| Autism is a lifelong neurological disorder. For | | | | autism being left alone at home with a relative or |
| families to realize that the member with autism | | | | sitter. The little stresses such as these are also a |
| won't be the child that they envisioned can be a | | | | source of frustration and depression for families. |
| devastating discovery. Like many other disabilities, | | | | With all of the therapies, appointments, and social |
| autism takes a period of time to get used to. | | | | situation restrictions, the family's routines and |
| Parents also have to adjust their aspirations for | | | | schedules will most likely alter to fit the needs of |
| their children with autism. Realizing that your child | | | | the individual with autism. This can cause |
| may never go into the profession you had hoped | | | | resentment as well as additional stress. |
| for, or not even be able to go to college can be | | | | Considering all this, neurotypical siblings will have |
| very difficult. | | | | trouble adjusting to their new roles within the |
| This is not to portray a hopeless portrait of life | | | | family, often feeling left out, and resentful. |
| with autism, but rather the worries and | | | | Parents need to find ways to include their other |
| uncertainties that face families upon diagnosis. | | | | children in activities to help them understand why |
| Later we will cover some of the exciting | | | | the child with autism receives more attention. At |
| outcomes available through treatments and | | | | the same time, parents need to make time to |
| research. Due to the pervasive nature of autism, | | | | spend on non-autism related activities with their |
| most aspects of a family's life are touched. For | | | | other children. |
| instance, a person with autism is almost oblivious | | | | Personal relationships are also apt to be neglected |
| to social nuances such as waiting in line patiently, | | | | in the pursuit of treating autism. Fighting over |
| talking at an appropriate volume, or respecting | | | | chores, money, childcare, housekeeping, etc. will |
| others personal space. Public excursions can be | | | | wear heavily on a relationship. Clearly finding a |
| stressful and embarrassing due to the lack of | | | | sustainable balance of time, money, and other |
| knowledge people have about autism, combined | | | | resources is necessary to maintain a healthy |
| with the seemingly unexplainable behaviors | | | | family. Social supports, such as government |
| associated with it. | | | | funding, parent support groups, sibling support |
| Hand flapping, screaming, and tantrums are all | | | | groups, and care services are all great ways to |
| examples of behaviors that can draw unwanted | | | | balance responsibilities. It should be noted that |
| attention at the supermarket, doctor's office, | | | | relying on others for help can also be a point of |
| library, etc. The stress of rude comments | | | | contention. Self reliant families may take more |
| combined with the energy it takes to go on trips | | | | time to adjust to accepting and benefiting from |
| such as these often result in the individual with | | | | these programs. |