By Clare Bruce – Hope 103.2
When a child is diagnosed with autism, often their parents aren’t given anywhere near enough guidance on how to move forward
Many rely on Google or their friends to find out what has worked for others, and are forced to take a hit-and-miss approach to trialling various therapies and support systems.
Now, an Australian company has created an app – “Rockmelon Parent Edition” – designed to put an end to the guesswork, by placing support and information within arm’s reach for families of kids with autism and other developmental delays. And with 1 in 68 children now having an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis, it’s never been more needed.
With friendly, cartoon-like graphics and culturally diverse animations, the app offers a wealth of helpful links, resources, and quick-start tools addressing everyday challenges that families with an ASD child experience, such as:
- Checklists for difficult transitions such as starting school
- Tips for developing the child’s speech
- Advice on how to handle trademark ASD behaviours like “rewinding”, colour obsession, and rigidity
- Ideas for navigating difficult moments such as introducing a new food
- Strategies for increasing the child’s flexibility around routines