Parents of Children with Autism Report High Stress

Another study has reported supposedly new information about Autism. According to this study that was published in the July issue of the journal Autism "it's not the additional daily caretaking tasks that add stress, but the behavioral issues common in children with Autism." And again, all I can say is duh! Who thinks up these studies, I mean, really. I could have told them that. Nevertheless, it is true.

According to the study author, Annette Estes, "Mothers of children with Autism reported more parent-related stress and psychological distress." Well, that is very true, also. I don't think I can count the times where I was under stress, as it related to parenting my son.

I can remember many a time when his behavior caused me a lot of stress. There were the phone calls about his behavior in class, or the running away from the classroom, the inappropriate verbal communications when he hit puberty, and the self-aggressive tendencies, the list is seemingly endless. But, I am learning to cope; at least I think I am. I can say that I have good and bad days, just like Matt, I won't deny that. Parenting is difficult any way you look at it, adding in the Autism is just a bonus.

Matthew having Autism is not a bonus, exactly, but it does explain much of his behavior, so I am learning to deal with it, and now that he is older, I talk to him about his actions more, and often find myself getting advice from HIM! Go figure. I suppose I am more fortunate than some parents of children with Autism, as Matt is high-functioning and is capable of communicating and understanding commands given to him. Part of the stress of parenting a child with Autism is the fact that it places stress on both the parent and the child. Sometimes, the child can't understand, nor can the parent, so it gets difficult. Which is why, I suppose, I have learned to communicate better, or I like to think I do.

The important thing is the communication factor. If the child can't communicate, then you, as the parent, need to find a way to help them communicate. Utilize every available resource, and do whatever you can to find those resources. Ask the team for assistance if necessary, and demand whatever is best for the child. I think that parenting, in general, is about good communication, setting boundaries, lots of love and affection, and hopefully, patience. That's the basics of the idea. I find, as does Matt, that communicating an idea, can be difficult, especially if the other person is not listening or doesn't understand what it is, exactly, that you are trying to say. I know it sounds a little confusing, but that is my take on the situation.

So, here's what I think. If you are stressed, in any fashion, for any reason, this study aside, here are some ideas for how to "de-stress" a little bit:

*Have a hobby, any hobby that you can do for even 10 minutes a day. I read a lot, watch TV or do Scrapbooking; I find that, in particular, if the hobby pertains in some way to Matt, he gets interested, and wants to talk about it. This is what happens whenever I start scrapping pictures of him, he wants all the details...

*If you are married, ask your spouse to take over for awhile, and go have a nice, long bath. Try aromatherapy candles, and some nice, lavender scented bubble bath. Lavender is known to be very relaxing.

*Get up a half an hour earlier than your child, if necessary, so that you can have time, uninterrupted, to yourself. Meditate, do Yoga, read, surf the Internet, whatever you like, just find some time for yourself.

*Knowing what your child likes to watch on TV is also important, and here's why. If you know that he or she loves to watch, let's say, the old Batman series with Adam West, then, sit down and watch it with them. They'll be happy, and you'll get a laugh out of the cheesy acting, and poor writing, but you won't be stressed.

These are just some thoughts I had on this, Thanks for reading!

For the full article, please go to: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=103908