I am the parent of autistic child. Was nonverbal at 3 at 16 near typical and learning to drive.

My unsolicited advice

Do .

Learn ABA therapy techniques. Take a college course or online instructor level course. Not a parent how to.

Use the ABA technique everywhere all the time as early in your child’s life as possible. Everyone in child’s life needs to follow ABA patterns you choose

Preferably starting by 3 yrs. but any age will show improvement

Home education or one on one education following your ABA technique is essential for achieving near typical development. Whole world must be tailored to learn the current skill /build current pathway you are working on. Siblings can be very helpful

Get bio feedback therapy evaluation. If brain activity not crossing the midline get the therapy to increase communication. (Drake institute pricy but good for this)

Get an occupational therapist for daily living tasks/self care skills and brain pathway building. Preferably one fresh out of school for newest info and best technique.

Get stomach enzymes to help break down starches. Keeps them out of bloodstream (gut leaks) and this prevents them from clogging brain pathways Papaya enzymes come in chewable form and taste/work great.

Remove toxins. Eat drink organic only Stop artificial fragrances Get clean laundry (mygreenfils is what I like - I’m not affiliated)

Don’t

Do not do it alone!!! Get a support group!!!!

Don’t Ever use meds. EVER!!! Ok I don’t mean like if their sick. I mean the psych meds. Just mitigate the issues w ABA. Be strong. It gets better. Stand firm

I would avoid vaccinations if you can. Home schooling helps this. But it’s your choice here. They are very hard on brain. So if you choose to. Start detox methods prior to and post vaccines Use lots of xtra vit C during these times. And SPREAD them out!

Don’t use any products that touch body and are toxic like soaps lotions tapes stickers markers toys or paints that contain artificial dyes/ fragrances or toxic additives. Research it. Lots of info out there.

Don’t stop trying

Don’t stop learning

Don’t try snake oils (you know magical sprays or “cures”). There is one cure. Build the brain pathways It’s just harder for them and requires more direct involvement!!

Remember

You are not NOT alone as the parent of an autistic child!!!

You need some you time! FInd a trusted sitter. They are out there. Or get respite care if you can.

Love that child. If you start to resent them. Before you have a meltdown Take a break and choose to love them for who they are inside. The meltdowns are not who they are. That’s just when they can’t deal! Your meltdown is not who you are either. It’s stress. For both of you

Always be kind. Always be patient! Grit your teeth to smile if you have to. But look em in eyes and say I love you. Every difficult time.

God loves you and you are the right parent to guide that child. It won’t be fun for a while but it gets better! You didn’t cause it!! They can live a good life!