Equipment You Should Have for your Child with Autism

Many parents of children with autism are amazed to see and learn about the toys their children can use that will help them grow and develop.  Where does this amazement come from; the fact that these toys are the same ones they are familiar with in many ways.  In fact one of the most important pieces of autism equipment in use now is the iPad or any other tablet that can link to apps with the child’s schedule and be the communication device for any child with autism.

Many of the toys and devices used as autism equipment help with calming, nurturing and familiarity.  Some of the items you can consider for your child with autism include:

·Teen Break Box – This is a box full of items that help teens calm and refocus their attention

·ABC Look & Feel Bag – This is a bean bag full of letters for learning and addressing touch sensitivity

· Pencil Weights – This works great for higher functioning children to provide a familiar feeling

· Fidget Brushes – These help with a calming and soothing sensation

· Chew Pendants – These can be worn around the neck and used for calming through chewing when needed

·Vibrating Sensory Snail – A colorful vibrating toy that feels calming for younger children

· Spiky Cushion – Your child will have a place they think is comfortable to sit and stay calm

·Boundary Chair – Give your child a great place to sit and enjoy their time for homework or relaxation

Whether your child needs a few items for a calming effect or to help them develop the right toys will give your child the feel they want and the learning they need.  If you aren’t sure what you should purchase to help your child develop, visit our team at We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Santa Monica, CA and let us help you find the right items. 

How to Understand the Signs of Autism

Caring for your child is the most important task you can ever be given in your life.  It’s your job to make sure your child or children are able to develop to become adults who will have good lives and be able to make a positive contribution in the world.  For most of us this is the greatest honor of our lives as well and the hurdles we have to overcome are typical and fairly easy to handle.  What if you have an infant that isn’t smiling by a specific age, how do you handle a child that isn’t speaking by another age?

The lack of development at the same rate as other children could be signs of autism.  It’s important for you to discuss your observations with your pediatrician who can put you on course to have your child tested to see if they have autism.  There are a variety of places for support of autism in Santa Monica CA, but you should know some of the signs that your child may have autism, which are:

·         No big smiles by six months or later

·         No sharing of sounds and expressions by nine months

·         No babbling by twelve months

·         No gesture sharing by twelve months (ex. waving, pointing)

·         No words by sixteen months

·         No two word phrases by two years of age

·         Loss of speech or social skills at any age

If your child displays one or more of these warning signs, you should visit your doctor and begin the process to determine whether or not your child has autism.  Early detection and diagnosis will allow your child to grow and develop much further using the support for autism in Santa Monica, CA that you can find, if your child is diagnosed with autism.  With this support you can find the right programs for your child to grow and develop.