Autism unlocked

Where to begin to explain autism.  Simply put, it is a neurological difference that affects the way a person communicates, interacts and experiences the world.  People with autism may have unique strengths and challenges and it is essential to understand and appreciate their perspective.

I would like to drill it down even more for you.  Autism is such a wide concept and it means so many different things, but you don’t have to worry or even engage in all the things.  Autism, as it pertains to you personally, is who your child is.  It’s their manner of being, their quirks, their challenges, their way of doing things, their way of learning and interpreting the world.  That is autism for you.  So whatever challenges your child is facing, that is all you need to focus on.  This makes it simple, easier to understand and easier to find tailor made solutions just for your child.

Autism Unlocked

The alternative is way to overwhelming.  If you listen to all the things, if you focus on all the things your child may not be able to do, it is overwhelming and very discouraging.  We often get told that our children will never speak, they will never potty train, they will always need help or end up in a group home, but this is not always the case.  With your dedication and love there are lots of things that you can do to help your child.

Remember that there is nothing wrong with your child, they just do things differently.  They communicate, interact and experience things differently.  It is up to us to find a way to connect with them.  All our children are teachable, most of them are extremely intelligent.  We have to find a way into their world.

The most important step to take in this process is for you to believe that it is possible.  You may read and hear a lot of things to the contrary, but you know your child better than anyone else.  As a parent you have hopes and dreams for your child, not in the same way as you would for a neurotypical child, but it is imperative to have hopes and dreams for your child as they are right now.

What is a belief?

It is just a thought that you have thought over and over again. This is good news because it means you can change your thoughts.  If you think my child is intelligent and can learn to become independent over and over again, this will become a belief.  The more you think this thought, the more evidence you will find that this thought is true.  Your child will start to respond, may say a word or follow an instruction.  Look for the evidence that your child will become independent.

Your belief will carry over to your child.  We all know that the calmer we are, the calmer our children are.  The more confident we are, the better your child copes.  The more you believe that your child will learn and grow, the more they will.  Do not give up on your child, there is a way forward.

Autism Unlocked

If you believed your child is teachable and can grow, how would you show up?  What would you do to help your child?  Perhaps you would keep teaching your child, you would find innovative ways to get your child to respond, you would research and get specific help for your child.  And from that place you are much more likely to have success in moving your child forward.

Similarly, if you did not believe that your child can learn to speak or potty train or go to school, how would you show up?  In all likelihood, you would find a school, which may not be the right one, you may hope that the teachers will help, you may feel stuck and not know which way to turn.  The result is nothing will happen, your child may grow organically in small increments, but nowhere near the rate if you took charge of the situation.

We have been called to be advocates for our children, which means we have to show up for them, we have to be in their corners and fight for them.  Will we get it wrong a lot of the time?  Absolutely.  But the alternative is not even worth considering.

You can do this, you are strong.  This community has your back and will always be there to support you.

Till next week.

A

Xxx

I offer 1:1 coaching

Tailored to empower you as a parent of an autistic child. In our sessions, we will navigate the unique challenges together and get a deeper understanding of your child’s needs and strengths. I specialize in providing practical strategies to enhance communication, manage overwhelm and create a nurturing environment.  Sign up now and let’s start this empowering journey together.

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