As a parent of an autistic child, you understand the importance of finding ways to ease anxiety and create a sense of calm. Thankfully, there are various tools and resources designed to help your child feel more relaxed and at peace.
Strength-Based Activities
Encourage your child to engage in activities that utilize their muscles, as this can have a soothing effect on their nervous system. For example, ask your child to carry a moderately heavy object, like a box filled with books or papers, within their capabilities. This simple task can help them feel more grounded and centered.
A fantastic tool for calming is the door jam bar, which can be easily installed in any doorway. This indoor support bar is sturdy enough for pull-ups and can also accommodate attachments for swings or trapeze bars. This is particularly helpful on rainy days when playing outdoors isn't an option.
Sensory Comfort
Another valuable resource is www.sensorygoods.com, which offers swings, floor products, and weighted blankets. Weighted blankets can help individuals who are easily overstimulated to find comfort and calm.
Introducing a rock climbing wall to your property can also provide both physical and mental relaxation for your child. This activity not only enhances motor skills and mental focus but also offers a soothing effect on their nervous system. You can purchase rock climbing wall kits to build yourself or hire someone to create one for you. Additionally, many towns now have indoor rock climbing gyms that cater to a range of abilities.
Understanding Neurological Switching
Neurological switching occurs when our neurological system gets momentarily confused, causing the brain's hemispheres to disconnect. This can lead to feelings of clumsiness and confusion. Thankfully, there are techniques to help regulate neurological switching and balance the brain's hemispheres, especially for children with autism.
Two effective methods include:
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Stimulating Neuro-Balancing Points: To perform this technique, place the fingers of one hand an inch to the right of your child's belly button. Place the fingers of the other hand over the area just below the inner part of their collarbone. Gently rub both areas simultaneously for 15-30 seconds or more. Then, switch to the same areas on the left side of their body and repeat the stimulation. For a demonstration of this technique, you can watch a video on YouTube.
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Cross Crawl Exercise: This exercise can be done while sitting or standing. Help your child place one elbow onto the knee on the opposite side of their body, such as their right elbow touching their left knee. Then, have them place their left elbow onto their right knee. Continue this "cross crawl" pattern, repeating it back and forth several times quickly.
These simple techniques can help manage neurological switching and promote better coordination and focus for your autistic child, ultimately enhancing their daily functioning and well-being.
Calming Supplements
Anxiety can result from various factors, including external environmental triggers like toxins and internal underlying pathogens and infections. Ensuring a proper diet, detoxification, and addressing pathogens and infections are essential. Additionally, natural supplements can be beneficial in supporting calmness and overall well-being during this process. Some helpful supplements include:
- Stress Reducer Elixir: This natural remedy can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation in your child.
- Cannabis or CBD: Consult your healthcare provider before using these supplements, as they can help alleviate anxiety and improve mood, but may not be suitable for all children.
- Natural Brain Supplementation: Supplements such as 5-HTP can help uplift your child's mood and enhance their overall well-being.
In addition to these supplements, ensure there is no mold in your home, as it can contribute to anxiety and other health issues. Always consult your child's healthcare provider before introducing new supplements into their routine to ensure they are safe and appropriate for their specific needs.
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