Dealing with a child’s autism diagnosis can be very difficult for parents. It is an emotional time which although unique to personal situations will still trigger similar feelings for other parents who have been through it.

This post will not make any of those feelings change but may help you know what to expect.

Initial feelings

Speaking personally I fluctuated from sadness to guilt. I felt sad that my child may have a difficult life and that frankly there was nothing I could do about it.

But then in the blink of an eye I felt guilty… because I was sad.

I wrestled with the fact that nothing would change the fact that our daughter had autism but she is amazing so what is there to be sad about?

Why us?

Again this is another thought which may trigger guilt, even typing that headline felt uncomfortable.

But truth be told it’s a common feeling amongst parents of autistic children.

You may be surrounded by neuro-typical children wherever you look so to question “why us?” is a normal human reaction.

I try to answer that positively in that you were chosen because you are the parent your child needs.

How can I cure them?

Again I believe this to be another very human reaction, it’s not rational, nor is it possible but it may well have crossed a number of parents minds.

Once more even the notion of trying to ‘cure’ someone with autism could be deeply offensive to autistic people so it didn’t feel right to even suggest it.

But it may be how you are currently feeling or felt at the time.

Overwhelmed

It is common for parents to feel overwhelmed. There are just so many questions likely to be flying around their heads.

• What school will they go to?
• Will they develop relationships with others?
• Will they fit into society?
• Will they have a job?
• What about when we are old?
• What about about after we die?

They are just a handful of the questions which will likely be buzzing around a parents mind at this point so it’s natural to be overwhelmed.

Talking from experience however I can say that your mind and your worries will likely calm with time.

What you can do

Nearly every expert agrees that the earlier the intervention with an autistic child the greater the impact it will have.

With that in mind parents would be advised to immerse themselves in learning and understanding autism.

Our website will help as much as we can but just throwing yourself into literature about language and behaviour therapy will be a good starting point.

Seek help

Help can come in a number of forms. Depending on where you are in the world there are still likely avenues of support from the government.

Government help can take the form of benefits payments, courses or even support with childcare.

Other areas of support are places like social media and online forums. You will likely find all kinds of groups on Facebook for parents in your area who are in a similar position.

When you start to mix with such parents you may feel somewhat relieved that you are not alone and there are others out there who can relate and possibly support.

Try to take care of yourself

Parents dealing with an autism diagnosis may find themselves under pressure and stresses they have never previously experienced.

If you can try to find a way to spend some time looking after yourself be it through a hobby, socialising or some other outlet.

If you’re not taking care of yourself how can you be expected to take care of your child.