Helping Children Meet Their Full Potential Faster
Autism is part of my child; it's not everything he is. My child is more than a diagnosis.” - S.L Coehlo.
Parents of autistic children are superheroes. They are the support system and enablers of gifted individuals with unique abilities. Each day is new and brings forth challenges and opportunities for the family. In this blog, we have listed some common challenges parents of children with ASD face daily or regularly.
Finances. Some parents may feel the burden of long-term finances concerning raising a child on the spectrum. This could be the case for families not covered by insurance, etc. The financial burden could take on many forms, be it using personal transport instead of public modes of transport, hiring a caregiver regularly, quitting a job to take care of the child, or raising expenses associated with raising a child. Sometimes, parents cannot express themselves or are hesitant to reveal their precarious financial situation, hurting the family.
Stress due to childcare duties. Caregiving to a child with ASD is no easy task. It comes with its own ups and downs, challenges, and stress. Taking care of children with ASD may be a full-time job for some families/parents, as every child is unique. Each child has their own set of issues, severities, etc. Single parents and nuclear families especially face stress on account of taking care of their children. They may often not have the support and assistance of other family members or extended family, etc., compounding their stress levels.
Lack of time for self-care. Without the support of a paid caregiver, extended family, or even close families, a parent or parents find themselves struggling to care for their child, perform well at a job or even multiple jobs, manage their home, and be multi-taskers. This leaves them with little or no time for themselves. This could mean limited or no socializing, rest, exercise, hobbies and interests, etc. The person's identity is subsumed, with the primary focus being the care of the child/teen and their unique complexities.
Communication challenges. Verbal communication is a challenge for some children with ASD. For parents of such children, communication is a problem that compounds the stress & anxiety of parents. Parents face the challenge of their children being unable to communicate their needs and wants. With children sometimes unaware of nonverbal communication and cues, parenting challenges get compounded.
Stigmatization. As there are many people on this planet, there are as many reactions to situations and people. Not everyone is sensitive, kind, or accepting. Negative reactions impact the child personally and the parents; unfortunately, the effects linger for some time.
Parenting a child with autism can be both challenging and rewarding. At Caliber Autism, we understand the unique journey every family experiences and are here to provide the support you need. Whether it's accessing therapy, navigating communication barriers, or finding resources tailored to your child’s needs, we’re committed to helping you and your child thrive. Reach out to us today to explore our autism support programs and discover how we can make a positive difference in your family’s life.
Take the first step toward transformative progress for your child.
