Clinical Contributor
Jennifer Kugler, Senior Program Director - Behavioral Health Services
April is National Autism Awareness Month
We all know the challenges of parenting. But when your child has a physical or developmental condition, the responsibilities and stress intensify.
Autism is a complex, lifelong developmental disability that usually appears during early childhood and can impact a person’s social skills, communication, and relationships. The condition has a certain set of behaviors that affect people differently. There is no known single cause of autism. Early diagnosis helps a person receive the support and services that they need, which can lead to an improved quality of life.
Some of the signs include:
- Being non-verbal or having unusual speech patterns
- Having difficulty understanding non-verbal communication
- Difficulty making and keeping friends
- Trouble with back-and-forth conversation
- Having trouble accepting change
“A day in the life of a caregiver of a child with autism spectrum disorder can include many challenges and stressors,” explains Jennifer Kugler, LPC, ACS, Senior Program Director, Child Behavioral Health Services, Acenda. “Parents have to deal with doctor’s appointments, challenges with school, or dealing with an unexpected tantrum in public. At the end of the day, they may even be discouraged to find that their child is unable to sleep, preventing them from getting the rest they need.”
Research has shown that parents who engage their support systems and actively solve problems, including their own mental and physical ones, will have less stress than those who disengage or cope in unhealthy ways.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms:
When navigating your parenting journey with a child with developmental disabilities, it's important to build up a toolbox of coping mechanisms, for yourself and your child. According to OKAutism, "Coping skills are skills that help us regulate ourselves as we adapt to and overcome stressors in our environment." In addition to skills, there are also various tools or tips that can be incorporated into your day-to-day, helping you and your child move through the life in a more manageable way. Coping mechanisms can include:
Creating a Routine: Having a predictable schedule can be an easy way to maintain your child's environment and help any child feel safe and secure, but especially those with developmental disabilities that may feel more distressed by change.
Researching Assistive Technology: There are plenty of tools that can help children with developmental disabilities cope on a daily basis. These can include anything from mobility tools to communication devices to environmental controls. Each of these can help your child feel more comfortable and acknowledged in their space.
Plan Outings: Activities outside of the home can be fun, but they can also feel stressful and overwhelming. By planning ahead, you can introduce the idea to your child and prepare them for possible scenarios they may encounter, allowing you and them to prepare and bring toys or assistive devices that sooth them.
There are plenty of ways you can create coping mechanisms for you and your child to help with communication, engagement, and comfort as you navigate the world.
“Parents of a child with autism should consider attending a support group to help with coping mechanisms and gain support from other parents who understand what they are managing in caring for their child,” adds Kugler. “This helps parents get much needed support, such as advice on behavioral problems and resources they can utilize. They can even express their emotional stress in these groups. It is important to recognize that you do not have to take it all on alone. When parents get outside supports for themselves, they are better able to support their children through any challenge they may face.”