In Everyday Life: How to help and what to avoid?

Practical strategies for parents of children with speech delays, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, even in mild cases. A diagnosis, or even just a suspicion, can be daunting, but it ...

Photo: @copyright Practical strategies for parents of children with speech delays, ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder, even in mild cases. A diagnosis, or even just a suspicion, can be daunting, but it is important to take action. How do parents navigate this?

It is a question that makes perfect sense, because a large part of the support a child with these types of special needs requires does not just happen in a clinic or a doctor’s office, it happens at home, every single day. With that in mind, here is what specialists recommend, organized by area, based on leading guidelines from organizations such as Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC-OAC), the CDC, and Autism Speaks. Speech and Language Delay What to Encourage Talk a lot about everything: Narrate what you are doing during daily routines—getting dressed, cooking, bath time.

Naming objects and actions in everyday life builds vocabulary with no extra effort. Read and sing every day: This is one of the most effective activities to stimulate language, even if your child is not yet speaking. Give them time to respond: Wait patiently for your child to try to communicate before answering for them or giving them what they want without them asking.

Expand instead of correcting: If they say “big dog,” respond with “yes, it is a very big brown dog”—instead of saying “that’s not how you say it.” What to Avoid Speaking for your child before giving them space to try. Correcting errors directly, as this can discourage their desire to communicate.

More than two hours of screen time per day: Videos do not replace face-to-face interaction, which is what actually teaches language. Waiting for them to “grow out of it”: The earlier there is stimulation and, if necessary, professional support, the better the outcome. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

What to Encourage Predictable routines: Keep the same times for waking up, eating, doing homework, and going to bed every day. Short, one-step instructions: Instead of saying “go clean your room and then take a bath,” break it down into steps. Immediate positive reinforcement: Praise specific behaviours as soon as they happen—”I love how you put away your toys all by yourself.”

Daily physical activity: Helps regulate attention and burn off energy in a healthy way. What to Avoid Cluttered, noisy, or unpredictable environments, which are linked to increased behavioural challenges. Giving multiple instructions at once.

Constantly negative feedback, which erodes self-esteem. Try to balance this by recognizing successes, no matter how small. Screens and other distractions during homework time.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) What to Encourage Visual structure and routines: A visual schedule with pictures helps the child predict what comes next and reduces anxiety. Follow your child’s interest: Watch where they look or what catches their attention, and build play and communication from there.

Specific positive reinforcement: Praise exactly what the child did well, right when it happens. Prepare for transitions in advance: Give them plenty of warning and, if possible, show pictures of what is about to change. What to Avoid Forcing eye contact, which can be uncomfortable or even painful for them; a lack of eye contact does not mean a lack of interest or affection.

Stopping “stimming” (hand-flapping, rocking) unless it is dangerous—it is a way for the child to self-regulate. Sensory-overwhelming environments: Bright lights, loud noises, and crowds can trigger distress. Reacting to a meltdown with discipline or anger, which only escalates and prolongs the episode.

“A meltdown is not a tantrum; it is sensory overload. A stim is not bad behaviour; it is self-regulation.” General Rule Regardless of the Diagnosis Structure and predictability almost always help more than relying on the child to explain things with words.

Positive reinforcement works much better than constant punishment or scolding. These strategies complement, rather than replace, professional support (such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and ABA). Trust your instincts: If you feel something is not right, it is always worth seeking an assessment, even if the signs seem mild.

MS The content on the Milénio Stadium website is automatically translated using Google Translate.