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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 11, No. 5
Publication Date: May 25, 2024
DOI:10.14738/assrj.115.16932.
Akter, M. (2024). The Challenges and Strengths to Ensure the Well-being and Safety of Autistic Children to Meet their Distinct
Requirements and Create a Safe and Supportive Environment. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(5). 121-125.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
The Challenges and Strengths to Ensure the Well-being and Safety
of Autistic Children to Meet their Distinct Requirements and
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment
Masuma Akter
Senior Lecturer of Social Sciences, Dept., Fareast International University, Dhaka
and Training and Communication Specialist, Webb Fontaine, Bangladesh Ltd.
ABSTRACT
This study seeks to broaden our understanding of the challenges and strengths
essential for effectively supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),
contributing valuable insights to enhance our approach in addressing their unique
needs. A child with special needs may have been born with cognitive disability,
critical physical condition, abnormal syndrome, or chronic psychological illness
(Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, etc.). He or she may have
problems with behavior, communication, or social activities. We always need to
keep in mind that each child is unique, so we need to observe and listen to their
individual preferences and needs. The study has explored at the prevalence of ASD
among children aged between 07-15 years. Methodology: A comprehensive
investigation unfolded through both a Case Study and a cross-sectional study,
involving 200 children within the age range of 7-15 years. Objective: This study
aims to uncover the unique challenges experienced by autistic children and
proposes solutions to create a secure and supportive environment on basis of their
needs
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), distinct requirements, supportive
environment.
INTRODUCTION
Creating a supportive environment requires ongoing communication and a commitment to
understanding and accommodating the child's experiences. Creating a calming and secure
environment for autistic children involves a combination of understanding, support, and
thoughtful mentality. We should keep emphasis on their favorite colors, textures, and
comforting items like soft toys, drawing stuff, pet animal etc. This may help them to feel
comfortable as well as overwhelmed. We must use clear and simple language to communicate
with them and allow them to express their feelings. We should also encourage the use of
alternative communication ways like visuals, sign language etc. to support their ability to
communicate effectively.
We can Incorporate the child's special interests like topic which they want to share, hobby, or
activity they show interests may create a comfortable environment for them.
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 11, Issue 5, May-2024
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGES FACED BY AUTISTIC CHILDREN
Autistic children face unique challenges that can make them especially susceptible to stress.
Most of the time, mothers meet distinct challenges, often more pronounced than those faced by
fathers, in the dedicated care of autistic children. Nurturing children with autism require an
abundance of patience. Other family members along with parents need to face much difficulties
to up bring such type of children. Their social and communication skills underdeveloped and
not work like any other normal children. Raising these special children demands considerable
time, dedicated effort, and a wealth of patience. Frequently, this situation creates emotional
challenges, including psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and other potential mental or
physical health concerns for their parents. The common problem faced by the autistic children
are:
1. social anxiety disorder
2. challenges in verbal communication
3. Physical or health-related challenges
4. Sensitivity to light or sound concerns
5. dynamic restlessness
6. Challenges to cope up with peer group
7. Fear to join in the social crowd
8. Facing difficulties in learning skills
9. Hyper activeness
10. Challenges in eating and sleep routines
11. Emotional fluctuations or moments of vulnerability
COMPASSIONATE STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS FOR OVERCOMING CHALLENGES OF
AUTISTIC KIDS
Whatever the problem, as a caregiver, it is important to follow the tips given below to make
things simple and smooth:
Having Clear Concept of Autism
We need to gain the proper ideas about autism to better understand the challenges and
strengths associated with the condition. All the children do not face the same problem and the
abilities and characteristics within autism also vary from person to person as well.
Establish Regular and Structured Routine
We should maintain a structured and flexible routine for the Autistic children. Establishing a
proper daily schedule may help to reduce mental anxiety and provide a sense of security. By
providing choices within the routine may help to increase child’s sense of control. We can give
two options or activities and let them decide to choose their preferred one.
Clear Communication
Using of clear and easy language may help impact effectively while communicating with the
special children. Storytelling, singing or soft music can be effective ways to communicate with
them.
Sensory Considerations
Sensory processing manifests how the nervous system receives, organizes, and responds to
sensory information from the environment. While working with autistic children we must face
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Akter, M. (2024). The Challenges and Strengths to Ensure the Well-being and Safety of Autistic Children to Meet their Distinct Requirements and
Create a Safe and Supportive Environment. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 11(5). 121-125.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.115.16932
Sensory processing challenges. Some children are hypersensitive to sensory stimuli, like bright
lights, loud sounds etc. We can use soft or natural lighting to reduce glare tendency of the
children. Introduce sensory tools such as fidget toys, weighted blankets, or headphones to help
children regulate their sensory experiences.
Social Skills Development
Children with special needs face challenges in social communication and interaction. Social
Skills Development helps them to interact with others. Enroll the child in structured social skills
programs or groups may help to develop their social skill. Encourage interactions with peers
may also help regarding this issue.
Encourage Special Interests
Many autistic individuals have intense interests in some particular topics. We should encourage
these special interests into activities and learning opportunities. We may transfer special
interests into educational activities.
Ensure a Safe Space
Ensuring a safe and supportive place for the special children is very essential. Most of the time
they keep themself away due to lacking of safe and secure place.
Favorable Schooling
We should create a favorable schooling environment for special children. We ensure the
facilities on the basis of their unique needs, abilities, and challenges. We may Develop and
implement easy and different education plans which may help them to learn easily. Teachers
and other staffs should be cooperative towards them. Inclusive classroom settings are another
important factor to encourage their educational activities.
Behavioral Support
Positive reinforcement or rewards helps to manage challenging behaviors. Implementation of
Positive behavior Support strategies we can create a positive and supportive environment that
encourages appropriate behavior.
Role of Professionals
We can take the support from professionals who are expert in dealing special children.
Professionals can help to improve the prevailing condition of the children by using various
strategies. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral therapy etc. are the effective
therapies followed by the professionals while working with autistic children.
Social Respect and Acceptance
We should ensure social respect and acceptance for autistic children. Both of the aspects have
great impact on their well-being and overall development. Autistic children, like all other
children also have the right to get the dignity and respect from the society.
Parental and Community Support
Autistic children badly need the support from their parents as well as from the community. We
can arrange sessions and seminars to provide special training to the parents and community
regarding this issue. We may also support the autistic children’s parents by assuring their