How do Autism Spectrum Disorders affect the family?
Just as Austism occurs on a spectrum, from mild to severe impairment, so do the reactions of family and friends. The parents of affected children may feel grief, depression, rage and guilt as they come to terms with a child’s diagnosis, and frustration as they try to understand and get services.
On a practical level, many family members tend to feel isolated, as their children don’t play the way other children do, and observers may see a child with Autism as "bad" or ill-mannered. While services for those with Autism are becomming easier to find, support for family members is still hard to come by. Part of the problem is that many parents of these children can’t take time away from their children to care for themselves. Day care or public school is impossible for some kids with Autism Spectrum Disorders, so all responsibilities fall to family members. It’s very important for family members to arrange for time away and someone to talk with so that they don’t become overwhelmed. Also important is education and activism, as a defense against feeling helpless and confused by the laws and procedures involving treatment, socialization, education and development.
Having a child with a disability can have a significant effect on parents. Parents may react to the diagnosis in a variety of ways including relief, shock, grief, anger and/or guilt. The upbringing of the child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder can place enormous pressure and strain on the parents, brothers, sisters and extended family (e.g. grandparents). As social activities and everyday outings can be extremely difficult, it is important for families to seek out support.
