With Christmas around the corner and my stomach getting bigger by the day, I can’t help but notice that I have a mere 3 months left of my pregnancy before I meet my bundle of joy (eek!)…
I’ve thought a lot over the past few months about what type of parent I’m going to be…
I’m pretty sure I’ll do the usual stuff first-time parents do like…
Take 85 photos of my baby in their basket or at the park, then send every photo to all our immediate family & friends….
And constantly check that my child is breathing when they’re sleeping…
Oh and put layer after layer on my baby to make sure they’re not cold, only to then panic and take the layers off because I’m worried they’ll over heat.
Yes, I’ll probably do all that. They’re the standard ‘first-time parent’ things to do right?
But one thing I’m promising not to do is fall into that parent trap of exclaiming that my baby is a genius…
Really though, have you ever seen a new parent do this?
They claim that their baby is a “baby genius” the first time he or she babbles.
You must have seen this…
They record their baby babbling “Abu” … Then suddenly they jump out of their skin and become hysterical, telling everyone that their “baby genius” just said the word apple!
OK, why am I telling you this?…
Well, these type of parents remind me a lot of some carers that work with autistic children.
These people work with a child for a period then they turn around and tell their superior (or worse still, the child’s parents) that the child spoke in 6 word sentences…
Or completed an activity independently…
Or wrote a few sentences on their own…
Or played with a classmate with no promoting.
When in actual fact it wasn’t quite like that.
They needed help to set up the activity or they were prompted to use finger spaces and given a rubber to erase their spelling mistake. Or they were told what to say when their classmate was brought over to play with them.
You see the thing is, it’s great that people are keen for their child or student to be independent…
I genuinely love seeing enthusiastic and positive carers.
But, it’s essential you give an honest and precise report of what the child actually did independently, so parents and carers know their actual ability.
Think back to the “baby genius” parents for a minute…
The new mum goes over to auntie’s house with their “baby genius”, auntie is excitedly waiting to hear their niece/ nephew speak.
It doesn’t happen (obviously) and they’re disappointed.
Just as the parents would be if their child was unable to do this certain activity independently at home.
It’s unfair on the child. Plus, it doesn’t give a realistic reflection of your child’s ability.
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a
difference today
Emma Ottaway
The Ambitious Autism Ambassador
