Parenting a Child with Autism
Finding out your child has autism is life changing and emotional. New studies have shown that parents are better coping with an autism diagnosis and go on to have strong bonds with their children. If you have a child with autism, it’s important to learn how to adjust your everyday life and make sure you keep your bond strong and you and your child are happy and healthy.
Learn everything you can about autism
One in 68 children are diagnosed with autism or fall on the autism spectrum. These are a number of developmental disabilities that can affect your child’s social skills, communication skills, and behavior. Autism is usually detected before age 3, so early diagnosis and treatment are imperative to help your child reach their full developmental potential. Symptoms have often change as your child gets older, so treatments are tailored to each child’s needs. Programs will help your child, and help you learn how you can help your child when you are at home. You can also talk with your doctor about what treatments would benefit your child the most, and also discuss any medications that might aid in development.
Have strong social support
Raising a child with autism is emotional and can often take a toll on you in other ways, because of the lack of communication you experience with your child. Having a support system is a way to be able to communicate your struggles and get advice from other parents who are navigating through the same thing. Know who in your life will help you with certain aspects of support. Those who are emotional, those who are social, those who can give you information, and those who are practical.
Educate others around you
Moms of children with autism often feel isolated and experience their family members stop asking about their child, or their child is left out of gatherings. Those close to you might be lonely or angry because they aren’t getting as much of your attention as they are used to. Talking with your family and friends can help get feeling out in the open and manage everyone’s stress, including your child with autism. Meeting other families with children on the autism spectrum can help provide insight and give you a way to get out of the house in a less stressful way.
Continuously assess your child’s needs
Your child’s symptoms will continuously change, so make sure you are educated about other treatments or options so you can successfully help your child develop.