Parenting an Autistic Child

Parenting an autistic child is full of challenges to be sure, especially during those first days and weeks after the diagnosis is made. However, as time goes on, many parents of autistic children find that there is at least as much joy involved in raising a child with autism as there is frustration.

Interview with a parent of a child with autism

Having your child diagnosed with autism is certainly an overwhelming and life changing event. Most parents will go through a process of grieving following the diagnosis, often including feelings of denial, anger, helplessness, depression, and even guilt or shame. All of these feelings and more are perfectly normal when one is faced with the hard fact that a son or daughter suffers from a lifelong developmental disability.

Grieving for the dreams and expectations you had for your child is a necessary process, the first step in the journey towards acceptance of your family's new circumstances. Parents who deny or suppress these feelings often find the road to acceptance much more difficult than those who embrace and work through them.

Becoming involved with an autism support group can be of great help to parents who are struggling through that tough period following an autism diagnosis, offering insight and advice from parents who are or have been in the same boat. Be sure to take advantage of personal support systems, like friends and family members, reaching out for the help you need. Sometimes, just having someone available to listen to your fears and frustrations is enough to lighten the load, making it easier to get through another day.

Once the grieving period passes—and it will—most parents move on to the task of finding the best possible help for their child. In the beginning, many parents may harbor feelings of inadequacy in facing this task. While you may feel very unsure about your ability to handle the situation, the fact is that most parents do adapt and do quite well in making solid decisions about their child's therapy and treatment.

Setting up some basic therapies to address the symptoms of autism is the first step. Most children with autism will need to be seen by a speech and language therapist, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. Infants and toddlers are eligible to receive these basic services through the Federal Early Intervention Program, along with any necessary evaluations. Older children are entitled to be provided these basics through the public school system.

Of course, these services are available through private sources as well, but parents who choose this route should be sure to check into their health insurance policy to ensure that expenses will be covered. Low income families without health insurance could find that their child is eligible for SSI support and Medicaid to help defray medical and therapy expenses.

One of the most important steps in getting the best help for your child is educating yourself about autism in general, as well as on the specific ways in which your child is affected. Since autism is a spectrum disorder, every person with autism is affected differently, even those classified under the exact same diagnosis. Treatment options are many, and sorting through them all to find those most effective with your child can be quite challenging. The more informed you are on the disorder, the easier it will be to ensure that you can evaluate those options effectively. Disability professionals, support groups, the Internet, and your local library are all good sources of information on autism spectrum disorders.

Parenting an autistic child can be very hectic. Therapy appointment and doctors visits can make for tight and busy schedules. An appointment calendar is a must to keep on top of all these tasks, and is sure to be your constant companion.

While you are organizing all the details of your child's treatments and therapies, don't forget to schedule a breather. Make time for yourself in the midst of the daily rat race, as you are your child's lifeline. While you may feel a bit guilty about spending time relaxing when there is so much yet to be attended to, burning yourself out will not help your child.

The many tasks that must be attended to on behalf of a child with autism can become all consuming. Often, especially in those first months after the diagnosis, siblings can feel neglected as attention is focused on the needs of the child with autism. Your spouse may also feel neglected, especially if accepting the situation has not come easily to him or her. While it may be a struggle to make time amid the chaos, organizing the family routines in a way that ensure that the needs of all family members are met is important. Attention to these details helps to provide a peaceful and supportive home environment, easing the family through the difficulties of living with autism.

Despite the difficulties, differences, and added responsibilities, or perhaps because of them, you are sure to find that parenting an autistic child comes with many rewards. As you learn to come to terms with autism, you will begin to see the many ways in which your child is like others in the family, rather than just how he or she is different. Small achievements, taken for granted by the average family, will be the source of much joy and celebration for yours. Many say that parenting a child with special needs makes them better people, stronger and more loving and tolerant, lending a new and more satisfying perspective to life.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Autism Defined
• Best Schools for Autistic Children
• Child Autism
• Impact on Families of Autistic Children
• Grieving a Diagnosis of Autism