Daily Life & Parenting
🏠 At Home
✨ Sensory-Friendly Spaces
Create a "calm corner" for regulation
- •Lighting: Use dimmable lights, blackout curtains, or fairy lights instead of harsh overhead lights.
- •Sound: Reduce background noise (turn off TV/radio when not needed), use white noise machines or ear defenders if needed.
- •Textures: Soft blankets, weighted blankets (5-10% of body weight), bean bags, or a small tent.
- •Organization: Clear bins for toys, labeled shelves. Visual clutter can be overwhelming.
📅 Visual Schedules & Routines
Predictability reduces anxiety
- •Use pictures, icons, or photos to show daily routines (morning, school, evening, bedtime).
- •Place schedules at eye level. Use Velcro to make activities moveable.
- •Prepare for changes: "First we do X, then Y" or use a "change" card.
- •Keep meal and sleep times consistent when possible.
💡 Daily Living Tips
Respect food aversions. Offer choices, use divided plates, and don't force. Some children need the same foods repeatedly—that's okay.
Create a consistent routine (bath, story, same time). Use weighted blankets, white noise, or blackout curtains if needed.
Give warnings ("5 more minutes"), use timers, and allow time to finish activities. Rushing causes meltdowns.
🎒 At School
📋 IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) 2016, schools must provide reasonable accommodations.
- •Request an IEP meeting with the principal and class teacher.
- •Set specific, measurable goals (e.g., "Will sit for 10 minutes during circle time").
- •Request accommodations: extra time, quiet space, visual supports, sensory breaks.
- •Review and update the IEP every 3-6 months.
🏫 Inclusion vs Special Schools
Your child learns alongside neurotypical peers with support (shadow teacher, accommodations).
Best for: Children who can manage in a typical classroom with modifications.
Focus entirely on therapeutic and educational needs, smaller classes, specialized curriculum.
Best for: Children who need intensive support or have significant challenges.
🧘 Therapy Explained (India Context)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Focuses on daily living skills and sensory processing.
- • Fine motor skills (writing, buttoning)
- • Sensory integration (managing sensitivities)
- • Self-care (toileting, dressing)
- • Play and social skills
Typical session: 45-60 mins, 2-3x/week. Cost: ₹500-2000/session in India.
Speech Therapy
Helps with communication (verbal and non-verbal).
- • Verbal language development
- • AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication)
- • Social communication (turn-taking, eye contact)
- • Feeding/swallowing if needed
Typical session: 30-45 mins, 2-3x/week. Cost: ₹400-1500/session.
ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)
Important: Choose neurodiversity-affirming ABA that respects autonomy.
- • Focuses on behavior and skill building
- • Should be play-based, not compliance-focused
- • Avoids punishment or forced eye contact
- • Works on functional skills
Note: Some autistic adults critique traditional ABA. Choose therapists who prioritize consent and respect.
❤️ Family Support
👨👩👧👦 Sibling Support
- •Explain simply: "Your sibling's brain works differently. They may need quiet time or have trouble with loud sounds. That's okay."
- •One-on-one time: Schedule regular "special time" with each sibling. Even 15 minutes daily matters.
- •Validate feelings: It's okay if siblings feel frustrated or embarrassed. Listen without judgment.
- •Include them: Let siblings help with visual schedules or be "sensory detectives" (noticing what bothers their sibling).
🕯️ Caregiver Burnout & Self-Care
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential.
- •Join support groups: Talking to parents who "get it" is invaluable. Check our community.
- •Accept help: Let family/friends help with meals, babysitting, or errands.
- •Small breaks: Even 10 minutes of quiet time, a walk, or a hobby helps recharge.
- •Therapy for you: Parent counseling or therapy is not a sign of failure—it's self-care.
Remember: You're doing your best. Progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins.