Challenges Encountered by Parents with Autistic Children

Autism has a significant impact on a child's development, typically interfering with the ability to interact with others or communicate. The disorder is usually diagnosed before the child's 3rd birthday, according to the MayoClinic.com. The Centers for Disease Control reports that one out of every 88 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It cuts across all races, cultures and socioeconomic groups. There are five times more boys than girls with the disorder. Several unique challenges face parents raising autistic children.

  1. Finances

    • While medical insurance covers the cost of some autism treatment, many parents of autistic children want as much intervention as possible, which means out-of-pocket expenses for services that are not covered, according to the article, "The Challenges of Raising a Child With Autism," posted on WebMD.com. Behavioral therapy can cost $30,000 to $100,000 a year. The financial challenge for parents can be overwhelming. In some cases, parents can request short-term training by therapy facilities to learn how to perform the behavioral therapy steps at home. Working with their child, one-on-one carrying out the same exercises and activities the professionals would do, can cut treatment cost dramatically. In addition, parents can request sliding scale or reduced fee information as well as seek out help through their public school system.

    Finding Caregivers

    • Selecting a babysitter/caregiver for a child with autism can be challenging. The child's needs and inability to communicate effectively increase the need for a responsible, well-trained and patient caregiver. According to the article, "Caring for Children With Special Needs," posted on Kidshealth.com, the caregiver should be told about the child's routine. Children with autism cling to structure and get upset if it is changed. The caregiver should also maintain a calm, quiet environment, as going to places such as parks or public swimming pools may prove overstimulating. In addition, educating the caregiver about what to do in case the child gets upset is important. Let her know that rocking, hand-flapping and other self-stimulating gestures should not be discouraged.

    Keeping Marriage Strong

    • Following the diagnosis, parents are sometimes so shocked and scared that they go on autopilot and focus solely on seeking treatments for their autistic child. In some cases, all else, including their marriage, moves to the background. It is important to work on maintaining the marital bond, according to WebMD.com. Even if going out is not possible, planning a romantic dinner at home after the children are in bed is possible in most cases. Couples should also work on discussing things besides autism and all it entails. It is important for them to remember they were more than the parents of a child with autism before the diagnosis happened, and they still are after the diagnosis.

    Don't Forget the Siblings

    • Sometimes, parents focus so much on the child who has autism, the siblings feel left out, according to the article, "Siblings," posted on Autismsociety.com. Parents can alleviate this issue by spending alone time with each sibling. In addition, discussing the sibling's feelings of frustration over not being able to have a typical relationship with her brother or sister can be helpful. Letting the sibling know that her feelings and stress are important and it is OK to voice them will also help her cope.

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