Autism can rob a child of their childhood. The happy outgoing child now must deal with the effects of this developmental disorder that appears in the first 3 years of life, and affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. As a parent there are great challenges for you as well. This is a guide about parenting an autistic child.
As a mom of an autistic child and a grandma of two autistic children, I believe one solution is education. Educate yourself and educate others about autism. Often, autistic children look like other 'typical' children. So, when you are out in public or even around family and friends, they may be taken back by some of your child's behaviors.
Celebrate each milestone. Holding a cup at 18 months may not have been a big deal to others, but it was for me. Clapping his hands for the first time at 3 years old was a celebration. A much bigger milestone was not having to change a diaper when he was ten years old.
Going out in public was a great place to educate others. Especially hearing rude comments about your child who was having a meltdown in Walmart because of noises, lights, etc. As I held my then 6 year old in my arms sitting on the floor, it was a great time to pass out 'business' cards I had made with "I'm Not Naughty...I Have Autism" on the front of them. The back of them went like this "If you are alarmed because of my child's behavior, it is not because of lack of discipline."
Autism affects one's ability to understand their environment, and usually they are oversensitive to everything that affects their senses such as sounds, touches and smell. My child has an inability to cope with any changes in his routine. Because of an inability to communicate, my child has frustration and pain. Please be patient while I teach my child to be social.
To learn more about Autism, go to: http://www.autismsociety.org or call 1-800-3AutisM.
You can purchase these cards at http://www.zazzle.com/SarahAnnM
Not all autistic children are alike. There are so many different tips out there and not everything will work. Educating yourself and others is a great start to a solution.
By Sarah from Shelton, WA
Find other parents in your area. There is both strength and solace in numbers. Share information! Be open to new ideas. I've been parenting my son for 9 years, 7 knowing he was 'different', 6 with the label autistic.
I've learned to be realistic; progress is slow. I've learned to fight like a rabid pitbull for him and to trust my gut. I've learned to laugh at whatever I can, because tears don't help. He is stronger than I thought, and he can handle change better than I thought. I'm working on not underestimating him but it's tough since he can't talk to tell me what he wants, needs, likes, hates, can do, can't do and so on.
Don't be afraid to ask for help. Just be specific in what help. Most of all learn to rejoice in the good times and try to forget the bad moments. And on the worst days remember - "This too shall pass".
By Jeanne K. from Marilla, NY
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