As the society has not yet learned to accept disabilities properly, many parents are distressed and flustered when they are told their child has autism. Parents go through a difficult time when they first face the fact that their child will continue to have struggles and difficulties all his life. Parents also find it difficult to cope with many of the symtoms of autism in their child. The different feelings that parents have when they first learn about their child’s disability are listed below.
- Denial: Many parents live in denial when they hear about the child’s disability. Most parents actually realise the fact before their doctors mention it but remain in denial until the doctor or therapist acknowledges it. Many therapists are trained to calm worried parents. Unfortunately, parents at this time only want to hear their child is fine. Many parents end up losing a lot of time by not wanting to admit signs of autism.
- Guilt: Most parents feel guilty when they feel their child is suffering from autism. Most parents feel they have done something during the pregnancy that has affected the child.
- Blame: Many parents with multiple children in the family experience autism. Thus, many parents blame it on genetic mix-up of the family.
- Anger: Many parents feel angry when their child is diagnosed with autism.
- Depression: When children suffer with autism, many parents go into a state of depression. It is something that they cannot believe their child is facing.
Day-to-day care and handling for children with autism can be difficult and stressful. Thus, it is important for parents to take extra care of themselves and the child. Parents need to:
- Educate Themselves: Parents must research and read up material on autism. Material can be found in books, magazines, and various websites. It is also advisable to get some support from governmental and non-profit organizations.Learning more about the condition will help them understand that children with autism can be taught and maybe even live independently.
- Build a Support System: Parents must look for local groups and networks that support parents of children suffering from autism. Various online chat groups are also available now. Participation in such groups allows parents to know more about the disability. In addition to this, seeing other parents feeling the same way might make it easier for them too.
- Make Time: Parents need to schedule regular dates with partners, friends, and relatives. It is important to enjoy life and live life the same way that they did before learning about the child’s disability.
- Get Help: It is important to seek help from professional therapists to reduce the level of depression and stress that has occurred. A lot of family relationships can get affected due to the stress, anxiety and practical challenges. Counselling can help husbands and wives to stay together and work out problems together.
