![]() Praise and rewards work well with children. Yes, it’s not easy in the heat of the moment but many parents find that being positive makes a big difference in helping to diffuse difficult situations and calm their child. Having a plan can prevent an over-reaction on your part and help you slip away from onlookers. It might be a ‘hold’ or hug for your child, or perhaps a quick escape into a quiet bathroom. Parents are sometimes embarrassed by their child’s behavior but you can’t let that impact his or her safety. Some families use a technique called ‘instant amnesia’ where the parent offers the child an unexpected and welcome surprise - a special snack for example - that quickly redirects the child’s attention. Despite careful planning, children with disabilities can surprise us with unexpected behavior so a Plan B is important. Just because a particular technique helped keep your child calm last week doesn’t mean it will work today. Games, music and movies can keep your child busy and minimize potential triggers. Smart phones, iPads and other electronic devices can work well as a distraction, especially if the child uses earbuds to block out other noise. If a situation is likely to be sensory overload for your child, plan ahead to help him or her cope. If you are the parent of a child with an invisible disability, here are some ideas to help you cope in situations like this. As the parent of a child with an invisible disability, Jade was accustomed to being judged for her parenting skills and her child’s often unruly behavior. As much as she wanted to offer the woman a few choice words, Jade turned away and quietly walked down the jet way with Anthony. It felt like every eye at the gate was on her. “Who does she think she is? There isn’t a thing wrong with that child!” “Look at that mother up there with that little blond kid,” barked the middle-aged woman in the red dress. But just as she was about to hand the gate agent their boarding passes, Jade suddenly heard a very loud voice coming from behind her. We are now ready to board all passengers with disabilities and anyone needing extra time or special assistance.” While Anthony does display certain tell-tale signs of autism - the way he flexes his hands awkwardly when excited, the rigid posture, the darting eyes that never quite look at you - in a crowd he looks quite “normal.” The other passengers waiting for the flight to Denver had no idea that Anthony could erupt at a moment’s notice.Īfter a long delay, the announcement finally came: “Attention in the gate area. They arrived at the airport early and made it through security without a hitch, but when they reached the crowded gate area, Jade could see her son was struggling to stay calm.Īt first glance, it’s difficult to imagine that this little blonde-haired boy with the deep blue eyes could be anything other than angelic. She did her best to prepare him for the journey and packed a few of his favorite foods and toys in her carry-on bag. Even though Anthony was excited to see his cousins, Jade knew it could be a challenging situation. Last July Jade decided to go to Colorado to visit her sister. During the school year, the regular routine makes things easier, but unstructured time during the summer is always challenging for Anthony. Jade’s 7-year-old son Anthony has autism, and he functions best when there is plenty of structure built into his day. But for families with children who have less obvious disabilities - a mental health or emotional or behavioral disorder, for example - a trip can spell disaster, particularly if there is an airport involved. Summer is that magical time when the kids are out of school, the days are more relaxed, and there are often opportunities to take a special family vacation. Mental Health Care and Treatment Options.What Probation Officers Need to Know About Learning Disabilities.Communication With the Corrections System.What Youth Need To Know if They Are Questioned by Police.10 Year Old Victoria's Story / Tips You Can Do.5 Year Old Isabelle's Story / Tips You Can Do.Developing an Educational Plan for Your Child.Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies.Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS).Talking To Youth With Mental Health Needs.Support for Bipolar, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Dyslexia.Support for Depression, Anxiety, and Toxic Stress. ![]()
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