My Mushings

This photo was the first take it was rejected because he was actually talking when this shot was taken.  He was saying Ready Set Go!!!!

They say that it takes a village to raise a child. Which is so true in our case. Here are some tips that might be useful for parents like me who has a child with Autism. This was certainly not an easy feat to achieve because we definitely had to practice at home.

Below are TEN  basic things that every family who has a child with autism needs to know or consider when planning to have their photo taken:

1. First, start with a good plan! When is a good time to have your child’s photo taken. I always want to go in the afternoon between 1-2 when he
has already eaten his lunch and it’s not too crowded.

2. Once you have a plan start putting together some visual supports to help your child on the upcoming activity. Social story and a demonstration of what will happen really helps Joshwa.

3. Talk to the photographer to allow you and a yaya to be with the child when the photo is taken . I even brought Joshwa’s ABA therapist with me.Remember the more reinforcements the better.

4.  Consider bringing information or hand-outs on autism. Just in case you encounter any challenges. If you don’t have any handouts then casually explain the child’s situation.

5. Practice definitely makes perfect. That is why you really need to practice and orient your child on what to expect before to go to the studio.

6. The burst feature of the camera is the photographer’s best friend.

7. Never expect to get the perfect photo the first time. If it doesn’t turn out the way you want to. Never be shy to tell the photographer that you want another shot.

8. Be prepared to stay there for as long as you need to. .Never apologize for your child’s behavior if it isn’t working out

9.Reschedule the photo shoot if needed no amount of money is worth aggravating your child with autism unnecessarily.

10. Last, but definitely not least, enjoy the moment. That is the beauty of having a child with autism we really have learned to stop and cherish what seems like a child’s minor achievement and champion it for it is a very major achievement.

Here is Joshwa’s after shot which approved as his passport photo: