In certain ways, raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) isn’t that different from raising any other child. Both are often difficult, but at the same time, both are ultimately fulfilling and utterly life-changing.

Of course, every parent and caregiver needs a little help from time to time. If you’re taking care of a child with ASD, here are three great tips for providing them with the sense of comfort and safety they need to thrive.

Provide Rewards, Not Punishments

One of the most effective ways of helping children with ASD develop better life skills is to provide rewards for desirable behaviors, such as demonstrating empathy or communicating clearly. Negative behaviors like temper tantrums, however, should not be punished, only ignored. In addition to having potentially harmful effects on the child, punishments only serve to encourage attention-seeking behaviors.

This is one of the core tenets of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy, and it’s part of why ABA is considered the gold standard of treatments for children ASD. It’s not hard to find professional ABA therapy in Pennsylvania or elsewhere, and parents and caregivers can (and should) apply its principles in their own homes as well.

Learn Non-Verbal Ways to Connect

It’s no secret that many children with ASD struggle with verbal communication, and while teaching them to better communication skills is definitely a priority for most parents and caregivers, it can put stress on a child and make them feel ostracized if overemphasized. One way to get around this is to make an effort to connect with a non-verbal child on their own terms.

To do this, pay close attention to the child’s non-verbal cues, the kinds of sounds, expressions, or gestures they make when they’re trying to express something. Try pairing your own communications with similarly distinct expressions and gestures. Non-verbal communication is a language all its own; all you have to do is take time to learn it.

Help Them to Feel Stable & Secure

All children need a sense of stability and security to grow and develop. For children with ASD, though, it’s that much more important. Children with ASD often find comfort in reliability, structure, and routine. Creating a daily schedule and sticking to it as much as possible is highly recommended. In the event that your schedule is likely to be disrupted, it’s wise to prepare the child ahead of time in order to ease them into things.

Consistency is key, not just in a daily routine but in your own demeanor and behaviors as well. Children look to their parents and caregivers for reassurance, support, and continuity. That’s why it’s vital that your actions always communicate the same message: that the child is loved, that they are protected, and that everything is going to be okay.