Coping with Autism at Home

Having a child that is diagnosed with autism is not just hard for the parents but also for all members of the family. The parents, siblings, and even grandparents have to share in the responsibility of supporting a child with autism. Not only can it be financially draining and physically exhausting, but it can also be a source of emotional stress to everyone involved.

Naturally, the greatest weight is carried on the shoulders of the parents. To begin with, parents must learn their child's behavior — the skills that are missing and the behaviors that are excessive. Many children with autism find it hard to tell others what they want, in words or gestures, and some speak few or no words, so parents can be left guessing what their child needs. Social life is also significantly sacrificed, as a child with autism might not be accepted or understood by other people, forcing at least one parent to stay with the child at home at all times. And there are also feelings of helplessness about the child’s future. It is heart-wrenching for parents to imagine how their children with autism will be taken care of after they are gone.

Siblings of children with autism are stressed, too. It can be due to embarrassment about having a sibling who is different, they can also be stressing about being the target of aggression, or they can even have a feeling of envy for all the attention their sibling with autism is getting.

It Is OK To Take A Break  

The reality of having a child diagnosed with autism is hard and full of challenges. But life does not have to be all stress. There are ways to de-stress and maintain a harmonious and loving family life. Parents need to give themselves a break from time to time. A parent might have feelings of guilt for leaving their child for a few hours, but a few hours of being away from him or her from time to time may offer the chance to recharge and regroup for the daily challenges ahead. Parents should not be afraid to ask for a little support from other family members, such as the child’s aunt or uncles or grandparents. They may look after the child for several hours a week to give the parents time off and take care of themselves. This will prevent parents from “burning out” and can be essential in keeping the family’s relationships strong.

Parents also need to spend quality time alone with their other children, without the child with autism present. This reassures them and lets them know that the parents love them as much as their other siblings, even if most of the attention is geared towards their sibling with autism.

Life with autism in the family is demanding enough. Taking a few hours off for yourself and your other children is not neglect; it is how you keep going. (Aviram, 2009)

References:

Aviram, J. (2009, August 12). Good Days and Bad Days: Seven Strategies to Cope. Retrieved March 18, 2011, from Parenting

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