Support System Tips for the Family
Building a family support system is a crucial element for all communities especially when it comes to living with autism. We can oftentimes forget that the child is not only affected by this diagnosis but the family as well. It can be an adjustment for many and at times overwhelming. For 2018, we’re here to help you and your family with a few suggestions to better prepare and adjust to this change.
For Parents:
- Learn to be the best advocate for your child– Make sure to be informed of all the is occurring in the autism community. This will not only allow you to provide your family and child with the best resources but will also give you some reassurance that you are not alone.
- Get involved in the autism community– Getting involved in the autism community will not only provide you with a support system but is another way to stay informed on all the new autism research and news.
- Appreciate the small victories– From mastering a session to making eye contact these are just some of the small victories that you should be proud of. Autism is a lifelong adjustment and by appreciating the small victories you are able to see the progress the child has accomplished.
For Siblings:
- Find an activity that you and your sibling can do together-With your sibling being on the autism spectrum it can sometimes feel as you can’t truly understand them. Doing an activity together will help you have a quick glance on their daily struggles and accomplishments.
- Be proud of your sibling– Learn to talk about autism and be open and comfortable describing the disorder to others. This will create acceptance and understanding to others outside your family unit. Notice the everyday accomplishments of your sibling and provide them with support.
- Remember that you are not alone– Having feelings of anger and frustration at times is normal. Just remember that you are not the only one feeling this. Your parents have the same feelings and they are nothing to be ashamed of. Speak to your family or a support group and find the understanding and closure that you need.
For Extended Family:
- Be a support system– Simply asking the family affected by autism how they are doing can mean more to them than you can think. Ask them if their is anyway that you can assist them. Your efforts will be appreciated whether it means taking care of the child so that the parents can go out to dinner, or raising money for the special school that helps your family’s child.
- Learn more about autism– You might not be able to interact with your family member affected by autism all the time. Because of this it would be a good idea to learn more about autism so that you can not only interact better with the child with autism but also have a better understanding of what the family affected with autism is going through.
As you are 3+ weeks into the new year, we want to be your one-stop shop for Autism resources. Whether it’s tips and trips, arts and crafts, events in your area or looking for a pediatrician nearby, we have a team that is here researching and finding all the best tools for you, day in and day out. We are here to provide as much information as we possibly can so that you can keep making strides forward in life with your loved one(s). What you may think was impossible can now be possible!