| Identifying that there is a definite problem with | | | | support group for your other children, you can |
| your child and discovering that the problem is | | | | assist them in their confusion and frustration in |
| autism may be the single most distressing ordeal | | | | dealing with the illness. This issue sometimes |
| in your adult life. | | | | causes siblings to act out before they understand |
| Unfortunately, dealing with this issue head on is a | | | | the illness. Parents must create a supportive |
| time-sensitive matter. As a parent, you do not | | | | environment for the entire family if you intend to |
| have the luxury of taking your time to consider | | | | properly manage your child's illness. |
| the "hows" or "whys" this may have happened, | | | | Most importantly, begin the path of becoming an |
| only what do I do next. One important item you | | | | expert on autism. There are times that |
| must remember is that you are not alone, and by | | | | pediatricians or psychiatrists are not the best |
| researching this disorder and connecting with | | | | experts on autism, which can lead to improper |
| other families going through similar situations, you | | | | diagnoses or failing to offer the correct treatment |
| can be well on the road to helping your child while | | | | options. You are your child's best advocate. You |
| still being devastated by this misfortune. | | | | must gain knowledge about everything there is to |
| Some parents join a support group for parents | | | | know about autism. "Parents of Autistic Children" |
| with autistic children. If you contact the National | | | | can be a great resource; this organization offers |
| Autism Society of America, you can find groups | | | | several training and workshop seminars. The ASA |
| in your area. | | | | has a newsletter that offers a variety of |
| Other parents in a similar situation can help you | | | | information, from diagnosing to treating the |
| feel less alone, and can provide you with a myriad | | | | autistic child. Support groups of parents with |
| of resources. Parent support groups can also help | | | | autistic children are a great resource that can |
| point you in the direction of the best doctors, | | | | provide you with books and research that |
| intervention programs, and workshops for both | | | | focuses on the reality of the situation. Begin |
| your child and your family. Support groups for the | | | | educating yourself and all those around you in |
| help of any other children you have, is a great | | | | order to provide the most beneficial support and |
| tool, as well. Many parents forget that they are | | | | guidance for the health of your child and your |
| not the only ones who must learn to live and | | | | family. |
| communicate with an autistic child. By identifying a | | | | R. |