expert has created a guidebook for professionals as well as parents. It features easy-to-follow workbooks to give children the tools to participate in their own journey, understand what it means to be autistic, and feel empowered. their autistic identity.

Rebecca Duffs M.Sc. has a degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Autism and Education and spent many years as a mentor teacher working with students, educators and parents to foster a culture that celebrates neurodiversity. I have worked experience.

“I want to see a society that celebrates autistic identities, and I want children to have access to positive conversations about who they are,” she said.

“This will help them build confidence and self-esteem and be able to assert themselves.

“I hope these books help raise a generation that is excited about difference and welcomes diverse voices about what they can bring to the table.

autonomy in children with autism

Duffs believes that encouraging children to understand what they are good at and what they are good at can give young people autonomy and control over their journey.

Evidence-based guidebooks help parents understand what everyday life is like for children with autism. It also provides parents with tools to converse with their children based on their strengths and skills.

This workbook has been specifically designed and created for children and young people with autism and aims to help them take pride in their autistic identity and all that makes each young person unique. and

Eighteen-year-old Pavan Bhamidipati is a Young Ambassador for the National Autism Association and an advisor to the Council for Children with Disabilities. He provided information about the book while it was in development.

He said, “This book is unique compared to others because it represents the perspective of a young person with autism and allows the autistic reader to personalize the book themselves.

“It is very important for autistic youth to understand their autistic identity. Because it helps me understand why they behave the way they do and why they perceive the world the way they perceive it. I am more accepting of myself.”

long-awaited book

Consultant occupational therapist Moyna Talcer M.Sc., who has more than 20 years of experience treating children with autism, says the book is “worth gold.”

She continued, “This is very important, not just for young people, but for those who support them to understand that autism is a difference, not a flaw.

“The world needs neurodivergent people. It is a way of empowering us to identify areas where we need it.”