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Last Updated: Apr 3rd, 2010 - 22:38:15 |
There is help for families with autism. Find community support a big help for frustrated families with autism.If you have an autistic child, you should read this informative article.
(ARA) - A child's autism diagnosis often leaves parents overwhelmed. Reactions similar to the grieving process start - shock, denial and eventually acceptance - and during this process parents desperately seek answers to their many questions.
These questions are wide-ranging and include issues like the challenges of the educational system and special needs programs; how one addresses puberty with a child with autism; personal safety concerns for those children who may have no concept of personal danger or when they are being taken advantage of; and what kind of job opportunities may exist beyond graduation. And the two biggest questions: How will my child learn to be able to live on his own as an adult and how will my child fare in the world once I am gone?
Once parents start digging into all the information available for families with an autistic child, it becomes difficult to narrow it down to what they specifically need for their family. There is a lot of information available, and it's hidden in different locations depending on the government agency providing the information, and the very nature of autism, which creates a broad range of needs depending on the severity of the case.
Three years ago Brian Field's son was diagnosed with autism, and he and his wife were overwhelmed by the massive disconnection between families looking for answers and the resources, guidance and autism help readily available.
"We were handed our son's diagnosis, and were in shock," says Field. "And then, well, that was it. We now had a stack of papers and virtually no direction for a 'next step.' If we were having such problems and needed such support, doubtless others did too."
He co-founded the Autism Support Network as a free peer-to-peer network that provides autism education and guidance for families, professionals and even those who themselves have autism and are looking for connection with others. Through www.autismsupportnetwork.com, families can find free resources available in their area, learn about autism-related events happening locally or virtually, search for grants and news and connect with thousands of other families and individuals around the world to share encouragement, stories and information. The network aims to keep frustration to a minimum and help families feel connected, rather than isolated. Michael Buckholtz, president of Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. has called the network "the MySpace for the autism community."
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. The disorder can be very mild to very severe, and affects all ethnicities and all economic groups, although males are four times more likely to be diagnosed, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 110 children in the United States. The prevalence of autism increased 57 percent from 2002 to 2006. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis, for which the cause and cure remain unknown.
April is National Autism Awareness month, and April 2 is recognized as World Autism Day.
Visit the Autism Support Network to get the latest autism news, find other families to share your experiences with or discuss new information, get autism support and find resources in your area.
"When your life is touched by autism, it can be frustrating, overwhelming and isolating. Connecting with a community of people who are in the same boat helps address these needs on so many levels," Field says. "There is a lot of information out there, and having it accessible in one place with plenty of feedback from those who are going through what you are makes all the difference in the world."
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