| Most parents will tell you that having an autistic | | | | whether you are dealing with an autistic child, any |
| child is exceedingly difficult and incredibly rewarding | | | | other medical problem or let's face it, just life. Find |
| all wrapped up in a fairly messy bundle. No matter | | | | a qualified care giver for your child or a trusted |
| what information on autism you find, it won't | | | | relative preferably one who knows what to |
| prepare you for the Monday where everything will | | | | expect, and go out. Take the opportunity to go |
| go really well and there will be no upsets, and the | | | | on a date with your spouse, or perhaps just to |
| next day -which is no different- you will be | | | | have some time to yourself. Go to a museum, |
| climbing the walls. Simply as a matter of keeping | | | | paint a picture, see a movie, go shopping, all things |
| your sanity, you will need to find ways to cope | | | | it becomes difficult to do with your autistic child. If |
| so that you can always be there for your child. | | | | you can't arrange to get out of the house, after |
| Here are some ways of coping when you have a | | | | your child has gone to sleep, read a book, watch |
| child with autism. | | | | a film or take a long hot bath (it works for men |
| Local Support Groups | | | | and women). Just give yourself time to unwind, to |
| It would be invaluable to find a local support group | | | | think about your needs. In the long run by taking |
| in your area for parents with autistic kids. They | | | | care of yourself, it will make things better for you |
| will understand exactly the stresses and strains | | | | and your child. |
| that you are going through. They have either | | | | Ask for help |
| been in the situation or are going through the | | | | Every parent tries to be a "super parent". Very |
| exact same things you are. Sometimes just | | | | often they do not want to ask for help because |
| having another sympathetic ear while you share | | | | that means they cannot do it alone- and shouldn't |
| about the burdens on you and your spouse can | | | | they be able to handle this? While this may appear |
| make a huge difference. They often have many | | | | laudable, don't do it! Having a child with autism |
| suggestions that can really make a difference in | | | | requires help. Going it alone will ultimately |
| your day to day living. And of course sometimes | | | | completely stress you out. If you are stressed |
| it is really helpful to talk to someone other than a | | | | and overwhelmed it is not good for you or your |
| professional like a doctor or therapist who is a | | | | child. Let's face it sometimes we all need help. If |
| little "removed" from the practical side of the | | | | you are trying a new treatment and things aren't |
| condition. | | | | working it makes sense to ask the doctor to help |
| Journals | | | | by making a change. It should be the same in |
| Writing in a journal can be a wonderful release and | | | | every sphere of life, ask someone to help with |
| coping mechanism. In a journal you can express | | | | the errands because very often it is too hard to |
| feelings, thoughts and ideas. many parents find | | | | take your autistic child out with you. Getting |
| that their journal is an opportunity to vent all the | | | | someone to do simple tasks for you can save |
| frustration that builds up as a parent of an autistic | | | | time and frustrations. If you need help ask. No |
| child. No one else should read the journal. It is your | | | | one can read your mind, you have to tell them |
| private place to vent. Sometimes just writing | | | | you need help. Most people will be only too willing |
| alone can really help relieve stress and anxiety. | | | | to help. |
| And remember simply because you write it down | | | | Having an autistic child is a tough job. Having |
| doesn't mean you intend to do everything you | | | | different mechanisms for coping will make life |
| write. As a separate activity you can also keep | | | | easier not only for you but also for your child. A |
| track of the daily behaviors your child exhibits. | | | | calm and stress free parent can provide your |
| This can be enormously helpful to doctors. | | | | autistic child with the love, support and secure |
| Get away | | | | foundation they need. |
| Everyone needs time to themselves. This is true | | | | |