Q . In what ways do you currently cope with your stress of having a child on the autism spectrum ? Are they effective ?
AUTISM THERAPY
Occupational therapy is a service for individuals with disabilities to challenge physical , mental , or social limitations and to enhance the quality of life .
her and they believe that there ’ s nothing wrong with her and that is she misbehaving to get attention .”
• “ I ’ m always thinking that what happened to my son [ is ] my fault . I had a very stressful pregnancy [ with ] high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes . I ’ m always thinking “ What ’ s going to happen to him ?” because [ if ] I don ’ t manage my own condition , I ’ m gonna die sooner !”
Q . In what ways do you currently cope with your stress of having a child on the autism spectrum ? Are they effective ?
• “ I cry and try to listen to music , [ but ] it doesn ’ t really help .”
• “ I have become his playmate because the children in the neighborhood are not very kind . It doesn ’ t work .”
• “ I really don ’ t have any ways because I don ’ t even have the time to get away or figure out how to release the stress .”
• “ Talking with other parents helps remind you that you are not alone .”
• “ Exercising , walking out my stress …”
• “ I have to have a day to myself . My husband will take her out while I go out by myself .”
• “ Find mommy and daddy time .”
• “ I will also listen to music or try to meditate .”
• “ Take the good with the bad … just deal with it .”
• “ Best advice is to take things day by day , celebrate the small progresses , don ’ t dwell on the challenges . See them as such and find a way to face the challenge to conquer or cope with it .”
The stress of raising a child diagnosed with autism can surely shatter a parent ’ s social and personal lives into pieces . However , may you find assurance knowing that you are not alone . Life can be pieced back together — with the help of certain supports and services .
Occupational therapy is a service for individuals with disabilities to challenge physical , mental , or social limitations and to enhance the quality of life . Distinct from other disciplines , occupational therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who are trained to view any individual , from a school-aged child with autism to an emotionally-overwhelmed parent , through holistic pairs of glasses ; thus , any aspect of life that seems to be crumbling to pieces is the focus of an occupational therapist — whether it be physical , emotional , spiritual , or social . Through environmental or task adaptation , sensory integration , and self-coping mechanisms , children diagnosed with autism can learn to interact with others and their environments . As occupational therapists ’ focus is the improvement of well-being , quality of life , and functionality of children with autism , their ability to focus on the children ’ s parents could prove to be essential in improving family functioning . Whether it be helping parents find coping mechanisms that fit
42 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 74