Discovering your child has autism may
be a distressing ordeal, and unfortunately, time is of the essence.
As a parent, you do not have the time to consider why or how this
happened, only what to do next.
The most important thing to remember
is that you are not alone in your struggle. By researching the
disorder and finding others going through similar situations, you can
help you child while still dealing with your own emotional response.
Join a support group for parents with
autism. You can find these by contacting the national Autism Society
of America. From there you can find local branches, many of which
offer support groups for parents and families with an autistic child.
Being in contact with other parents in a similar situation can not
only help you feel less alone, but it can provide you with a myriad
of resources. A parent support group will also help point you in the
direction of the best doctors, intervention programs, and workshops
for both your child and your family.
Find a support group for any
other children you have as well. Many parents forget that they are
not the only ones who must learn to live and communicate with an
autistic child. By locating a support group for your other children,
you can help them from acting out or acting against the autistic
child by teaching them about the illness. As a parent, you must
create a supportive environment for the entire family in order to
properly manage your child’s illness.
Consider marriage counseling if you are
married. An autistic child can put serious strain on a marriage,
leading to escalating arguments, neglect of each other, and even
perhaps blaming each other for the situation. Marriage counseling
from the very beginning can help a couple through this discovery and
rough transition, and help build a better supportive environment for
your children. Your marriage should not end as a result of having an
autistic child, but the sad fact is that many of them do. Prevent
this by using one another for support and by understanding that you
may need help to deal with one another now and in the future.
Most importantly, start on the path to
becoming an expert. Many times pediatricians or psychiatrists are not
experts on autism, which can lead to improper diagnoses or incorrect
treatment options. As your child’s best advocate, you must know
everything you can about autism. Parents of Autistic Children can be
a great resource; this organization offers training and workshops.
The ASA has a newsletter and also offers a variety of information,
from diagnosing to treating. As always, remember that a support group
of parents with autistic children can always provide you with books
and research that focus on the reality of the situation.
Educate
yourself and those around you to provide the most beneficial things
for your child—love and guidance.
Jose Amoros
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