IT’S AUTISM + ADHD

Raising a child on the spectrum means that often there is an added complexity of co-occurring conditions.  These are additional diagnoses that often appear alongside autism.  Understanding and managing these conditions is crucial for providing the best care you can for your child.

Co-occurring conditions can include a wide range of issues such as anxiety, ADHD, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal problems and sensory processing disorders.  It is common for our autistic babies to experience these additional challenges and recognizing them can significantly impact your child’s quality of life.

What does this mean to have a co-occurring condition?

They are medical or psychological issues that exist alongside autism.  These conditions can vary in severity and type, but they often affect daily functioning and overall well-being of your baby.  For instance:

• Anxiety – many children experience high levels of anxiety, which can manifest as excessive worrying, avoidance behaviours or physical symptoms like stomachaches.
• ADHD – is another common co-occurring condition. It can make it difficult for children to focus, sit still or control impulses.  My son, Max, has both anxiety and ADHD and even those will manifest differently in each child.
• Sleep Disorders – are prevalent among autistic children, ranging from difficulty falling asleep to frequent night wakings.
• Gastrointestinal issues – such as constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain can be more common too.
• Sensory processing disorders involve unusual responses to sensory input, such as being overly sensitive to loud noises or textures.

What can be done?

If you suspect your child has one of these, it is important to seek professional help.

• Schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor to discuss your observations. They may refer you to a specialist, but it is important to insist on some answers or treatment options.
• An assessment by professionals can help identify conditions. This might involve psychological testing, medical exams or other diagnostic procedures.
• Once a condition is identified, a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs can be developed. This may include therapies, medications, dietary changes or behavioural interventions.
• Occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavioural therapy can address specific challenges related to conditions. For example, sensory integration therapy can help manage sensory processing issues.
• Treatment plans should be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your child’s progress and changing needs.

IT’S AUTISM + ADHD, ANXIETY, SENSORY ISSUES….HELP!

How to deal with this emotionally

• Educate yourself. Knowledge is empowering.  Understanding the specifics of your child’s conditions can help you make informed decisions and advocate effectively.
• Connect with other parents, support groups, specialized coaching can provide a sense of community and shared experience. They can offer practical advice and emotional support.
• Caring for a child with multiple conditions can be overwhelming. Make time for yourself, take your self-care seriously.  Perhaps it’s a few quiet moments, losing yourself in a hobby, seeing friends or some extra sleep.  Your well-being is crucial for your child’s well-being.
• Focus on the positives. Celebrate all the wins, no matter how small they may seem.  Positive reinforcement can boost your child’s confidence and your own morale too.
• You may need some support of your own in terms of a mental health professional who can assist the emotional challenges and provide strategies for coping.
• Understand that progress can be slow and non-linear. Setting small, achievable goals can make challenges feel more manageable.

I do also want to add that helping you navigate this journey and taking positive steps to help your child is what I do in my personal coaching practice.  No matter where you are in your journey there is always help available. 

IT’S AUTISM + ADHD, ANXIETY, SENSORY ISSUES….HELP!

The trick is not to overwhelm yourself with too much information.  I am a reader.  Of everything.  When Max was diagnosed, I did not go down the Google rabbit hole, which is unusual for me.  Perhaps I did not feel that his diagnosis was warranted or perhaps I was in denial.  But the one thing I did do was immerse myself in his world.  I tried to see what everything looked like through his eyes and by doing that I was able to connect with him on such a deep level that I intuitively knew how to help him.

When I did not know what to do, especially when he started exhibiting ADHD symptoms and he told me he battled with anxiety, I got professional help for him.  Even that was not smooth sailing and I also used my intuition until we found providers who were able to help him properly.

It is almost impossible to be effective when you are overwhelmed and I teach parents the tools to just focus on what is going on with their children and make decisions that truly align for both.

Till next week

A

Xxx

PS I know you want to be the best parent you can be.  What if it could be easy?  What if this whole autism thing didn’t have to suck?  I can help.  Sign up for a free consult. Click HERE.

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