If you haven’t read “Tips For A Strong Marriage Of Parents With ASD Kids,” then I suggest you read that blog first. This is the second part, and it will discuss more tips on how to make an effort to keep the relationship going amidst the stress and issues related to your child’s disorder.
Continue reading More Tips For A Strong Marriage Of Parents With ASD Kids
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As a person who has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome a few years back, I can tell you how difficult life can be for someone on the spectrum. I have a high-functioning form of autism, which means that I was able to go to a regular school and earn a bachelor’s degree. I have a stable job and am engaged to be married soon as well. Despite the normalcy that I experienced, though, it could not erase the fact that I was – still am – as prone to sensory overload as the next autistic individual you can find.
“Asperger’s Syndrome (Autism Spectrum Disorder) is more common that we realize and there are increasing numbers of high-functioning adults who are self-identifying or being diagnosed.” –Eva A. Mendes LMHC
If I can be too honest here, my only edge over folks with low-functioning autism is that I can follow instructions. I am not “in the zone” all the time, although I admittedly like to be left alone often. I can easily pass as a non-disabled person if you meet me for the first time. However, when you check my social skills, you will realize that it is almost non-existent.
One of the aspects I struggle with up to this day is sensory overload. We tend to be too one-track-minded folks to know the difference between a real or sarcastic comment. Attending parties is practically impossible without having a meltdown. Sometimes, when stress gets in the mix, our brains go on hyperdrive, and we can no longer control our actions and emotions.
Still, I choose to believe that sensory overload is a problem that we can all learn to cope with. If it gives you a headache as well, you may try some of the things that I do.
Pinpoint Your Triggers
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The first thing to do is to find out what your triggers may be. In my case, for instance, I cannot stand noises. Shouting, blasting music, blaring horns — these are just a few sources of noise. For other people, they cannot handle pulsing lights or even colorful walls. You should realize your triggers so that you will know what to avoid. “We all experience these ups and downs, and most of the time we get through the downs and move on to better times.” says Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC.
Bring Useful Devices Everywhere
Prevention will always be better than cure. It is not wrong to put noise-canceling headphones, ear pods, or even sunglasses in your bag. These are devices that will help you in times when you find yourself in an overwhelming situation.
Make A Plan Before Going Anywhere
“Research shows the biggest boost in happiness comes from planning the vacation.” Shannon Torberg, PsyD, LP said. It will not hurt either to make a plan before you go anywhere. Imagine the place as the first step. Think of what you will do if you hear loud music or you are in the middle of the crowd. Figure out as well where you should sit or stand so that you can be as far away from your triggers as possible.
Let Your Friends Or Relatives Know About The Plan
Lastly, you should know that the plan may not always succeed if you act it out by yourself. Considering you will go to an event with friends or relatives, you need to inform them about it. This way, they can remind you of it when things become too much for your senses.
Final Thoughts
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Living with any form of autism will never be easy, regardless if it’s high- or low-functioning. However, life must go on, and you need to try to make the situation better for yourself. Follow the tips mentioned above to be able to do that.
Good luck!
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Next to orphaned kids and elderlies who got abandoned by families, giving back to people with autism can warm your heart. At a glance, they seem to hardly show any emotion. When you talk to them while they are doing something they love, it is already a blessing if you even get them to look at you. They typically like to stay in their own world, and no one can pull them out of it.
The first time I tried to do something nice for autistic kids, I decided to volunteer for a non-profit organization. I was only 15 years old at the time. I had no job to earn money from; I could not ask my parents to send what little savings we had to the group. So, whenever they held an event for children with autism, I made sure that I was there to at least distribute foods or help decorate the entire place.
When I got my first full-time job at 23, therefore, you could imagine my happiness. It was not because I could finally buy the latest clothes and gadgets but because it meant that I would have money to donate to autism-related organizations. That had been my dream ever since I was a teenager, after all.
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Despite that, I was aware of bogus institutions that claimed to help people on the spectrum but honestly do anything but that. While I was lucky to get to know the real ones at a young age, you might not be able to say the same, especially if it’s your first time to consider doing it. So, here are some tips before donating to autism-related organizations.
Know The Cause You Want To Support
The first thing that you need to ask yourself is, “What type of activities do I want to support?”
The truth is that different foundations have specific goals. One may want to bring more autistic kids to school, for instance, while another may aim to help them get proper treatment. You should be sure of what causes you wish to support so that you will be able to find the right group(s).
Verify The Organization’s Credibility
As mentioned above, not all organizations have real intentions to assist psychologically challenged individuals. Many of them may accept your money and use it for their personal gain. You cannot trust the photos of happy kids on their website either.
What you need to do is to conduct a background check on a specific organization. Find out about their financial status, to be precise, as well as the programs that they currently have. It is the only way for you to know how credible they are.
Go To Groups’ Events
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People say that nothing beats first-hand experience. This idea is applicable even for autism-related organizations.
Assuming you have narrowed down your list of charitable institutions, you should see if they have upcoming events that you can attend. You don’t have to commit before going there; your goal is to figure out if they are a perfect fit for your cause. That will be easy for you to deduce when you see the genuine smiles on everyone’s faces and how the volunteers interact with people.
Once you have done all that and more, you can make sure that you will be donating to the right autism-related organization(s). Cheers!
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Living with autism is difficult to fathom for regular people, primarily if you are not related to someone who’s on the spectrum. Some feel sorry for them because they cannot have a healthy life. Even if companies may hire them, they will always carry the stigma that comes with being autistic.
Others, meanwhile, think that psychologically challenged individuals are lucky to have such a condition. After all, it entails that they have no clue about the negative things that happen on earth. They do not need to know about greed, failure, etc. They have their perfect little world, and that’s all that matters. Because according to John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.”
Nevertheless, it’s no secret that a long of non-profit organizations have been established to help people with autism. A few of them provide financial assistance to the families or orphanages that care for autistic kids. Some cover their educational, medical, and other needs so that they can have a shot at leading a normal life.
The thing is, not everyone who wants to assist autistic individuals have the means to do grand things like that. Many folks may not even have time to volunteer as they try to juggle two or three jobs every day. If you have the same dilemma and you want to do something nice for people with autism, here’s how you can help them indirectly.
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Don’t Do Anything That Will Cause Sensory Overload
Let’s say that you find yourself in an almost empty bus with an autistic teenager and his mother. You notice that the boy is wearing dark sunglasses. The most likely reason for it is that he might feel overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun or the various colors outside the window.
“Just because a child has autism, doesn’t mean their life should be limited — it means they might need extra help or adaptations in order to do the same things that others do.” Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC explains. Assuming this person with autism tends to deal with sensory overload, you should avoid blasting your music in such a small space, too. If you are carrying reflective objects, you should hide them as well. That may cause the teenager to panic, which often results in a meltdown.
Understand Their Behavior Or Mannerism
Another thing that you should do is to research the collective behaviors of autistic individuals. Granted, you may not come across one every day. It may even take years for you to get introduced to someone in the spectrum. However, it will not hurt to find out how you should act when they are around. This way, you can avoid doing something that may trigger their symptoms.
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Avoid Forcing Interaction
Finally, you should know better than to force a fellow with autism to talk to you. That is especially true if you have already noticed that they don’t seem to be chatting with anyone. It entails that they may not be “in the zone” and pulling them out of it can only cause trouble. “Autism is a complex developmental disability that causes difficulties in many areas, with varying degrees of severity, most notably with social interaction and communication.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains.
In The End
Wanting to help an autistic person does not mean that you have to have a lot of money. You do not even need to interact with them directly, to be honest. It’s the little things mentioned above that will allow you to help them even if they do not know about it.
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I grew up in a close-knit family. It entails that I got to play with all my cousins and saw my aunts and uncles almost every week. We would all gather in my grandparents’ ancestral house where my mom and her siblings were born and bred.
Even at a young age, I knew that there was something odd with my cousin Sam. He was only two years younger than me – practically the same age as my middle sister – but he did not speak until he was around five years old. Every time we were at the playground, Sam would choose to play with his train set instead of running with us. And if we tried to pull the toy away from him, he would throw a fit and sometimes attack us, and only the adults could calm him down.
Despite all those indications, my Aunt Em insisted that there was nothing wrong with Sam. “My son is just a late-bloomer,” she said. “He has no brothers or sisters, so he doesn’t know how to interact with other kids.” Aunt Em merely had no choice but to take Sam to a child psychiatrist when even she could not handle his tantrum.
The diagnosis did not come during their first appointment with the mental health professional. The doctor ran some tests and observed my cousin’s behavior for some time. It was only after a month that the psychiatrist confirmed that Sam is in the autism spectrum.
Aunt Em’s first reaction upon hearing the news was disbelief. She could not accept that her beloved son is autistic. She tried consulting two more psychiatrists, but their diagnosis was the same as the first one’s. Even now that Sam is 23 years old, unable to land a stable job or at least speak a word with more than four syllables in it, Aunt Em refuses to believe that he has autism.
Although such a parent’s reaction is understandable, moms and dads should still be the first people to accept their child’s disability. After all, it is only through acceptance that they will be able to do the following:
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Help The Autistic Kid Live Normally
People with autism still have a chance of leading a healthy life. That will take place, though, if you acknowledge their condition and transfer them to a SPED program. It is not advisable to keep them in a regular school where they may stand out in a not-so-pleasant way.
Understand The Child’s Special Needs
It seems common for autistic children to get overwhelmed by loud sounds or visuals. Not accepting that your kid has this problem means that you will not be aware of it. Thus, instead of helping them, your lack of knowledge may cause sensory overload.
Keep Them Away From Harm
Admitting to yourself that you have a child with special needs tends to make you realize the dangers around them. For one, there may be bullies who will stop at nothing to tease them. They may be unable to travel on their own as well. If you don’t think about such things, you may end up bringing them closer to harm unknowingly.
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Final Thoughts
It is undoubtedly challenging to accept that you have a child with autism, especially if that’s your only son or daughter. However, not doing so will be more problematic for them than for you since they can’t get the support that they need the most.
Think about it before you insist that your kid is not in the spectrum even if the diagnosis says otherwise.
Being a parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is challenging and can cause a lot of frustration on your part. Do not feel sorry for yourself if you are suffering from raising your kid who has special needs. Keep in mind that what you are feeling right now is only usual or average. According to a therapist, autistic children have certain peculiarities and issues that may be difficult to handle, which is why it is not new for a parent to feel stressed and anxious most of the time. If you believe that you need advice on how to become more relaxed in raising your child who has ASD, then be sure to read this article from start to finish.
First of all, it is crucial on your part to remind yourself that there is nothing that you can do to turn back time. Stop wishing that your child was different and did not have his medical condition. You need to begin accepting the reality that your child has autism spectrum disorder, and all he needs is the unconditional love from you. Never make the mistake of making your kid feel inadequate just because he is different from the other children surrounding him. Remember, “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.” John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS explains.
At the same time, you must always understand that other people feel compassion and sympathy for you. As such, do not reject any help or assistance that others may offer you. Be willing to have an open mind and avoid being judgmental against other individuals who only want nothing but to help you in any way they can. Below are some of the things that you must consider if you’re going to learn the best ways on how to handle your child with autism:
Be Consistent In Everything You Do
It is a fact that children with autism have difficulty in retaining things to their brain. As such, they tend to be forgetful because they cannot keep the memory for a long time. Because of this, it is essential or crucial on your part to be consistent in every single thing that you do. Take note that your kid is observing the way you act or talk, which is why you must do the right things at all times whenever he is around. Be mindful of what you say and do because one mistake can bring in a lot of difference. “Healthy boundaries are necessary for self-care, and healthy relationships and most people are not equipped with these important life skills.” Janeen Herskovitz, LMHC said.
Learn About Autism
“Often, kids, teens and adults on the spectrum spend a lot of time trying to be “normal”, fighting sensory overload and overwhelm, fending off personal quirks, and trying so hard to “fit in”,socially and otherwise.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains. As much as possible, do not just wait for people to give you advice on how to raise your child. The best or vital thing to do is to make a conscious effort to learn about autism spectrum disorder. Read several resources that can help you become an expert about the illness. Lucky for you, there are already thousands of available resources that you can read online. All that you must do is to double-check the details of the source of the article to ensure that you will not get a piece of false information. Nonetheless, it does not mean that you can already dispense with the expert advice of a medical professional. It is still essential to continue bringing your child to a doctor’s office for a checkup regularly.
Give Rewards When Necessary
You must also learn about positive reinforcement wherein you will let your child know whenever he has done something great so that he will feel motivated to do it again in the future. Be careful in using this method of disciplining a child with autism so that you will not end up having issues in raising him. Know when it is the right time to give rewards and when it is not. You cannot keep on rewarding actions that do not qualify as great deeds. It is crucial to be sure before you give a prize or reward. If you are not sure how to do this right, feel free to read the commentaries or journals published by psychologists. These materials contain everything you need to learn about the said topic.
Conclusion
If you are tired about raising your child, do not worry because that feeling will soon fade. What is essential is that you take the necessary steps to refresh your mind and recharge yourself. Take some time off or ask for help from other people. Do not sway people away from your life because you are embarrassed about getting their support or assistance. Instead, be open to whatever they are going to do to help you in your day-to-day endeavors.
There are many things to remember when it comes to raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Keep in mind that you have to be more patient and understanding as you embrace your journey to motherhood, especially when your child has special needs. We understand that it can be scary in the beginning since you do not have an idea on the psychology of raising children with autism. As such, we have decided to come up with an article that discusses the top tips and tricks on how you can become a better parent to your kid.
Make sure that you familiarize the things listed below so that you will not commit an error in raising your child. Keep in mind that there will always be challenges and struggles that will come your way. Make sure that you do not allow these shortcomings or problems bring you down. Instead, focus on becoming a better parent and enjoy your journey. Things will get better as soon as you continue to remind yourself with these tips:
Study The Signs And Symptoms
Take note that autism is a mental disorder that is quite complicated to understand. “Young people with autism are very good at “getting stuck” and being less flexible.” John Strang, Psy.D. emphasizes. Because of this, you have to make an effort in learning more about this illness. Do not just sit in the corner and wallow in depression because your child has a mental condition that you cannot understand. Believe that you will soon learn the basics of how to raise your child despite the challenges that autism brings. At the same time, it is best if you will connect with people who are going through the same experience that you have. Learn how to communicate with parents who are also in the process of raising autistic children.
Ask For Help And Support
Always remember that it is okay to reach out to certain people and individuals to ask for their assistance in raising your child. Do not feel embarrassed if you have to ask for help from your parents or relatives. Take note that there are some financial stuff that you have to pay if you want your child to live a healthy life even if he has autism spectrum disorder. If you believe that you are not financially ready to answer for these expenses, do not hesitate to borrow some cash from your family. “Counselors who are not familiar with ASD often tend to ascribe an Asperger or neurodiverse couple’s conflicts and challenges to “personality clashes,” or family of origin issues,” says Eva Mendes, LMHC. Aside from this, you can also ask a friend or a close family member to watch over your child when you have something important to do at work or for your business.
Work With Your Husband
Like any other individuals who are coping with a partner’s ASD, or their children’s ASD, the best thing to do is to prepare yourself for the challenges and have the right mindset. Keep in mind that you have a husband who can help you deal with the different challenges that come your way. Avoid shutting your partner away because you are too stressed or anxious in raising your child. Instead, accept his helping hands and enjoy the journey together. You will be surprised at how things will become better in your family life the moment you learn how to work with him together. Trust that your husband also wants the best for your child. He will always be there in every step of the way. Just make sure that you do not last out on him when you are exhausted or tired.
Arrange For Therapy Sessions
One of the things that you can do to help your child is to arrange therapy sessions for him. During these meetings, a professional therapist will guide your kid on learning some basic things that will make his autism more bearable for you. This expert knows exactly what to do to increase your child’s attention and focus. “Psychotherapy can help by offering a safe space for kids, teens and adults on the spectrum to be able to express themselves more readily, to be able to learn more effective coping skills to manage stress, as well as symptoms of other mental health issues that may be unique to you or your child.” Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT explains.
Aside from this, he can also help your child understand the effects of every action that he takes. As a result, you will start to notice an improvement in his behavior. However, it is essential to emphasize that the success of therapy sessions does not happen overnight. You have to ask your child to attend these sessions regularly so that he can go through the proper process of the treatment. It is best if you will ask the therapist about his professional rate so that you will have an idea of how much to prepare for his fees.
Always take note that you must also care for your mental health when it comes to raising a child with autism. Do not let the stress and anxiety take over you. The best thing to do is to prepare yourself for the challenges and have the right mindset.
My son’s Playschool teacher, Nursery teacher, and Kindergarten teacher all said the same thing – “Mrs. Smith, your son is inattentive in class. He lacks focus and is hyperactive at most times. It’s tough to teach him the lessons when I have to oversee thirty other students aside from him. Please, Mrs. Smith. This is a recommendation letter for a Neurodevelopment Pediatrician. Can you have your son assessed as soon as possible so we can see if he needs therapy and other types of treatment? His behavioral health needs to be addressed.” Continue reading A Mother In Denial – There Is Nothing Wrong With My Child! (ASD And Behavioral Health)
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Despite the fact that mental illness is more common for individuals with autism spectrum compared to the general population, the behavioral health of autistic people most often lacks attention. This article looks at some of the most predominant behavioral or mental health problems including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and depression.
“People with ASD are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).” –Eva A. Mendes LMHC
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
A person who has OCD frequently experiences repetitive thoughts and behaviors that upsets and irritates them. OCD is common in about 3% of individuals who do not have autism and is more common in those who have autism. Genetics and psychological predisposition are some of the causes of why someone becomes obsessive-compulsive, and it can also run in families. This mental illness can be stressful and exhausting, and it can disrupt one’s everyday life for the individual who has it and his family as well. Fortunately, OCD is treatable.
There are two aspects of OCD: obsessions or the thoughts and compulsions or the behaviors. OCD can be easily unnoticed in people on the autism spectrum because it can be mistaken as a repetitive behavioral pattern. However, it is very distinctive. If you think you might have OCD, you should do well to let your general physician know about your worries. He is the best person who can help you determine what to do and can refer you to a specialist who can better assess you.
Today, the awareness for OCD has been increasing, although it may still be under-recognized and hence under-treated. On the other hand, if you have autism and you think you might have OCD, it is crucial that you get an opinion from a team of specialists who can assess, diagnose, and treat you for both your autism and your OCD.
Treatment For OCD
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and medication are the two benchmarks of OCD treatment. CBT provides the tools to assist the patient in changing the way he thinks and acts. Being the most popular and well-researched psychological treatment for OCD, proof has been found that specialized CBT is very effective for treating OCD and anxiety in individuals on the autism spectrum.
For OCD, taking medications is also an essential part of treatment, particularly more effective when combined with CBT. The primary treatment for this mental illness is referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, which include drugs such as Paroxetine and Fluoxetine. Some individuals who have autism are susceptible to side effects, so it’s recommended that they begin with a low dose. Eventually, your doctor can slowly increase the dose over time while he monitors your signs and symptoms using the OCD scale.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are very prevalent in individuals on the autism spectrum. An estimated 40% usually have at least one anxiety symptom compared to the general population with only 15%. Consequently, anxiety leads to depression and sadness, which is why a combination of depression and anxiety is also common.
“Research also shows that there is a high occurrence of depression, mood, and anxiety disorders in families of those with autism spectrum disorders.” -Karla Helbert, LPC, E-RYT, C-IAYT
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Research suggests that these factors can lead to stress, which is probably the reason why anxiety is quite common in individuals on the autism spectrum. Other factors that may contribute to anxiety include a history of social difficulties, inability to respond to threats appropriately, and biological differences in brain function
Treatment For Anxiety
As with OCD, behavioral and cognitive treatments are an important treatment just as medications. This usually involves establishing a working relationship with one’s therapist and strengthening his necessary skills to overcome the anxiety symptoms, for instance, exposing the patient to anxiety-provoking challenges.
Depression
Feeling a little sad or down is common to all of us at times. However, when we feel sad or down for more than a few weeks, or the sadness disrupts our daily activities, this may signify depression. There is about 20% of the general population that will apparently experience depression, and it is even seen more in individuals with autism. The symptoms of depression for every person, though, may be alike or totally different, and it can be mild, moderate, or severe.
“It is painful and difficult to identify, because so many neurotypical partners see these as problems existing within in themselves, rather than as their reactions to confusion, to feeling systematically ignored, or to feeling not heard for many years.” –Sarah Swenson, MA, LMHC
Everyone who suffers from depression has trouble sharing how they feel and think. But for those on the autism spectrum, it is more difficult because they have trouble identifying their own feelings and thoughts, and so it can be particularly hard for them to convey their concerns.
Treatment For Depression
Depression treatment may be medical or psychological, regardless of the person having autism or not.
The most crucial step in getting help for the autistic person is for him to confide on someone that he trusts – a partner or a family member, for instance. Then when he feels more comfortable, he can tell his general physician about it, or perhaps he can ask his significant other to accompany him to his physician.
Source: women.com
Conclusion
OCD, anxiety, and depression are just three of the several mental health illnesses that individuals on the autism spectrum may suffer. If you or someone you know is experiencing one of these three, do not hesitate to seek help – the earlier, the better.
During my pregnancy, I admit that I was physically and emotionally stressed, so I felt burdened when I learned that my son had autism. There was guilt inside of me that the stress I had during those times could have affected my son’s brain development.
The many questions that were bothering me always led me to read and research about autism, and I found out that it is widely due to a genetic disorder. But recently, there are researches done that linked stress to autism, though my doctor keeps on assuring me that there’s not enough proof to that yet and the studies are not yet conclusive.
My doctor told me to stop thinking that way and to stop blaming myself. Instead, I should focus on finding ways to improve my son’s condition and how to give him a close to normal life.
God Is My Strength
In an article of Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC she explains that “Spiritual wellness is related to your values and beliefs that help you find meaning and purpose in your life. Spiritual wellness may come from activities such as volunteering, self-reflection, meditation, prayer, or spending time in nature.” In these trying times, God has been the source of my strength. His provisions have kept us going and have sustained our needs. I am thankful that God sends people to help me, friends and families, who share my burden. The struggle is real for my kid and me.
Autistic Children Are Special Kids With Special Needs
My son has trouble interacting and playing with others. Just like that, he will get overwhelmed by a slight noise and sudden changes, sometimes making him hurt himself. He is delayed when it comes to schooling because he is a slow learner and it is hard to have him focus on tasks. Because of these things, I have to enroll him in a particular school for children with autism which is more costly than the regular school. I have to put him in a class that exclusively focuses on helping children like him develop their skills. He receives therapies such as behavioral, speech, and occupational therapy.
I sometimes get frustrated because of our situation, but every time I look at my son’s progress, it encourages me to get back on my feet and to try my best to provide for his needs. My child cannot do it alone, and I’m his only support, so I have to be strong for him. Jo White, a therapist statement hit me when he said, “From my perspective, it’s one of the hardest things to deal with because, particularly if they’ve got young children — they’re struggling, they’re really struggling with behaviours.”
My Son’s Autism Has Taught Me So Much
Patience is the virtue I have acquired over the years, and I keep on honing it every day. I’m no longer that selfish girl I used to be. There’s no more “I” or “me,” but always “us” and “he” first. I’m now more sensitive and considerate of his needs. I never thought I could sacrifice this much for the sake of my son’s future.
I still get sad, and I still get angry, especially when I hear people saying stupid things about my baby. How dare they say things which they don’t understand much. “Being diagnosed with Autism does not have not to impact you negatively. People with Autism can live fulfilling and meaningful lives. It is about learning the tools and skills that can help lead to success.” John Cutrone, LMHC, MCAP, CAS said and I believe him.
There’s No Turning Back
If I could just go back and change everything that’s always lingering in my thoughts. What have I done to this little angel of mine? If only I could take it away from him, the shame brought by this disorder, the judging looks of people around him, the unfair treatment, and all the discriminations that I know is hurting his pure heart.
But just like what my doctor is always telling me, instead of thinking about the problem, why not think of the solution? So I am sharing this in the hope that it will open people’s minds that they may understand how it is to have a child with autism, that they may become more considerate and empathetic the next time they see a child with autism.