The role of the family is essential in implementing educational and therapeutic programs for children with autism spectrum disorder. The family is the one who spends the most time with their child and is the one who most likely monitors and notices the presence of any problem or developments in his behavior. It is the one who transmits information and observations about unusual behaviors to specialists and therapists who provide Various services in his care.

The family has a fundamental role in providing information to specialists on many aspects of the child’s strengths or weaknesses, which do not usually appear through observation and measurements, whether in the clinic or the center, but rather appear only in the family. Because the child only does it at home, there is great importance for the active participation of parents from the first diagnosis process until the formulation, implementation and evaluation of educational programs. The family also has a large and effective role in developing the daily life skills and self-care skills of a child on the autism spectrum, as the child’s training in these skills is short in terms of time period, whether in the center, as it does not exceed midday, while he spends the rest of the time at home, which requires cooperation. Family members are constantly with teachers or therapists in the programs offered to the child by service providers in institutions that provide care for children on the autism spectrum, as well as creating the appropriate environment at home, in order to help them reach work successfully to the level that their abilities and abilities allow, as family care and compassion Parents represent the primary effort in caring for a child with autism disorder and modifying his behavior, and therefore this reflects positively on learning various life skills that help him adapt and increase his chances of integration into society.

There is no doubt that there are many parents who have developed creative solutions in working with their child, generating new options and alternatives to solve some of the behavioral problems they face at home, and thus overcoming them through experimentation and observation, and trying many methods to reach the optimal solution in facing problems. The child, and their insistence on changing their child’s behavior for the better, and involving him in extracurricular activities, social visits, and interaction with other people. To help the family play a positive role in the development of the autistic child, understand his circumstances, and develop his skills, it is necessary to provide some supportive guidance on what parents and the family in general should do towards their child with the autism spectrum:

- The autistic child suffers from developmental disorders in his sensory communication. Because of his limited sensory abilities, the family often wants to see their autistic child playing with normal children, and therefore they (i.e. the parents) impose on him a certain game that they consider to be a typical method for him. This is not true, as one must always search for tools and means that arouse his attention. It attracts children with autism spectrum disorder, provided that it is suitable for their sensory abilities.

- The autistic child is often unable to establish any kind of social communication, even with the people closest to him. Applied behavior modification programs are usually used with a focus on reinforcements in their various forms, as well as focusing on group activities that provide him with social participation, such as going to the arena to practice the activity. The athlete, or going to the kitchen or arranging his room, or carrying out an agricultural activity, or participating in group singing...etc., while following organized trips, such as trips to public places, and providing social opportunities in different and varied environmental situations.

- In the event that an autistic child suffers from severe emotional disorders, his medication should be maintained at the appropriate time and the necessary psychological services should be provided to reduce the development and severity of the symptoms of the disorder until his condition improves and his sense of psychological balance among his family members improves. For example, encourage the child to change the environment that is annoying him, such as going out to the garden, the home swimming pool, or any other safe place when he feels angry or anxious, and make sure that he can reach these places easily and without many obstacles.

 The family must be sensitive to any problem facing its child. It may see a certain behavior as unacceptable, but the underlying cause may not be clear when the child’s behavior begins to change and differ from what was previously. Notice whether this was preceded by a change in his environment or lifestyle (routine). Also note whether there are health reasons for this behavior or not. The reason for the child sometimes hitting his head against the wall may be because he suffers from ear pain or a headache, and the reason for biting his fingers may also be because of the toothache he suffers from.

- Emphasizing routine and organization in the daily life of an autistic child. Make sure that your child understands events step by step. Photographs, pictorial symbols, cards, or videotapes may be used to enable him to carry out tasks in a correct and acceptable manner.

- It is necessary to pay attention to the child’s requirements and needs and listen to him. Some autistic children may be able to express in some way what confuses them or makes them anxious, and this may happen to them immediately or after hours. In response to this, monitor your child’s behavior and note any behavioral patterns that can be followed and what they indicate. If the child engages in unwanted behavior, tell him that you are not happy with what he (the child) did, and not unhappy with his presence. For example, do not tell him that you are aggressive, but let him know clearly that what he did was wrong behavior.

 - The family must provide the appropriate reward and reinforcement for the child and encourage him to ensure that he repeats the desired behavior in subsequent times by providing the reinforcements that he likes and expects to receive when he performs the behavior, such as watching a video movie he likes, playing with a specific toy, or using colors or putty, when he behaves in a positive manner, and ignoring his inappropriate behavior. Acceptable until it gradually fades and disappears.

 - Using a consistent pattern in dealing with the child’s behavior by family members, as well as using clear language in order for the boundaries of things to be clear for the child on the autism spectrum, and not to confuse him with the multiple practices and reactions of family members towards his behaviour.

In light of the Corona virus pandemic, people with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities are more vulnerable to infection with the Corona virus, because they will not be able to continue applying preventive instructions. Therefore, there are many problems facing people with disabilities, especially those with chronic diseases. Follow the rules of protection, such as maintaining hand washing, as hand washing is considered one of the basic tips to get rid of the virus, and here parents must pay attention to continuing to wash the child’s hands and use sterilizers on an ongoing basis, as well as staying away from places of gatherings, knowing that many people with disabilities cannot isolate themselves. Exactly, because they need someone to help them perform their daily tasks, and this role should be placed on the shoulders of parents at this stage.

Professor Dr. Naji Al-Saaida

Educational affairs advisor for the Shafallah Center for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities