Surviving Autism

Coming to grips with the diagnosis that your child has autism or any lifelong disability is an arduous process.  You may feel that you have lost your child forever.  Don’t feel bad about yourself for feeling such.  It took me awhile before I have come to grips and deal with my daughters autism.

There are stages every parent will go through:

1. Denial, disbelief and numbness -  “No she is not.” “Not my child!”
2. Outcry and hopelessness – “Why me?” “Why my child?” “What can treatment do?
3. Blame and guilt – “It must be what you ate or difficulties during pregnancy?”
4. Anger at the diagnosing health professional – “How dare he say my child is retarded!”
5. Clutching at straws – “Some said that this crystal therapy works.”
6. Bargaining – “He’s only globally delayed or borderline PDD”.

Often times, you find yourself wondering if your child will ever be independent, marry or live happy, productive life.   Just think of the following when you wonder about these:

• Children with autism or any lifelong disability can be helped in varying degrees.  Some can be taught to live independently no matter how bizarre they may have been when they were very young.
• Know what you are dealing with.  Learn as much as you can about autism, particularly know how your family can help.
• Keep the rest of the  family in perspective, do not forget that their concerns are just as important as your special child.
• Learn how to get help from your friends, relative, and other people.  The process of accepting the diagnosis and your child for what he or she is, if often gradual and painstaking.  The  best way is to look for help.