Q13. How do parents cope with autism?

A13. Caring for an autistic child is stressful at times but can also very satisfying.

The emphasis is on seeing the child as ’special’and in need of extra love and attention as a result. Their differences are celebrated rather than commented upon and the aim is to help the child to fulfil their potential.

It can be challenging but there is help and support available to parents which can ease things. This is especially useful when it comes to issues of challenging behaviour which is difficult to cope with.

Some parents find it upsetting then their child fails to bond with them or remains aloof and rejects any physical contact such as cuddling.

Everyone finds their own way of coping but it is difficult especially when faced with disapproval or ignorance about the condition. Plus many parents worry about how their child will cope at school, university, work or when they are no longer around.

It is more difficult to cope with a severe form of autism.

These and other issues are discussed further in our children with autism section (as part of the living with autism section).

Autism FAQs:

Autism FAQs

• Q1. What is autism?
• Q2. Is there more than one type of autism?
• Q3. Why are there more children with autism than adults?
• Q4. What causes autism?
• Q5. What are the symptoms of autism?
• Q6. How do you diagnose autism?
• Q7. How common is autism?
• Q8. Why are there more boys with autism compared to girls?

• Q9. Can you cure autism?
• Q10. How do you treat autism?
• Q11. What is 'SPELL?'
• Q12. What is 'TEACCH?'
• Q13. How do parents cope with autism?
• Q14. How does an autistic adult manage their condition?
• Q15. Do autistic people have other medical conditions?