At the same time, it is important to remember that being on the autism spectrum can be accompanied by unique strengths that can be drawn upon when parenting, particularly if the family also has a child on the autism spectrum. Just like any other adults, people on the autism spectrum can be exemplary parents.
Yes, autistic people can have kids.
For parents who are on the spectrum, some helpful strategies may include attending parenting classes or workshops specifically designed for individuals with autism and seeking out guidance from family members and friends when needed.
Being an Autistic parent is hard. Life for any parent is already EXHAUSTING. Add in navigating all the demands of parenting with being Autistic, and… it's not easy. First, there is the sensory nightmare of how incredibly loud these small, unpredictable people can be.
The emotional work of parenting can also be a challenge for people with autism. However, far from being oblivious or indifferent, as the stereotype of autism might suggest, these parents are often acutely aware of their children's emotions, but struggle to provide support.
Free-range parenting is inappropriate for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Children with ASD need higher levels of focused parental engagement, with parents who help them learn how to socialize, converse, pretend, ask questions, investigate the world, and build other important skills.
A child with ASD can be challenging—they may be restless; have trouble sleeping, eating or speaking; experience seizures; or have meltdowns born of frustration or overstimulation. Expectations for a “normal” life may need to be adjusted.
For parents of such children, communication is a problem that compounds the stress & anxiety of parents. Parents face the challenge that their child is unable to communicate their needs and wants. With children at times unaware of nonverbal communication and cues, the challenges of parenting get compounded.
While some aspects of raising kids can be challenging (such as dealing with the sensory overload of rambunctious kids), other aspects may be well suited for people with autism. Because people with autism understand the nature of meltdowns, they may be more empathetic and less reactive when a child experiences one.
Research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father, despite some research showing it's passed down from the mother.
While cognitive empathy can be lower in people with autism, affective empathy—which is based on instincts and involuntary responses to the emotions of others—can be strong and overwhelming. In fact, newer research suggests that some people with autism may actually feel other people's emotions more intensely.
Studies have shown that more than 50% of mothers report a decreased ability to enjoy life as they face the challenges associated with raising a child with ASD. In fact, a low level of social support has been identified as the most powerful predictor of depression and anxiety in the mothers (Boyd, 2002).
Yes! Although not necessarily all autistic people, many autistic people are more than capable of dating, being physically intimate, and empathizing with their partners.
Parenting a child with autism takes a lot of energy and time. There will be times when you will feel stressed, overwhelmed, or discouraged. Parenting isn't easy for anyone, and raising a child with autism is even more challenging. To be at your parenting best, you must take care of yourself.
There is not just one cause of ASD. There are many different factors that have been identified that may make a child more likely to have ASD, including environmental, biologic, and genetic factors.
Due to its lower prevalence in females, autism was always thought to have a maternal inheritance component. However, research also suggests that the rarer variants associated with autism are mostly inherited from the father.
Autism is a disability under the ADA. Some adults and children with autism can access Social Security benefits, including disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
When Does Autism Get Easier? A new study found that around 30% of young autistic children have less severe symptoms at age 6 than they did at age 3. Interestingly, some children lose their autism diagnoses entirely.
Having an extraordinarily good memory (being able to remember facts for a long period of time). Being precise and detail orientated. Exceptional honesty and reliability. Being dependable in regards to schedules and routines.
Love and affection may be felt but expressed differently
They may show love, for example, through a practical act, and tidy up for you, or iron your shirt, rather than through a more neurotypical way of looking at you and telling you or using physical affection.
Parents of kids with ASD often face more stress than those who deal with other disabilities. If left unchecked, caregivers can face breakdowns in relationships and even psychological disorders. Stress can affect your health, too. Stay organized to help yourself avoid getting overwhelmed.
Among the entire group of 1,380 children with ASD, the researchers found that 56 percent were engaging in aggressive behaviors toward caregivers, while 32 percent engaged in these behaviors toward non-caregivers.