Autism is a lifelong, developmental disorder.
It affects how a person communicates and relates to other people.
It affects how they see the world around them too and for
parents of an autistic child, reaching them, sharing love and emotions feels
impossible.
In many ways, a diagnosis of autism is a relief, a chance to
start moving forward.
But it comes with challenges too, along with a stark realisation
that life is going to look completely different to how you thought it would.
Unique Challenges
Daily life with a child with autism presents unique
challenges. For many parents, autism leaves them struggling to cope.
Managing a child with autism and the range of behaviours
they can display is tiring but the rewards and the ‘breakthrough moments’ can
be many.
Autism cannot be ‘cured’. But it can be managed in such a
way that life is not one continuous struggle. What hints do other parents and
professionals give that help in managing autism?
You are never prepared for a
diagnosis…
You may have fought long and hard to get the diagnosis. But
even then, nothing prepares you for the finality of the diagnosis. Many parents
and caregivers who have found themselves in this position say that researching
and understanding autism in a great starting point.
#1 YOU are important
Whether you view yourself as a ‘caregiver’ or parent, you
are an important cog in your child’s life. Coping and managing a lifelong
disability, no matter its severity is draining. There are times when you will
need a break.
But all too often, we forget our own well-being, placing it
far down the list of priorities. There are many sayings to keep in mind and
when it comes to caring for your child with autism, the most is this: the most
important person in a rescue is the rescue. In other words, without a fit and
healthy you, your child will struggle even more.
#2 Learn about autism
Get clued up too, taking time to research autism and how
behaviours can manifest. It is a ‘personal’ disability – in other words, what
one child with autism struggles to cope with, may not be the same as another
child.
It equips you with the information you need to take the next
step. Why not take a look at understanding
autism with NCC Home Learning?
Once you have the diagnosis, it can be tempting to wallow in
shock but, other parents say that getting
treatment started as soon as possible is key to helping your child – and you.
With your child able to engage in more
meaningful activities, you are able to focus on moving forward.
#3 Build scaffolding: help and
support
There are many agencies and organisations who support and
help children with autism and other disabilities, as well as parents and other
members of the family.
There are many organisations that work with autistic
children and their families in the UK such as the National Autistic Society, Child Autism UK as well as Scope. There may also be groups and organisations
local to you too. And don’t forget to connect with your child’s school as they
too, have access to support networks.
It is important to build scaffolding around you and your
family so that when you need help, you know who to turn to.
#4 Talk and listen to each other
The biggest issue for any family in the middle of any kind
of situation is miscommunicating or, worse
still, shutting down and no longer talking or listening to each other.
Everyone needs someone to talk to and when things don’t feel
like they are improving, or you are unsure how to cope with certain traits or
behaviours, talk to someone. A chat over a coffee with a friend is just as
useful as seeking professional counselling or therapy in many cases.
Managing your child’s autism means listening and talking to each
other as part of the wider family.
#5 Keep a journal
There have been studies that have shown than describing
traumatic events, our feelings and thoughts about them are linked to dealing with the event in a way that is useful. For
many parents, there are times when managing their child’s autism feels like an
uphill battle, a war that will never be won.
But just as there are ‘bad’ times, there are fantastic times
too. And by keeping a journal, you keep a record of what worked, what changed, and
so on, insights into what could be useful in the future.
Children with autism do lead full,
energetic and fulfilling lives. Getting a diagnosis, understanding autism, and
accessing support and help is an integral part of you, as a parent, beginning
to learn how to manage your child’s autism.
NCC Home
Learning is an online provider of over 300 courses, including courses
relating to additional learning needs and developmental issues such as autism.
Many of their students continue to work whilst they gain valuable
qualifications, perfect for taking the next step in their career
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