Raising a Child with Autism

Parenting is hard work, no matter what the circumstances are. For parents whose child has been diagnosed with autism, the work is even more difficult. Fortunately, an increase in autism awareness and resources to help parents cope have made raising an autistic child a little less isolating and a little more manageable. What are some things parents of autistic children should know and do to make their jobs easier?

Receiving a Diagnosis

For many parents, once a child is diagnosed with autism, there is a corresponding sense of relief. When you know what you’re facing, you can make a plan for dealing with it, and can face your emotions honestly. Robert A. Naseef, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in Philadelphia who is the father of a grown son with autism, and is the author of Special Children, Challenged Parents. Naseef encourages parents to be honest about their own emotions: “You don’t have to kid yourself about how hard it is.” He says that the “good thing about getting the diagnosis is that then you get a direction in what will help your child. Usually, when kids get the right help and start making progress, their parent’s mood brightens and you have some hope again.”

Early Intervention

Experts advise that early intervention is very important, since time is of the essence when facing a diagnosis and treatment. Parents need to be educated about autism so that they can focus on what they can do for their child.

Every parent has dreams and aspirations for his or her child, and an autism diagnosis changes those dreams dramatically. Once a diagnosis is made, parents should formulate a plan for their child that includes treatment and a reassessment of goals.

Build a Treatment Team

Every child will have different needs, so parents must work with their child’s pediatrician to assemble a care team of specialists that might include developmental pediatricians, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and others. There may be a wait to see these professionals, however, so parents should be proactive about getting recommendations for specialists who can see their child right away.

Early Intervention and Public School Programs

Parents should check with their pediatrician for referral to publicly funded programs designed to help children at risk for developmental delays. States provide early intervention programs for children under age 3; for children over age 3, public school districts should provide education through an individualized education program. Because these programs vary from state to state and district to district, parents should research what is available in their state and obtain assistance as soon as possible.

Financial Considerations

Often, the work of coordinating care falls on one parent, who is then unable to remain in the workforce and contribute financially to the family. Care for autistic children can be very costly and insurance coverage thin. Parents should work with their insurance carriers to get as many services paid for as possible, and look into training themselves to provide some of the services autistic children need, such as development of communication skills or play therapy. Meeting with a financial planner may assist parents in mapping out a plan to finance treatment.

Deal with the Stress

Networking with other families and taking a break from talking about autism can help families deal with the inevitable stress of raising an autistic child. Take some time to devote to your marriage and to other children in the family, who are no doubt feeling the stress of the diagnosis as well. Keep in mind the goals you have for your child and celebrate milestones. Parents are only human, after all, and need a break, so allow yourself that down time when you need it.

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