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Introduction to
Autism
My Child is Autistic - and I don't know what to
Do...
The very
first step to handling Autism
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.
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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.
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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.
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by Tony N. - 30th Dec., 2008
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