WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD

Every parent knows that life is full of unexpected moments and challenges. However, nothing can prepare us for the journey of raising an autistic child. There is no guidebook, no manual, and no one can truly teach us how to parent these unique individuals. But with instinct, love, and determination, we become pioneers of empathy, learning a whole new language called autism.

Being a parent of an autistic child is a transformative journey that reshapes our understanding of the world and ourselves. It challenges us to see the world differently, redefining our notions of normal and success. We celebrate our children’s uniqueness, nurture their potential, and advocate fiercely for their place in the world. This journey is full of beauty and resilience, but it requires us to be strong, to learn about sensory sensitivities, to seek out the right therapies, and to face a world that often misunderstands our children.

As parents, we become champions of empathy, striving to bridge our world with our children’s world. We learn to read their unique smiles, to help them feel calm when the world feels too loud, too bright, or too much. With each obstacle, our resilience grows, and we redefine success not by conventional standards, but by the depth of understanding and unconditional love. Together, we can make the world a more inclusive and compassionate place for all.

WHAT A PARENT OF AN AUTISTIC CHILD WISHES THE WORLD KNEW

Autism is not a curse, nor is it a punishment for any perceived wrongs. As some might suggest, it’s not a burden nor a curse to be prayed away. Instead, it is a unique blessing that deserves acknowledgment and gratitude. Embracing the beauty of autism and the individuals it defines can lead to a deeper understanding of diversity and the richness it brings to our world.

We are blessed to have an autistic child; sometimes we believe that God chooses those He loves the most to raise a special child. They just can’t be raised by anybody but by a few chosen ones. We would explain more about this but that will have to have another blog. In the few years we’ve had our autistic child we’ve come to believe that only the strong, those that can handle a special assignment are allowed to raise an autistic child. These kids are amazing. When we say amazing, we mean they are amazing. They have a way to lighten the house, to give them the best.

Raising an autistic child can feel isolating. Show me anybody who was born great and had it easy in their life. Right from the ancient great people, they will tell you that it was never an easy path. The greatness that you carry and raise will go through challenges until it becomes almost perfect.

SUPPORT FOR A PARENT OF AUTISTIC CHILD

Parents need unwavering support from loved ones and a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity. Let’s envision a world where this journey is met with celebration, where difference unlocks compassion and a richer understanding of what it means to be human.

A lot of people don’t understand what autism is, and we wouldn’t blame them, for even, we did not know something like that existed until we were blessed with one. Lack of awareness might lead to the community or neighborhood mistreating, reprimanding, or even warning their kids not to go close to an autistic child. 

They might see an autistic child meltdown in public and misinterpret them as bad behavior. This misunderstanding can lead to social isolation for an autistic child and fear for their parents. This misunderstanding of what autism is makes it harder for a parent of an autistic child to let their kids be with other kids for fear that their child will be hurt, or nobody will care about them.

Thankfully, there are amazing organizations worldwide working to spread awareness about autism. By educating ourselves and our communities, we can create a world where autistic children feel safe and accepted for who they are.

Challenges that parents face

Parenting an autistic child is a profound journey, woven with threads of resilience, understanding, and boundless love. It challenges us to redefine success, urging us to embrace the beauty of diversity and the depth of human connection.

Just to mention a few challenges that we’ve faced raising our child. We have been in a neighborhood where our child even got beaten by an old person because the boy doesn’t discriminate; he is always hyperactive and thinks everybody can play with him. Some have filed cases against us because the kid is noisy. We’ve seen kids being told to avoid going near him. Most of the time we make sure the gate is closed and even if the gate is closed, we make sure he stays in the house all the time.

Our experience is minor; there are others out there who’ve even experienced worse than us. Most of the time when these things happen, they don’t just hurt the child, as the child will forgive and move on like nothing happened, but the scar remains in the parents’ heart. 

The experience never leaves. Society is either illiterate in this matter or they choose to ignore the obvious that everybody matters and needs to be treated with respect and understanding.

The cost of money and time

Apart from people’s misconceptions, the cost that comes with having an autistic child is unimaginable. Very few can manage the expenses that accompany raising an autistic child. Most parents, have found themselves in deep debt. In the “Just pay your debt!” when everyday expenses become impossible..” blog, you will discover how some people could not come out of debt and the humane way is to lessen their burden by accepting them in society rather than adding more pain by not accepting their autistic child.  

Our employer will not care about an employee with an autistic child to have special attention. Though as much as finances are important, the most important is time. Your child will need your presence. You need to be more present than you’ve ever been before. 

There are some things that your house helper is not trained to handle. Society should offer understanding and support to parents of children with autism by encouraging them to socialize with others, recognizing the multitude of responsibilities they already manage.

CAN AUTISTIC PEOPLE BE “NORMAL” OR HAVE A NORMAL LIFE?

As a parent, one of the major concerns that linger around is how to raise an autistic child. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term used to describe a wide range of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior. When you notice any unusual growth or behavior in your child, it is important to do research and visit a Pediatrician. In some cases, you may come to know that your child is autistic, which can be overwhelming and raise many questions in your mind.

Some of the questions that might come to your mind are who is an autistic child, are they mad, will they ever have a better future, and what will happen to them if the parent or guardian is no more. However, it is important to understand that autistic children can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. The concept of “normal” varies depending on cultural and societal expectations. As you continue to raise an autistic child, you will learn and understand more about this.

It is important to come to terms with the reality that autism is a part of who they are and cannot be changed. However, with proper care and support, autistic children can lead a happy and content life.

Here’s what to consider regarding autism and the idea of “normal”:

1. Autism manifests differently in each individual, ranging from mild to severe. While some autistic children may develop skills that align with societal norms, others may require more support throughout their lives.
2. Neurodiversity refers to the concept that variations in brain functioning are natural and should be accepted. Autism is a part of this broader concept. It recognizes that there is no single standard for “normal” and that the variety of human experiences should be acknowledged.
3. Successful outcomes for autistic children often depend on early intervention, appropriate support systems, and inclusive environments. Providing educational, social, and therapeutic resources can help autistic children develop skills, independence, and social connections.
4. Autistic children may have unique strengths, abilities, and interests, but they may also face challenges in certain areas. However, we can manage these differences with appropriate support, therapies, and educational programs.

Instead of striving for normalcy, it’s more meaningful to support autistic children in achieving their potential and leading fulfilling lives, emphasizing acceptance, inclusion, and valuing diverse perspectives.

Here are 6 common misconceptions about autistic people, emphasizing who they are NOT:

1. Emotionless or unfeeling: Autistic people feel emotions deeply, although they may express them differently than neurotypical individuals. Difficulty reading social cues or expressing feelings in conventional ways could be misinterpreted as a lack of empathy when that’s far from the truth.
2. Dangerous or violent: The idea that autistic people are prone to violence is harmful and inaccurate. While some may experience intense reactions due to sensory overload or frustration, these are not rooted in aggression. Studies indicate that autistic individuals are no more likely to be violent than the general population.
3. Unable to learn or succeed: Autism is a spectrum, meaning intellectual abilities vary widely. Many autistic people are highly intelligent and thrive with appropriate support and understanding. Dismissing potential simply because someone learns, or processes information differently is damaging.
4. Defined by their diagnosis: Autism is part of a person’s identity, not the whole of it. Autistic people have unique interests, passions, and talents just like anyone else. It’s important to see the person beyond the label.
5. Lacking a desire for connection: While social interactions might be challenging for some autistic individuals, that doesn’t mean they don’t want friends, love, or meaningful relationships. Difficulty navigating the social world is different than a lack of interest in connection.
6. All the same: Autism is a spectrum disorder, and each autistic person is unique. Generalizations like “all autistic people dislike touch” or ” perpetuate harmful stereotypes”.

What autistic people are:

1. They may process sensory information differently.
2. Communication styles (verbal, nonverbal, assistive technology) might be diverse.
3. Social interactions can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of desire.
4. Autistic individuals have a wide range of strengths and challenges just like neurotypical people.
5. A little patience, understanding, and acceptance go a long way in establishing positive and respectful connections.

There are so many examples of great autistic people that you may or may not have heard about. This is to encourage all autistic parents that their child is not a default, he just processes information uniquely and differently.

Here are 11 examples that we can list of successful autistic people

A. In the field of Science and Technology we have great people like: