Archive for December, 2010
An autistic child in a family is the cause of diverse reactions from the supportive feelings of family member to those of disgust and disappointment from many people. A family member may scold the autistic child. The child may be unfairly looked at. The family member may insist that the autistic child be treated like other children though it is unsuitable. These things are not receptive to the relative or to the autistic child or situation. As a parent, be ready to face the situation.
Unreceptive relatives cannot comprehend what autism is and what it means to the child and your family? Though many perceive autism as mental retardation, many autistic children and adults re extremely intelligent but unfortunately incapable of expressing it like others. Explain to this hostile family member what autism is and let him spend some time with the autistic child. Let them observe the effects of autism and what methods you use to cope with it.
If the family member is still hostile and unreceptive, unsupportive and does not accept your explanation, ask him why he is so adamant. Is he scared of the child being hurt or worried about spending time with the autistic child or do they feel guilty and embarrassed. Granting that you know why the relative is unreceptive you can tackle the issue and help him manage the problem.
If the family member is prejudiced and adamant no amount of your explanation, talking or spending time together will help him. If he is stubborn and preconceived in his mind you can never make him realize how beautiful your son or daughter is with all autism. It is rather difficult to get rid of this person from your life.
But both you and your child will be free from that person’s negative energy and personality. At this juncture you require the best positive support from the other family members and the adjustment of other children that offers you the source of strength. Participate in parent support groups for autistic children by strengthening your support network. See that you are around those who do love and accept your child family.
Autism is a brain development disorder impairing the person s capacity to interact and communicate with others in a normal way. Though we know what it is, it is extraordinarily complex and cannot be comprehended by its mere definition.
The behavior of the autistic individual is characterized by a pattern of repetitive activities which are also stereotype. In other words it is motor behavior seemingly driven, non functional and repetitive. It is abnormal activity and can some times result in self injury.
Autism is just a part of a spectrum of conditions designated as Pervasive Developmental Disorders or PDD. A few of the disorders include Asperger s disorder, Rett s Disorder, and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Though these exhibit similar clinical features, their symptoms vary as well as their behavior. Autistic patients exhibit a range of different patterns.
The three major indicators of autism are the three general aspects of impairment of communication repetitive pattern and stereotypic behavior. These problems manifest themselves at a very early age usually before the age of three, interfering with the natural growth of basic skills. Hence they are termed Developmental Disorders . The child will face obstacles in varying degrees. It is accepted that these challenges will prolong throughout their lives.
Other conditions indicative autism but do not need fully exist are impulsive behavior, short attention span, odd fears, and responses to sensory input, anxieties, unexplained abnormal skill and abilities. In spite of great awareness of autism, research has not yet identified its exact cause and nature contrary to the belief that autism is rare along with its similar conditions, it is much more prevalent and the rate of its growth is higher. This may be because medical experts are abiding to diagnose better and there is greater spectrum of associated similar conditions.
According to estimates the range is 1 person to every 500 to 1 person for every 1000. Autism is not partial to any ethnic, racial or social group but boys suffer three times more than girls.
