In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Talk to your child, even if the conversation is one-sided for now, and let them participate in conversations as well as hearing them. Some autistic children have the ability to speak, but do not understand the need to do so. Keep your child informed, while also increasing language exposure and teaching simply by talking with your child as you go about your day. Speak as if you expect your child to answer (either verbally or nonverbally). All too often, parents talk about their child without talking with their child. This only increases the sense of not being a part of things for your child. For young children, speak in clear and concrete language. Speak avoiding slang and expressions (it is raining cats and dogs), but do not talk down to your child, because (s)he can tell the difference. For older children, talk normally and respectfully, making it clear that you will be polite if your child is confused by a figure of speech or needs you to repeat something. If your child cannot speak yet, find a form of AAC (such as picture exchange, sign language) that will allow them to express themselves. Being able to communicate needs, thoughts, and feelings can reduce frustrations and meltdowns in your child. Watch for nonverbal responses. For example, if you ask "Did you have fun at preschool?" and your child flaps their hands and shrieks happily, then this is their answer. Continue maintaining a dialogue. Don't pressure your child to speak. Some autistic people are incapable of speaking, or they find it difficult and stressful. Allow your child to communicate through gestures, sign language, or by pointing to a picture board. This means that your child needs to listen when you tell them no, and that you will pay attention to them if they communicate a no. Help by following up with an explanation, such as "If you wander off without telling me, I feel scared and worried that you aren't safe." Obviously, if your child says "no" to bedtime or their car seat, you don't need to follow it. But you can slow down and explain why it is important. This lets them know that even though you won't always do what they want, the word "no" has meaning. If you ignore a child's attempts to say no or set boundaries (e.g. "I don't like kisses"), they may learn that "no" isn't important. If no one listens to them, they learn that listening is optional, so they won't listen to you. Your child is competent and capable of following rules, so expect them to do so. Clearly describe the rules to your child, why the rules are in place, and explain what they should do instead of doing something wrong. For example, "It is not okay to hit people because hitting hurts them. Instead of hitting, please talk to them, take time to cool off, or ask an adult for help if you don't know what to do." Many times autistic kids are visually oriented. Sometimes nonverbal children are able to communicate using sign language or by pointing to pictures in a special book put together to help them communicate. Even autistic kids who speak may benefit by making a visual chart for the schedule for the day. If you're trying to teach your child how to do something it may help to make a picture chart. (Some autistic kids can even repeat verbal instructions word for word but still lack the ability to turn those instructions into actions in their head. Pictures may somehow help them to do that.) Therapy can help your child grow into a happy, healthy, well-adjusted autistic person. Pinpoint specific issues, such as social uncertainty or sensory sensitivity, and work with the therapist to help your child develop skills. Avoid therapies that involve forced normalization, compliance, or too many hours per week. Your child should be able to set boundaries, be themselves, and have time to enjoy childhood.
Summary: Speak to your child often. Encourage communication, verbal and otherwise. Make it clear that the word "no" is important. Explain the rules, and the behavior that you expect. Understand the use of visual stimuli. Find fun, constructive therapies that help your child grow.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: . If you cannot quite pinpoint what is causing you pain, suffering, confusion, or what is blocking you from letting go, spend some time writing about your experience and how you feel. You may realize that certain thoughts or beliefs keep you from letting go of something. You can also learn to identify and express your emotions through journaling. Be completely honest in your journal and share your thoughts and feelings. Write about what might be stopping you from letting something go or what factors make it difficult. Don't be concerned about spelling, neatness, format, or even making sense. Start writing when you feel like it, and stop when you feel like you're done. Remember that you don't have to process everything in one sitting. You may work out your feelings over multiple entries over a period of time. . If you find your thoughts becoming negative or holding onto something, use mindfulness to help let them go. Sit down and ask yourself, "What is it that I'm feeling?" Notice your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. Notice these things without responding to them or interacting. After a minute or so, bring your awareness to your breath. Notice how it feels to bring air into your body and exhale it. Continue to let your entire body breathe and let whatever feelings come up be felt, but always return to your breath. Breathe through each experience. If you get sidetracked in your own thoughts, always come back to your breath. Don't sabotage yourself by expecting meditation to come easily right away. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be very difficult at first, but becomes easier the more you do it. Stick with it, even if you are initially frustrated by your drifting thoughts. Find an affirmation or mantra to repeat to yourself when you're having problems letting go. This serves to remind you to avert your attention and accept that letting go is okay. Choose a mantra that resonates with you such as, "I surrender" or, "Letting go is okay." When you start to feel stuck or uncomfortable in holding onto something, repeat the mantra in your mind. Some other examples may include, "I am not in control and that's okay" or, "Letting go frees me." It may be helpful to write these on sticky it notes and posting them where you will see them frequently, like on your mirror or on your computer monitor. You can even have your phone send you alerts with these affirmations. You may want to choose a time to let something go and make it a sacred or meaningful ceremony. For example, write all of your thoughts and feelings about what you cannot change. Once you finish, burn the paper to symbolically represent you letting go and moving on. Invite a trusted friend or family member to join you if you feel you need support. You can also draw a picture or gather items you wish to burn, throw away, or donate. Release whatever you associate with what you cannot change as a way to let go. For example, if you're ready to move on from an unhealthy relationship, remove anything that reminds you of the person or the relationship. Write a letter saying that you're ready to let go, then burn it.
Summary:
Journal about it Practice mindfulness Use affirmations. Create a symbolic letting go ceremony.