The following tips are personal to me as it relates to techniques and strategies used for students with an autism spectrum disorder. There is no specific order in which these things should be performed. Learning your child's moods is the best way to know what your child needs. What makes them happy, sad, excited, or anxious?

1. Model desired social skill: Children learn from the behavior of those around them. If you want your child to learn how to place their food trash in the garbage, you must show them how that is done. Pick up an item from your table and dispose of it properly—refer back frequently for reinforcement if needed until they have mastered this step on their own.

2. Create a visual schedule: Create a schedule using photographs to help your child get into the habit of doing certain activities in a specific order every day. The pictures should show Breakfast, School, Sports Practice (or other action), Homework (if applicable for your family), Dinner, and Bed—in that order. Put the schedule on a poster, and place it in your child’s room. If possible, create a calendar that shows what day of the week each activity takes place. This will help kids know when to expect certain activities on their schedules.

3. A two-step direction is a very effective way to focus their attention and reinforce what you are asking them to do. For example: Please remove your shoes, and leave them in the closet.

4. Give choices. By giving children choices, you can help them feel like they have some say in the activity. For example, you may read aloud to your child or let them color a workbook page themselves. You can also ask your child what they would like to do. Then, when you make decisions together, you show them they have a voice in what happens during the day. 

5. Avoid sensory overload. Avoiding sensory overload can be as simple as turning down the volume on your TV or radio. Turning on a table lamp instead of the room lights will help your child avoid being overwhelmed by bright, glaring light when something unexpected happens, and they are caught off-guard. Being in crowds is hard for many children with autism, so staying away from large groups may make life easier for them to find it difficult to cope under such conditions.

6. Provide highly structured activities. Structured activities are necessary for children with Autism and ADHD. These exercises must involve a series of steps from start to finish, and your child should always be engaged in or concentrating on the activity. The goal is for children to focus on one activity at a time. This can help them learn to control their impulses and increase their concentration. Some structured activities include:

• Playing board games (such as chess)
• Playing with puzzles or building blocks
• Doing art projects together

7. Provide safe spaces. Provide a safe, quiet space for your child to retreat to in case they feel overwhelmed by sensory input. This may include providing a blanket and favorite toy and making sure the area is free of distractions like music or TV. -Try to engage your child in conversation about what they are experiencing. Acknowledge that it’s hard for them, but also recognize what a big step it is to talk about it.

8. Reinforce behavior. If your child does something well, tell them so. -When your child does something well, tell him so. Don’t assume they know what they did well—they may not have noticed! Instead, tell them why their actions were good (for example: “You listened very carefully when I told you what to do.”). This will help him learn how to get things done in the future. -You can also praise your child’s efforts. For example: “I like how you worked hard on this project.” Remember to praise your child’s efforts, not their intelligence or ability—these things are out of their control.

9. Redirect your child's undesirable behavior by modeling the appropriate response and explaining why that is more acceptable. -Use positive reinforcement when your child does something you want to encourage, such as sharing toys or picking up after themselves.

• Be a good role model by following any rules you set for your child (even if they are inconvenient).
• Try not to get frustrated when your child doesn't follow through on something you've asked them to do.

10. Keep your child’s diet and eating habits healthy. Show him how to eat the right foods and make wise drink choices. Parents must set a good example for their children regarding eating and drinking. Children are more likely to make healthy choices if they see their parents doing the same.