Is going out with a child with autism a challenge for you?

Imagine, you also have a great desire to go shopping with your baby, to a party at a relative's house, or at least to a park. But... when your baby goes there, you are afraid that he will suddenly get upset, scream, lie down on the floor and cry, and others will look at you strangely, right? This experience is not only for you, but also common to many of us as parents of children with autism. Because of this, many parents even stop going out with their child. But does it really have to be like that? Let's talk about this a little.

What is autism simply?

First, let's understand this. Autism is not a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental condition related to brain development. To be precise, it is called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) . The word "spectrum" is because the condition can vary greatly from person to person. The symptoms of one child can be completely different from another.

These children typically have several main challenges:

• Difficulty in establishing social relationships : Some dislike talking to others, playing, and making eye contact.
• Communication difficulties: Some children speak little or not at all. Others may use words but not fully understand their meaning.
• Repetitive behaviors: Doing the same thing over and over again. For example, waving your hands in the same way, playing with the same toy in the same way.

What exactly are these sensory issues?

Simply put, our brain takes in information (sights, sounds, smells) from our five senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, skin), processes it, and responds to it. We call this process Sensory Processing . This process is a little different in children with autism. As a result, they may perceive things very strongly or not at all that a normal person would not perceive.

This can happen in two main ways.

Now you probably understand why your child suddenly gets anxious at a shopping mall? It's not because he's a bad kid. When the lights, noises, crowds, and smells all hit his brain at once, he can't handle it. At that time, he screams and cries to relieve the pressure he feels.

The situation in the world and what we can do in Sri Lanka

There is now a great deal of awareness about this in countries like America and Europe. Some places like cinemas, stadiums, and museums set aside special days or times as "Sensory-Friendly." During those times, they dim the lights, reduce the noise, and limit the number of people. They also train the staff there on how to deal with these children.

But it's hard for us in Sri Lanka to expect such special facilities everywhere, isn't it? But that doesn't mean we can't do anything. Let's try to create an environment that suits our child. Here are some things you can do:

Planning is the first step.

Plan well before going anywhere.

• Choose a less crowded time: Even when going to a supermarket, choose a less crowded time, such as early morning on a weekday. Avoid going in the evening on weekends.
• Bring things your child needs: If your child is sensitive to noise, bring noise-canceling headphones . If they are sensitive to the outdoors, bring sunglasses and a hat. Let them hold a favorite toy or something they feel safe in, like a blanket.
• Inform your child in advance: Tell your child in advance about where you are going. If possible, show them some photos of the place on your phone. Simply explain, "We're going here and we'll be back soon with these things."

Start small.

Don't go on big trips all at once. Start with small trips, like going to the store near your home. If that works, spend a little more time outside next time. Give your child time to adjust to the environment gradually.

Don't be afraid to ask for help.

If you're planning to go to a restaurant, you can call ahead and talk to the manager there and explain the situation. Ask, "Our baby is a little noisy, could you please reserve a table in a quieter area?" Most of the time, they'll be happy to help.

If the child is having a hard time, leave.

If, despite all this, you find it difficult for your child to stay there, there's nothing wrong with leaving. Don't worry about what others think. Your child's mental well-being is the most important thing.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor, pediatrician, or behavioral therapist about your child's condition. They will be able to tell you exactly what your child's specific sensory issues are and how to manage them.

Autism, Sensory Issues, Children's Health, Mental Health, Sri Lanka, Parents, Autism Spectrum Disorder