by Pria Pondering

Created on: December 23, 2011   Last Updated: December 25, 2011

How does a parent prepare for their child being diagnosed with Autism?  Autism is a confusing disorder that has been getting much publicity as the rates of children being diagnosed with it is staggering.  Many parents can find themselves stunned to learn of the diagnosis and can feel as if they have been hurled into a black hole of questions and doubts.  They realize that a long journey has been forced upon them. 

After getting past the "why" and "how" questions that inevitably come up and possibly doing much research, they gradually come to the point of accepting the diagnosis.  They realize they have to go on with the business of caring for their children and learning how to best do that.

Parents are informed about early intervention strategies and these are implemented, which can include speech and occupational therapy.  There are various programs and methods that they must evaluate and try to match with the needs of their unique child.  Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological disorder where each child can be impacted in a a unique way.  Some children with ASD are non-verbal whereas others are prone to echolalia, where they can repeat various phrases they hear regardless of the relevancy.

There is so much to learn.  Every day, the more they try to read and learn, the greater they realize how much they don’t know and how much more they need to learn.  It is overwhelming and exhausting as the care for a child with autism is high and can take much out of a parent.  Trying to find time to learn and create more effective strategies while running a home and other aspects of life is a constant juggling act.

Throughout it all, they know as parents that regardless of the effort involved, their love for their child is not diminished.  They do what they have to do, the best that they can, regardless of the need and what it requires of them.  Their love is unconditional and is not changed by a diagnosis.  They want to do what they can to help their child be the best he or she can be.  They want to be instrumental in that process.

Parents accept their child with Autism just as they would accept their child with any other condition.  The child is theirs to get to know as much as possible so they can love them even better.

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