By: Sara Swoboda, MD, FAAP & Tametria Dantzler
Parenting can be a very rewarding journey, but being a parent also comes with challenges. Parents commonly want to see their children thrive, have a sense of belonging and find meaning.
Having an
autistic child may bring a different set of challenges than you expected for your family. It can also open doors to new ways of understanding the world.
Remember, the autism diagnosis doesn't change who your child is. But knowing they are on the autism spectrum can be a powerful way for you to better understand your child's strengths and needs. It can also help you access resources to help them grow and thrive.
Your child's future
If your child is diagnosed in their early years, you may have questions about what this means for their future. It is normal for any parent to wonder about this for their children.
When you have a child with a disability, you may also wonder about how to best support them and help them grow in their development and independence. You may need to spend extra time and energy advocating for your child and helping others to understand them. You may have additional thoughts about their safety and well-being because their environment may not be set up to support their needs.
Getting support for yourself is also important. You may find strength by getting to know other families of children with autism and autistic adults.
Your child's individual needs
Each autistic child is an individual. So, it can be hard to predict what their future will look like, and how much support they may need. Some autistic children need very little help at school, go to college, have careers and live independently as adults. Others will need a lot of support for school and everyday tasks, and will continue to need significant help as adults.
As with many parents, the uncertainty and preparing for an unclear future can be stressful. But know that all autistic people, even those who need a lot of support, can have lives full of relationships, community and meaning.
Finding joy with your family
Accessing supports and services is important for your child, of course. However, it is also important to take time to be a family and do the things that bring your family joy. Your autistic child may also help you find new ways of experiencing joy and play. Autistic children, like all children, do best when they are loved, valued, and given the support they need.
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