Parents play a critical role in helping their child succeed. But sometimes, parents don't know where to start. That's where an autism coach comes in.
An autism coach can help parents gain insight into their child's unique personality and interests, and tailor activities accordingly. He/she can also help parents learn how to interact with their child in a way that encourages him/her to participate in daily routines.
Additionally, an autism coach can help parents understand their own feelings and reactions to their child's behaviour, and use that knowledge to effectively parent. Finally, an autism coach can serve as a resource for parents seeking additional educational options for their child.
By working together, parents and coaches can create a plan that addresses each family member's specific needs. A good coach will ask questions to get to the root cause of problems and then offer solutions based on the individual situation. He/she will also encourage parents to take responsibility for their child's success and give praise when he/she does something right.
A coach can also help parents set goals for their child's future and monitor progress toward achieving those goals. Additionally, a coach can help parents build relationships with other caregivers and educators, including doctors, teachers, counsellors, and therapists.
One important aspect of being an autism parent is awareness. Being able to notice triggers or patterns that result in a particular behaviour or response. Too often we are encouraged to think that if a behaviour is "bad", we should train them out of it via imposing consequences. A better approach is to develop your awareness as a parent, so that you know the cause of the behaviour. A child doesn't act "bad" because they are naughty. There is always a reason. Coaches can help parents develop their awareness and know what to look for. It's amazing how much talking to someone that asks questions to help you uncover new insights can help.
Doctors, psychologists and other health professionals working with autism spectrum disorder are in high demand. They don't have the time or training to support your whole family and all the challenges that come with autism. A coach that has walked a similar path to what you're facing can provide benefits that support and extend beyond the standard pathway.