Being a Parent of an Autistic child or even multiple children can be daunting dependent upon due to the severity of level of your children and each individualized needs. Some may be verbal or non-verbal, ambulatory or non-ambulatory, with mild to severe behaviors and with all of that, some may be partially independent and need minimal guidance and directives while others are completely dependent on you. As Parents we know this can get trying because it takes every ounce of effort that we have. When we’re tired, we can’t stop! When we’re sick, we can’t stop! When we are personally dealing very hurtful or damaging things, we can’t stop! Being an Parent of Autistic Children requires a person willing to be selfless but patient and determined to help them live as normal lives as possible. You may, at times not know where to turn in moments of exhaustion, in moments where you feel as though you can’t reach your child, when they need something and they are unable to interpret or convey their needs building within you at times feelings of helplessness, but yet you have to learn to push through.
“Ask a Mom Who Cares” column is a safe and empowering space that provides compassionate, practical, real-life support for families navigating autism-related challenges in support of Parents of Autistic Children, Autistic Parents raising Neurotypical or Autistic Children, extended family members, Educators and Caregivers.
We take real life situations and provide advice from fellow Autistic Parents and how we deal with various issues of life as our children grow and learn to adapt in our world. This column provides an avenue for you ask questions that has embedded your heart with uncertainties.
Core Values:
- Empathy first
- Neurodiversity-affirming language
- No shame, no judgment
- Real solutions, not just inspiration
- Respect for both Parents and Autistic children
The possibilities of topics are endless and no question is too small. You may submit questions in the categories of:
- Patenting and Meltdown - How to balance life in the midst of meltdowns
- Parenting While Autistic - Questions from Autistic Parents about their own experiences while raising Autistic Children.
- Sibling Guilt - Siblings feeling unloved or express behaviors because they feel that your Autistic Child gets more attention.
* Disclaimer: This column is not controlled by Professionals, but by Parents of Autistic Children and hopes of sharing how they overcome challenges. Of more help is needed beyond our scope, Jorgia’s Impact Foundation can refer you to someone who can accommodate your needs.