Special Note for Parents/Caregivers

If your child has recently been diagnosed on the spectrum there will be lots of emotions flying around for you and your family.

There could be grief, loss, sadness, depression, relief, frustration, exhaustion, denial, determination just to mention a few.  This is your journey and most importantly your child's journey as they have to live inside the body they were given.

How you cope and come to terms with this is part of the journey.  I would find as much support as you can, connect with like minded parents and groups.  Have time out if you can manage to get away. Get  counselling/therapy to help you put into perspective what you are now dealing with.

Remember we are never given more than we can deal with and just take one day at a time. If you can't afford expensive therapies don't worry there is still hope.  Don't put so much pressure on yourself to be the perfect parent. There is always another day tomorrow!

You will be given lots of advice but remember this is your child and you know what he/she needs best!

I am going to help to explain what I know or have learnt however it is up to you what you choose to do with this information.

One of the best things that has helped me cope is finding out as much as I can about *A.S.D. It has also changed my son's life who is now 11 years old.

Sometimes to come back to the heart of your child you have to work from the outside in.  Imagine it like a wheel there are many spokes needed to make the wheel go round.  What we have to do is break down the disorder into parts so you can understand why it is your child does the things that he or she does.

When you understand this you can work with the disorder so that your child can reveal their true selves not just the disorder. Remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel and expect to be amazed and surprised along the way.

* A.S.D Autism Spectrum Disorder

Rowena Monds©
Consultant