ASD can be a frightening diagnosis, which every parent reacts differently to. Along with a diagnosis parents are often bombarded with advice and strategies which are often not always helpful. Here are just 7 points I think every parent should be aware of when parenting a child with autism.
Autism is Not New
There is a wealth of knowledge and understanding that can be found within the minds of other parents alike. Any problem you may be facing has invariably been dealt with before in other families. This means you can learn and use what others have learned and experienced about raising a child with autism to help you. Parents understand autism, perhaps somewhat better than some professionals as they have not lived the experience. There is no need for you to go and reinvent the wheel, but there is a need for you to connect with other parents of autism. This way you not only learn but are able to give back on what your experiences have been as well.
Children with Autism LOVE their parents.
I realise at times this may not seem true. Invariably your child may have the tendency to beat up on you, hate being touched or run off in the opposite direction at any given chance with no need to turn back to see how far they are from you. They may struggle to look at you eye to eye and connect with you on an emotional level you crave for, but this does not mean they do not love you. Keep sharing and exposing your love for your child in all the ways that you do; they may just surprise you
Don't get too hung up on Critical Periods of Learning
I have great belief in the wondrous outcomes that early intervention can have on a child with autism. However I so often hear parents trying to beat this race and treat their child before the 'window of learning' period is closed. The human brain is a wonderful organ. It is constantly changing, forming and developing in response to learning and environment stimulation. Yes it has been said that children learn best in their younger years, but it is naive to think that learning and development have to stop there.
Learning and Development can be a Bumpy Road on the Autism Spectrum
All children go through rough patches in their learning and development. Some get left behind a bit in certain areas but then catch up later. This is true for children with ASD as well. However leaps of development and deficits are generally more pronounced. When a learning regression or plateau hits we so often want to blame something or put it down to one thing. This is often not the case. The trick is also to keep with your child, don't give up them or your self as this is the time you really need to help pull your child through the rough patch. It can be completely un-motivating when your child hits a learning plateau especially when they may be miles behind their peers already. Chances are they will come out on the other side with a big bang and you may struggle to keep up with them.
Your Child's Abilities Can Shift Over Time
We hear much talk regarding the different "functional levels" within the Autistic Spectrum. A professional may point out your child falls into the spectrum at a certain level whether it be high functioning of low functioning. You need to realise though that this can change over time with the right treatments and guidance. Diagnosed children are very often moved from one autism diagnostic category to another.
Professionals are a Great and useful Resource, BUT they can also be Disappointing
Some professionals don't know enough about autism, some may only know the "doom and gloom" aspect of autism. Some professional are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. The point is, all incoming information concerning your child at any level needs to be scrutinised by you, perhaps even do some more research if you not sure. Find doctors and Therapists etc that you are happy with, that know the particulars of what you are dealing with and understand your child and family.
YOU ARE YOUR CHILDS' BEST AND MOST IMPORTANT TEACHER
A lot people believe that in order to help our child you need to go from therapy to therapy. Your child spends huge amounts of time with other people than with you. Don't let people drag you into this notion that your child is so unusual that only a person with an advanced degree can help him learn.
Yes therapies are important, but you are your child's primary caregiver and leader. You are the person that needs to guide them through life. And no one loves your child as much as you. Parenting Autism can be frustrating at times, but remember You are important and don't let anyone tell you any differently.
Remember to Get your Free copy of: Autism -Where to start guide, where you will learn immediate strategies to help your loved one with Autism.
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