Subscribe Now
Every month Clayfield Counselling Services produces an email newsletter covering topics of interest to our clients and associates. To subscribe, fill in your email address below.
October 2011
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are lifelong developmental disabilities characterised by marked difficulties in social interaction, impaired communication, restricted and repetitive interests and behaviours and sensory sensitivities.
The word ‘spectrum’ is used because the range and severity of the difficulties people with an ASD experience can vary widely. ASDs include autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder and pervasive developmental disorder – not otherwise stated, which is also known as atypical autism. Sometimes the word “autism” is used to refer to all ASDs.
http://www.autismspectrum.org.au/a2i1i1l237l113/what-is-autism.htm
There is no cure for ASDs. Therapies and behavioural interventions are designed to remedy specific symptoms and can bring about substantial improvement. The ideal treatment plan coordinates therapies and interventions that meet the specific needs of individual children. Most health care professionals agree that the earlier the intervention, the better.
There are many resources available on the internet or through the family doctor about ASD, for parents, siblings and carers. However, this newsletter will focus on the importance of self care for parents and carers. It can be a traumatic time in any parent’s life to discover that their child is different to other children, that what might seem normal to other families is vastly different in your own. It is important that parents and carers gain coping strategies, otherwise the risk of burnout is higher and who will care for your family if you are unable to.
There are a number of things you can do to cope with all the changes and additional stressors in your life, one of the most helpful is counselling. Everyone needs someone to talk to. Let someone know what you are going through and how you feel. Someone who just listens can be a great source of strength. If you can’t get out of the house, use the phone to call a friend.
Another option may be to consider joining a support group. It may be helpful to listen or talk to people who have been or are going through a similar experience. Of utmost importance, even though you might feel selfish and guilty is “try to take a break”. If you can, allow yourself to take some time away, even if it is only a few minutes to take a walk, sometimes all we need is some space to clear the cobwebs. Another way of relaxing may be having a nap, by making sure that you are getting a regular sleep, this will mean you are better prepared to make good decisions and allow you to be more patient with your children.
It is also important to recognise how caring for a child with an Autism spectrum disorder can affect the family. When caring for a child who has special needs, we can become centred on them often forgetting that other children may need the same love and attention. It is therefore essential that you are able to devote time to their needs as much as it may be difficult. If you or someone you know need coping strategies, counselling can be an effective way to implement the changes you may need to make.
Quote of the Month
Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyse you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are. -Bernice Johnson Reagon
References