What Parenting an Autistic Child is Like

It is estimated that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is a term for a wide range of conditions. Challenges with verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors are seen across the spectrum.

There is no one cause of autism. Genetics is one of the most well-known factors. The research contributes several factors, such as environmental and infection, as possible reasons for some cases of autism.

As you learn about autism, you may wonder what it is like parenting an autistic child. Let’s take some time to talk about that right now.

When Do Doctors Usually Diagnose Autism?

Autism is a lifelong diagnosis that is most commonly diagnosed during early childhood. However, a later diagnosis can occur at any age or stage of life. Being a spectrum, the severity of how autism affects each individual varies. There are three levels of autism, and one individual can receive a diagnosis of two different levels.

Because autism can show itself in many ways, you might have an autistic child who grows to adulthood and can care for themselves without much trouble. On the other hand, you may have a situation where such individuals need care for the rest of their lives.

At those times, professional guardianship must take place. The court system can appoint a professional guardian. Such a guardian might be a parent or an adult who runs a facility equipped to house and care for autistic individuals.

If you’re an autistic child’s parent and turn them over to a professional guardian once they reach adulthood, you need to ensure they will not abuse their charge. Professional guardian abuse cases do occur, and when they do, that cannot be very good for the individuals the guardians are mistreating.

An Invisible Disability

There’s a saying that’s often repeated because it’s true: If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism. That’s because children (and adults) on the autism spectrum are very different from one another. There is no correct road map to follow when raising, teaching, and loving them.

Autism is often referred to as an invisible disability. There, one looks to autism, and the symptoms of autism affect how the vidual interacts with the world around them. While you may not be able to see their disability, it does not mean it does not exist.

Children with autism often struggle with social situations. From a parenting perspective, it can be painful to watch your child wanting to fit in but not always do so. There is also the concern of bullying and being left out of social events by their peers.

What Parents Want for Their Autistic Children

Parents of autistic children ultimately want what every parent wants, their children to be happy. Since that’s more challenging than neurotypical children, parents often go to great lengths to routines, therapies, and ways of learning that work best for their child.

Many parents of autistic children spend substantial amounts of time fighting for their children’s right to equal and accessible education. This means countless school meetings to establish and maintain IEP and 504 plans. While some schools are great with this, others will go to great lengths to make this inaccessible to the students.

Early intervention helps autistic children work through development delays, social skills, and other impairments. If the child receives their diagnosis as a toddler, this means several years of nonstop therapy and doctor’s appointments. Many comorbid disorders require therapies and doctor appointments even after children become school-age.

These scenarios, combined with helping their child learn to regulate emotions and keeping them safe from elopement scenarios, can lead to substantial stress and feelings of isolation.

Parents can turn to respite care to practice self-care and spend time with other family members. Respite is when a trained professional watches your child for short or extended periods. However, this is not available to everyone due to income levels.