Managing Schedules with an Autistic Child

Parents faced with an Autism diagnosis for their child have a million things running through their minds. Regardless of the severity of the diagnosis parents have fears when they learn that their child has this disorder. Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning that the symptoms vary and no children have exactly the same ones. The one thing that virtually all parents of Autistic children will agree on is that raising these children is an expensive task and balancing their care with work schedules can prove difficult.

Time demands for those with a child at home on the spectrum include therapy and doctors visits in addition to the normal routine. The word normal in the world of Autism takes on a whole new meaning as it often includes tantrums, sensory issues and therapy appointments among a dozen other things that would not be part of the package if the child were not on the spectrum. You need both a flexible work schedule and a support group to aid in getting through even the best day.

Ideally when there is an Autistic child at home your work schedule is one that you can tailor around therapy and other appointments. A lot of parents and other with Autistic children at home have chosen to stop working or begin working from home in their efforts to ensure that they are there when needed. Speaking to your employer when you first receive the diagnosis to see what services and supports are available at work will help to make the transitions easier on everyone.

The support system is a must because when you work in the traditional work force there will be times that you cannot manage to take your child to therapy sessions. Checking with the facility that provides therapy to see if there are occasions where they can provide transportation for your child can help to relieve a great deal of stress for you. While it is rare there are clinics with employees that will gladly take time out of their work day in order to help ensure children are getting the therapy they need.

The advantage of support systems extends far beyond work and appointments into home life. Placing a schedule where the entire family can see it will help; picture schedules can help the Autistic child at home understand what is going on around them. While they may not have separation issues they may have issues with new environments. The picture schedule can help to prepare them for a change in routine while relieving your guilt over leaving your child no matter how important the reason.

Behavioral and other issues have to be dealt with on a daily basis. Therapists have limited interaction with Autistic children and the demand only means that you have to pick up the slack. Taking the time to read therapist reports, watch therapy sessions and ask questions will help you to understand what they are doing making it possible to incorporate the factors that your child responds to into daily life.

Whether the Autistic child is home schooled or in a more traditional school setting outside the home it is possible to work around school. One on one time is required to assist these children with the learning process as well as group situations to assist with socializing. There will be times when work schedules are reduced to make time to fit in all that is required by the Autistic child you have at home. The need to work while the child is in therapy, at school or just waiting for your next appointment is often found.

The balance of work with the needs of an Autistic child is a difficult although not impossible one. Preparing yourself to turn your world upside down and adjust to a new routine is vital to assisting with this delicate balance. It takes time and you will be tired as you make the change but once you get used to it the day to day struggles will get a lot easier.