| For most parents, discovering that their child has | | | | family that will properly support and have better |
| autism can be devastatingly painful. Unfortunately, | | | | grasp of your child's autism. |
| however distraught the parents may be, they | | | | If you are married it might be helpful if you and |
| have to act fast. Being a parent, you simply don't | | | | your spouse undergo marriage counseling. It is |
| have the time to scrutinize as to how this thing | | | | normal for a marriage to experience difficulties |
| could happened. At this point, the only thing you | | | | specially in rearing an autistic child. There would be |
| have to think about is what to do next. | | | | increased arguments and tendencies to neglect |
| Remember, these things do happen. But know, | | | | one another while one is caring for the child. You |
| too, that you are not the only one struggling with | | | | may even start blaming each other for the |
| this problem. There are lots and lots of people | | | | situation that you are in. Marriage counseling, |
| going through similar situations. You just have to | | | | therefore, can help you get through this difficult |
| research about the disorder and you will find that | | | | transition specially from the very beginning. This |
| many people are finding ways to deal with their | | | | could also help both of you build a better |
| autistic child. | | | | supportive and more relaxed environment for |
| Why not join an autism support group for | | | | your children. Having an autistic child should not be |
| parents? The National Autism Society of America | | | | the cause of the end of your marriage, though |
| provides information about these groups. They | | | | sadly, this is the case with a lot of marriages |
| have local branches which have support groups | | | | failing. You can avoid this by seeking the help of a |
| for families and parents with autistic children. | | | | marriage counselor and also using one another for |
| Getting together with other parents undergoing | | | | support. |
| similar situations can help you feel that you are | | | | The best thing that you can do for your family is |
| not alone. Likewise, they can also help provide you | | | | to start learning about autism, and eventually |
| with resources and guides on how to handle | | | | become an expert in dealing with it. It is a fact |
| autism. | | | | that many pediatricians or psychiatrists are not |
| A support group can also help you get in touch | | | | very knowledgeable about autism and so |
| with the best doctors, family workshops, and | | | | sometimes they can give inaccurate diagnoses or |
| intervention programs for both your family and | | | | treatment options. As parent of an autistic child, it |
| your autistic child. However, you must remember | | | | is in your child's best interest (and yours, too) that |
| that your other children must also learn how to | | | | you learn everything you can about autism. One |
| live with and communicate with an autistic sibling. | | | | thing to always keep in mind is that a support |
| It is necessary, therefore, that you let them join | | | | group of parents of autistic children can always |
| a local support group for children. You should also | | | | help provide you with books and other resources |
| explain to them what autism is, and how they can | | | | to help you get a better grip on the reality of |
| help their sibling. It is important that you, as | | | | your situation. |
| parent, create an environment for the whole | | | | |