PARENTING A CHILD WITH AUTISM – GIVING YOURSELF TIME TO HEAL
Supporting your child’s potential starts with helping yourself first. You must give yourself enough time to overcome the stages of grief. Most parents of children with special needs experience five stages of grief. This journey may include you.
Navigating the Diagnosis and Emotions
An autism diagnosis often triggers confusion, sadness, or anger. You might find it hard to accept the news initially. If you feel uncertain, seek a meeting with other specialists for a clinical screening. Do not waste valuable time if you need more evidence.
Remember, specialists and special teachers only want to be your companion. If you feel overwhelmed, process the information later. Always check documents through trusted references or books. You are not alone in this process.
Respect your feelings of regret or dissatisfaction. It is natural to dream of a child playing like their peers. Time will eventually help you accept these sentiments. Breathe deeply and stay calm instead of pushing yourself too hard. Read articles and ask questions to destroy your fears.
Preparing for Early Intervention
The “golden time” for intervention is between zero and three years old. Briefly scan different methods to stay aware. However, avoid using too many unspecific plans.
Seek a multidisciplinary team at a trusted hospital or center. This team should include:
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Pediatricians and special educators.
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Speech therapists and psychologists.
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Occupational and psychomotor therapists.
These special education experts will help plan a specific strategy. Choose a specialist you trust and follow their guidance. Progress may sometimes stall or regress, but this is normal. Do not worry too much; talk to your specialist instead.
You can also join parent support groups. Sharing experiences provides a different picture of parenting a child with autism. Starting early intervention with a comprehensive strategy is the best step for your child.
Uniting the Family for Support
Do not let ASD change your family life entirely. Help other members understand the child’s specific problems. Explain the methods you are applying clearly. Connect with others to listen and support your unique child.
Maintain humor and flexibility to keep the child interested. Your family will find happiness as the child grows. Autism is never anyone’s fault. Our main purpose is to give the child a high-quality life. To learn more about our philosophy, you can visit our About Us page or contact us for help.
This article uses these source links:
- Medical training material: Textbook of autism spectrum disorder, speech therapist training course, Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, 2019.
