گفتار درمانی و توانبخشی پایگاه اطلاع رسانی گفتار توان گستر
Ask your health
professional or contact autism organizations to find training about autism and
how to manage symptoms. Parent and family education has been shown to reduce
family stress and improve a child's functioning.4 Understanding the condition
and knowing what to expect is an important part of helping your child develop
independence
Become informed about your child's educational rights. Federal laws require
services for handicapped children, including those with autism. In addition,
there may be state and local laws or policies to aid children with autism. Find
out what services are available for your child in your area
Learning about autism will also help prepare you for when your child reaches
adulthood. Some adults with autism can live by themselves, work, and be as
independent as other people their age. Others need continued support
Work closely
with others who care for your child
Close
communication with others involved in your
child's education and care will help all
concerned. The best treatment for children
with autism is a team approach and a
consistent, structured program. Everyone
involved needs to work together to set goals
for:6
Education
Identifying and
managing symptoms of autism and any related
conditions
Behavior and interactions with family and
peers, adjustment to different environments,
and social and communication skills
Work closely with the health professionals
involved in your child's care. It is
important that they take time to listen to
your concerns and are willing to work with
you
Take care of
yourself
Learn ways to
handle the normal range of emotions, fears,
and concerns that go along with raising a
child with autism. The daily and long-term
challenges put you and your other children
at an increased risk for depression or
stress-related illnesses. The way you handle
these issues influences other family members
Get involved in
a hobby, visit with friends, and learn ways
to relax
Seek and accept
support from others. Consider using respite
care, which is a family support service that
provides a break for parents and siblings.
In addition, support groups for parents and
siblings are generally available; people who
participate in support groups can benefit
from others' experiences. For more
information on support groups in your area,
contact the Autism Society of America at
http://www.autism-society.org
Talk with a health professional about
whether counseling would help if you or one
of your children is having trouble handling
the strains related to having a family
member with autism