Category: Autism

Autism children Children Therapy By Dr. Rajeshwari Yadav 0 Comments

Is Your Child Struggling to Grasp the Value of Money?

As parents of children with special needs, one of the most critical life skills we can teach them is understanding the value of money. It’s easy to assume that lessons about rupees, coins, and prices are covered in school, but for many children with developmental challenges, such as those on the autism spectrum, grasping the practical value of money often requires more personalized and hands-on learning.

But how can we take this seemingly abstract concept and turn it into something meaningful for such children? Let’s dive into how we can make the lessons of earning, spending, and saving money real and empowering for them.

Starting with a Simple Concept: “Does Money Grow on Trees?”

Let’s start with a fun question for your child: Does money grow on trees? This can be a fantastic way to open up a conversation about where money really comes from. In our culture, there’s a phrase that’s often used, “Paise ped par nahi ugte” (Money doesn’t grow on trees), which drives home the point that money is earned.

Here’s a simple exercise: Take your child to a plant nursery and ask them to find a tree that grows money. When they give you a confused look, you can explain, “Just like plants need time and effort to grow, money comes from hard work.” This can then lead to a discussion about how you (as their parents) go to work, just like they go to school, and that’s how you earn money to buy the things you need.

It’s important to explain this in the context of their daily lives. For example, you can tell them, “We earn money to buy your books for school, your favorite snacks, and the clothes we wear.” This simple analogy helps them connect the idea of work to money in a way they can understand.

Teaching Through Action: Earning Money with Chores

Now that your child understands that money comes from work, it’s time to make this concept more hands-on. One of the best ways to help your child understand the value of money is to set up a simple system of household chores where they can earn small amounts of money.

For example:

  • ₹10 for watering the plants
  • ₹20 for helping set the dinner table
  • ₹50 for cleaning their room

By associating tasks with specific amounts of money, your child will begin to understand that not all jobs are the same—some take more effort and are therefore rewarded with more money. This system also helps them learn that money has to be earned through responsibility, time, and hard work.

You can even set up a small “bank” at home, where they can deposit their earnings in a box or jar. Encourage them to keep track of their “earnings” in a notebook, which will reinforce their understanding of savings and the rewards of being patient.

Needs vs. Wants: Prioritizing Purchases

Once your child begins earning money, it’s important to help them differentiate between needs and wants. This distinction is crucial to building a foundation of financial literacy. You can start by making two lists together:

  • Needs: School supplies, clothes for winter, food
  • Wants: New toys, extra snacks, gadgets

Help your child understand that needs are essential for daily life, while wants are things they would like to have but are not necessary. This is where budgeting comes in. You can give your child an allowance based on the chores they’ve completed, and then guide them in making choices about how to spend that money.

Here’s an idea: Take them to a local market or browse an online store. Ask them to guess how much an item costs and then show them the actual price. This will give them a real-world sense of how money is spent and the importance of budgeting wisely.

Saving for Something Special: The Power of Patience

While your child might be eager to spend their earnings on small things like candies or toys, it’s important to introduce the concept of saving. Explain to them that saving means putting aside some of their earnings to afford something bigger or more valuable later on.

For example, if your child wants a new toy that costs ₹500, help them calculate how many chores they need to complete to save that much money. They might earn ₹50 from cleaning their room, so after 10 chores, they’ll have enough to buy the toy.

This exercise teaches your child two valuable lessons:

  1. Patience: Waiting and working toward a goal
  2. Planning: Making smart decisions about money instead of spending it impulsively

A great way to visualize their progress is to create a chart where they can color in boxes each time they save ₹50, getting closer to their goal of ₹500. Watching their savings grow will motivate them and reinforce the value of working toward a reward.

Teaching Smart Spending: Comparison Shopping

Another critical skill is teaching your child to compare prices. This can be a fun and educational experience. Let’s say your child wants to buy a cricket bat. You can compare prices from two different stores—perhaps one offers the bat for ₹800 and another for ₹750. Show your child how much they can save by choosing the cheaper option.

You can take this further by asking your child to calculate how much they saved, and then show them how they can use the saved amount to buy something else. This teaches them the value of making informed decisions and managing their money wisely.

Final Thoughts: Building Lifelong Skills

As parents of children with special needs, it’s important to approach financial literacy with patience, creativity, and encouragement. Teaching your child the value of money is not just about math or currency; it’s about empowering them to make confident, informed choices as they grow.

These lessons will carry into adulthood, giving them a sense of independence and understanding that they can apply to all areas of life. Helping your child develop good financial habits early on is one of the most empowering gifts you can give them.

Remember, these lessons are not just about rupees and coins; they are about building a strong foundation for their future success and independence.

Together, we can help children thrive.

Warm regards,

Dr. Rajeshwari Yadav
Helping children grow into healthy, happy, and independent individuals

Allergy Autism children GIT • By Dr. Rajeshwari Yadav 0 Comments

Embracing a Gentle Path: Homeopathy for Gut and Skin Health in Autism

Introduction:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can bring about various challenges like trouble with social interactions and communication. Lately, researchers have been looking into the link between ASD, tummy issues, and heightened sensitivities. Homeopathy, known for its personal touch, is becoming a promising avenue to support children with ASD.

The Gut-Brain Connection:

The “gut-brain axis” is like a two-way street connecting our tummy and brain. For kids with ASD, studies show they might have tummy troubles, hinting at a connection between gut health and ASD.

The intricate relationship between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis,” is a fascinating and complex interplay that significantly influences overall health. This communication network operates bidirectionally, meaning that signals travel back and forth between the gut and the brain, impacting various physiological and psychological processes.

In the context of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), researchers have been particularly intrigued by the potential implications of the gut-brain axis. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with ASD often experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms or, more colloquially, “tummy troubles.” These symptoms may manifest as issues such as abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, or digestive discomfort.

The presence of these gastrointestinal symptoms suggests a possible connection between gut health and the manifestation of ASD. The bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain involves intricate pathways, including neural, hormonal, and immunological components. Disruptions or imbalances in these pathways could potentially contribute to both the gastrointestinal symptoms and the characteristic features of ASD.

Understanding and exploring the gut-brain axis in the context of ASD opens up avenues for more targeted and holistic approaches to intervention. It highlights the importance of considering not only the neurological aspects of ASD but also the potential influence of gastrointestinal health on the overall well-being of individuals with ASD. This comprehensive perspective can guide healthcare professionals in developing more tailored and effective strategies to address the diverse challenges associated with ASD.

Leaky Gut and Sensitivities:

Some experts think there’s a link between “leaky gut” (when the gut lining gets a bit too permeable) and ASD symptoms. This might influence sensitivities, like skin problems and sensory issues, through a mix of brain, hormone, and immune factors.

let’s simplify this for a better understanding:

Think of the gut like a barrier, kind of like a protective wall in your child’s tummy. Now, sometimes, this wall can become a bit too permeable, almost like having tiny holes. We call this “leaky gut.” When this happens, things that shouldn’t normally pass through easily can sneak through these tiny holes.

Now, imagine these sneaky things creating a bit of chaos in the body’s team (the brain, hormones, and immune system). This team is usually great at working together, but when the gut is a bit leaky, it can throw things off.

So, what’s the result? This mix-up can sometimes show up in things like skin problems and sensory issues. Picture it as a ripple effect – the leaky gut might send signals that affect how the brain, hormones, and immune factors interact. This can influence how your child reacts to things around them, like certain textures or sounds.

Understanding this link helps us see that by addressing the “leaky gut” and helping the team work together better, we might also see improvements in things like skin and sensory sensitivities. It’s like fixing the wall to create a smoother and more comfortable environment for your child.

Gut Bugs and Homeopathic Help:

Changes in the gut’s tiny organisms, called microbiota, could be linked to ASD. Homeopathy aims to bring balance to the body’s vital force, possibly helping the gut bugs in a good way. Tailored homeopathic remedies can be designed to support each child’s unique needs and address tummy concerns.

Skin Hurdles and Sensory Sensitivities:

Kids with ASD often face sensory challenges, especially with clothes and skin contact. Homeopathy can step in to help with skin issues, considering individual sensitivities and reactions. Natural remedies, gentle and kind, can work alongside other approaches for overall well-being.

Homeopathy’s Personal Touch:

Homeopathy isn’t just about symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person—body, feelings, and thoughts. This way of working aligns perfectly with what each child with ASD needs. Homeopathic practitioners, like myself, look at everything, aiming to get to the root of the challenges.

Meet Dr. Rajeshwari Yadav, a skilled homeopath with almost more than a decade of experience in classical homeopathy. Beyond the basics, she specializes in tailoring unique homeopathic treatments for both children and adults, delving into the complexities of human psychology.

Dr. Rajeshwari earned her degree from Mumbai’s CCMP Medical College, later advancing her skills at the International Academy of Homeopathy in Mumbai and Allen College, England. With a master’s in clinical psychology and significant experience in special child cases at Sion Hospital, she brings a compassionate and well-rounded approach to healthcare.

Her commitment to excellence shines through collaborations with renowned doctors, offering comprehensive services for various health issues. Dr. Rajeshwari’s blend of classical homeopathy and deep psychology knowledge makes her a dedicated and impactful healthcare professional.

Conclusion:

Understanding the link between ASD, gut health, and skin issues can be complex, but homeopathy offers a gentle, personalized approach. As a qualified homeopath with 15 years of experience and additional qualifications in clinical psychology, I’ve had immense experience working with special children. I invite you to consider this path and consult with professionals, like me, who can offer personalized guidance. Bringing a holistic perspective into your child’s care may pave the way for a more tailored approach to meet their unique needs.