Autism military families are full of transitions. When individuals with autism are presented with unforeseen changes to their schedule or daily ritual, it can be especially difficult. It can lead to various disruptive behaviors at the most inopportune moments. The anticipation of transitions and prior planning can help people with autism successfully cope with the changes. If you’re looking for autism treatment in Fayetteville, ShineLight can help.
Unique Challenges Faced by Autism Military Families
Active duty, extended family separation, frequent moves, and varying access to specialized healthcare are all challenges that autism military families face. Transfers to new duty stations are part of a normal life as a military family, which unfortunately often means that families are unable to establish roots in any one location. Moving is difficult for everyone, but more so for children, teens, and young adults with autism who do not like sudden environmental changes. These changes can make it especially difficult for families to find a new school that meets the needs of your loved one, ensure continuity of their required services and supports, and maintain continuity of care and services beyond the educational setting.
How to Help Your Adult Child Through Transitions Associated with A Military Move
In order to ease the transition of your loved one with autism, it is important to establish and maintain a daily routine, rehearse new settings or changes to the routine, identify and prepare for possible changes in advance, and have a plan for emotional difficulties. To practice, consider verbally or pictorially walking your loved one through the upcoming transition and tell them what reward he or she will earn. You can also create a countdown calendar to mark the days until the parent leaves for deployment. Once the parent leaves, you can create a homecoming calendar and mark down the days until they return. You can also create a series of short videos with the soon-to-be deployed parent to show your loved one on a regular basis.
About ShineLight | Autism Treatment in Fayetteville
ShineLight is a unique organization created with the distinct purpose of providing a brighter life and future for individuals with autism. ShineLight serves as a guiding light for individuals and their families by leading the way in support services and community advocacy. Their service areas include: Fayetteville, Wake, Sampson, Scotland, Duplin, Wayne, Lenoir, Greene, Wilson, Edgecombe, Durham, Johnston, Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, and Bladen Counties. Contact us today.
