What are some games your child’s friend likes to play? Do they have any illnesses you should know of?

These are some typical need-to-knows when you meet your child’s new friend for the first time. Not only do you need to get to know them, but you need to be sure you are taking good care of them, too.

With your child’s new friend, named autism, you should act as if you are introducing a new
member of the family. Be sure everyone in your household interacts similarly in order to
welcome them in and have everyone get well adjusted with this new member. The new friend is shy, and sometimes reacts differently than other children. He has particular habits and repeats the same behaviours constantly. “For someone on the highfunctioning
end of the autism spectrum, the result may be relatively mild challenges.

For someone with more severe symptoms, however, repetitive behaviors and lack of spoken language interfere with everyday life”, says Pete Pallarés, Founder at Center for Social Dynamics, an organization in charge of helping families with autistic children. Having an autistic child is a challenge without a doubt, but it’s also an opportunity to explore ways to learn from a different perspective how people with difficulties can still interact and live in this world being respected, having success and enjoying life.

One of the things families have to know is what’s good and what isn’t good for a child with
autism. If you find your child handflapping, rocking, jumping and twirling, arranging and
rearranging objects, and repeating sounds, words or phrases, these could be signs to see your doctor. “The earlier you see your doctor, the more help your child can get. Most families think these behaviours are a part of their personality, but the best way to find out is to ask a doctor’s advice”, explains Pallarés. If you know how your child’s friend, autism reacts, you can better handle your newfound relationship and try to enjoy every moment.
The three of you will be a team forever.

Pete Pallarés
CEO at Center for Social Dynamics.

How do you react if your child’s teacher/doctor tells you that your child is a genius? But
what if the teacher tells you that they have autism?

Though both may be true, some parents feel devastated when they receive this news.
However, changing your approach to the situation can strongly affect the way your
child copes and grows with autism and how you as a parent can proactively react to
harbor a happy childhood.

Without a doubt, your autistic child will be different from the other children. But, think
of it this way; what are you looking for in a romantic partner? What about from an
employee? Uniqueness. After all, this is what life is about: to be unique and happy, and
on that front parents can help their children tremendously if they encourage them to live
with, rather than try to battle with, this new friend: autism.

First, in order to accept the situation, you need to understand what the meanings of
Autism and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are. Pete Pallarés, psychologist and CEO
at Center for Social Dynamics is passionate about spreading the appropriate information
about these disorders and helping parents deal with them effectively.

“These terms belong to a group of disorders which appear to have their roots in very
early brain development”, says Pete.

From Pete’s experience having worked 15 years with autistic children, early
intervention is the most effective way to deal with autism. “All the time we receive
children with autism who could have easily come during infancy to start therapy, but
parents don’t realize the importance of early intervention, so they start much later. Had
we been able to help them even a few years prior, the results would have come much
faster.”

Between the ages of the 2 and 3 years, the most obvious signs and symptoms of autism
tend to emerge. “These disorders can be characterized, in varying degrees, by
difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive
behaviors”, explained Pete Pallarés.

All these symptoms can be signs for parents to notice if their child has autism and to see
a doctor as soon as they observe this behaviour. A proactive reaction will be the
difference in your child’s future and you, the parent’s attitude will be the distinction
between bad news or good news when a family learns about this new friend in your
child’s life.

Pete Pallarés, CEO and Founder at Center for Social Dynamics.