Autism Parenting Magazine Issue 44(Member's Dashboard) | Page 47

PERSONAL NARRATIVE Autism parenting can be lonely. I have an abundance of appointments. My child’s sensory needs and myriad other things keep me from getting out with others. child’s sensory needs and myriad other things keep me from getting out with others. Sometimes my friends leave because they don’t know how to deal with the situation. Honestly, sometimes I withdraw because, well, see #3, #5, #4, and #6. 8. “I have to think ahead of different possibilities and plan for the various outcomes. I’m not trying to be a control freak.” I have to think about where we are going and what we are doing. What will I do if he doesn’t like the food? What if he thinks something is too loud? How will I handle it if he is overstimulated but I rode with someone else? People may look from the outside and think I’m trying to control every little thing. I’m just trying to plan ahead so I am prepared with what