The results of 53 parent-reported questionnaires show that classical music (see also Bhatara & Quintin, 2013) and pop-rock are preferred genres in ASD compared to other genres (e.g., jazz or folk).
Slow, soft music and sounds are calming and can ease anxiety, while loud, up-tempo music is alerting, which helps an under-stimulated nervous system. Many children will enjoy listening to music through headphones, as the vibrations by the ears feels pleasurable.
Sand, Slime, or Putty
These allow your child to play while also developing fine motor skills. Children can play with the substance alone or they can incorporate other objects as well. Also, the substances are often brightly colored, appealing to their visual senses.
Be Generous With Rewards: Be encouraging and praise the child after finishing each task or for good behaviour. It is important to appreciate the child's effort and often reward the kid with extra playtime or treats they like. Keep informing the child that you are proud of his or her good behaviour.
Although this can sometimes feel challenging, it is important to recognize three very simple factors that every person with ASD needs: safety, acceptance and a sense of competence.
For some children, sensory toys such as squeeze balls and fidget toys, weighted blankets, their favorite videos, or activities can help them manage their emotions. You can set up a calming routine that the child practices on a regular basis, and make it part of their daily schedule.
Music has rhythmic patterns that gives autistic children a structured means of understanding auditory messages. Additionally, music is multi-sensory, and it engages the child's visual, auditory, and tactile senses enhancing learning and understanding.
Children with ASD are motivated to engage in music activities and it can be a preferred medium to operate within. They thrive within structure and music fulfills this need for structure and routine. First of all, children with ASD seem to enjoy musical experiences because they are often “good at it”.
Singing is another way to initiate communication. Often children with autism can sing much better than they can speak. Even totally nonverbal children will hum or babble along with the music.
These interests are extremely common among people with autism: 75 to 95 percent have them. An interest may involve collecting items such as postcards or dolls, listening to or playing music in a repetitive way, or focusing intensely on a narrow topic, such as insects fighting.
It is not only a stress-reliever, but it also has shown positive results in reducing panic attacks and depression. When an autistic person listens to music, they will find it calming and peaceful. Therefore, doctors also suggest using music therapy to improve their social behaviors.
Music therapy can also be used to help individuals with autism to manage their emotions. Music can have a calming effect on the mind and body, and can help individuals with autism to regulate their emotions.
What toys are good for a child with autism? Autistic children often enjoy sensory toys because they help them feel calm and engage their senses in a positive way. Sensory toys can include weighted stuffed animals, fidget toys, and putty.
Since then, researchers have systematically studied the musical processing abilities of individuals with autism and have shown that while language may sometimes be deficient, these individuals process music similarly to typically developing individuals."
It's important to note that just because a toddler may exhibit some signs of autism, it does not necessarily mean they have autism. Some toddlers may show delays in communication or socialization due to other factors such as hearing loss, language barriers, or even simply being introverted.
Autism affects how people process sensory information (such as sight and sound), which can make everyday tasks more difficult. In a noisy environment, many autistic people say it is difficult to hear what's being said. Background noises can create overwhelming listening difficulties.
Therefore, it appears that while some individuals may be aware they are autistic, others may not fully understand why they have difficulties connecting with people socially or engaging in conversation - yet still realize they are 'different.
Giving them a hug
A tight hug provides deep pressure, which helps them feel calm and secure. A long bear hug may help them feel better. Do not force a hug on the child or hold them down. This is incredibly distressing, especially if the child is already feeling overwhelmed.
Every autistic person is different, but sensory differences, changes in routine, anxiety, and communication difficulties are common triggers.
A child with ASD can be challenging—they may be restless; have trouble sleeping, eating or speaking; experience seizures; or have meltdowns born of frustration or overstimulation. Expectations for a “normal” life may need to be adjusted.
When Does Autism Get Easier? A new study found that around 30% of young autistic children have less severe symptoms at age 6 than they did at age 3. Interestingly, some children lose their autism diagnoses entirely.