Living with Autism

Resistance to change

Difficulty expressing needs

Repeating words and Phrases

Prefers being alone

Tantrums

Not wanting to cuddle or be cuddled

Aggressive and/or self- injurious behavior

Little or no eye contact

No real fears of danger

Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain

Obsessive attachment to objects

Rylee is my 5 year old nephew. He was diagnosed with Autism 2 years ago. He exhibits a few of the traits above.
Difficulty expressing needs
He will take your hand and show you what he wants now.
Repeating words and Phrases
We call him our little echo because he likes to repeat things you say. He can recite pretty much the entire Toy Story movie. He also likes to repeat the things he hears on his favorite toys.
Eating habits
This is something not mentioned above but worth mentioning. Because of the effect autism has on the senses, some kids don't eat regular food. Things you would think a kid would love will cause their gag reflex to kick into overdrive.
This is also different for each individual. I have heard some say their kids will not eat things like mashed potatoes because of the smooth consistency. While others will only eat things that are smooth.
Rylee will eat some smooth things. Trix yogurt is one of his main foods now. He also eats dry cereal (cocoa puffs, cheerios, and cookie crisp) and will eat cereal with milk now too.
Sleep habits
This is another point not listed above. Rylee can go for days barely sleeping and then flip to where he sleeps 10 or 12 hours easily. From the things I have read this is very common.
Whether it's one extreme or another, autism effects each individual differently. Each unique in their own special way just like any other child.

Whether you know someone with autism now or not, the statistics are pretty clear in the fact that at some point you will be personally effected. So learn from this and the next time you see a child in a restaurant or grocery store throwing a tantrum, don't be judgmental. These parents deal with plenty of stress daily and don't need it compounded by being afraid to leave their home.

Most parents childproof for the first few years and then their child develops, matures and no longer needs the safety precautions. However, for many parents of children in the autism spectrum this isn't the case.

As a parent of an autistic child the safety concerns continue. Think about the many things an individual with autism may engage in that could be unsafe: throwing utensils, breaking plates and cups, sweeping items off surfaces, dumping drawers and bins, and climbing out of or breaking windows. Or consider what can happen when natural curiosity and household appliances converge: putting things in appliances, flushing things toilet, touching burners, turning on hot faucets, inserting things into electrical outlets, and crawling in a washer or dryer. Finally, think about the potential dangers that can result from playing with matches, lighters or fire.

Arrange the Furniture Appropriately
Arrange the furniture in a way that correlates with the activities that will be done there. If a child normally runs out of the room a certain way, then arrange things to try and block this path.

Use Locks Where Appropriate
The locking of interior and exterior doors needs to be done in a manner that does not limit the parents getting the family out in case of an emergency. Some parents feel safer locking the child in their room at night so they can't wander around and possibly get hurt. This also needs to be done in a fashion with easy access in case of an emergency. Cabinets and drawers can be locked with plastic latches that are readily available in most stores.

Window Safety
Place locks on all the accessible windows. Also if your child likes to bang or break glass, replace the glass with Plexiglas.

Safeguard all Appliances and Electrical Outlets
Use socket covers and secure wires for appliances. Use plastic knob covers for doors, faucets, and stove burners.

Secure all poisonous items well out of the child's reach Be sure and keep the poison control center number near the phone in case of any emergencies.

Secure utensils and dishes
If your child throws or sweeps objects off surfaces it is best to use plastic utensils and dishes.

Fire safety
Always keep matches and lighters out of reach. Remove knobs from stoves and ovens to keep the child from being able to turn them on. Never leave a child unattended near any kind of stove or fireplace with an open flame.

Consider Identification Options
An ID bracelet or tags in clothes are good options in case your child ever gets lost and can't communicate.

These safety precautions may seem extreme to some people, but the child's safety is the most important thing. As parent's we know our children better than anyone else and can make good judgment calls when it comes to these matters. Trust your instincts and do what you believe is needed for your child's safety.