APRIL 11th “HELP AN AUTISM PARENT” DAY

Your Autism Coach Provides Seven Tips To Help Parents During Autism Awareness Month

Deanna Picon, founder of Your Autism Coach, LLC and author of The Autism Parents’ Guide to Reclaiming Your Life has declared Saturday, April 11 as a day for family members and friends to support the parents of children with autism.

“These parents may be your best friend, your cousin, your neighbor or co-worker,” says Picon. “Most are weighed down by guilt from feeling like they’re not doing enough for their child, financial strain from seeking proper care, and constant worry that their marriage or family is being torn apart.”

Family and friends can apply these simple tips to make a huge difference in the lives of special needs parents:

• Give a well-deserved break. Managing all aspects of a child’s daily living – including personal needs, school activities, therapy and medical appointments – can leave parents little personal time. Offer to watch their child at home or take him/her to a park, museum or movie for a few hours. This will allow parents to do something they enjoy but never get a chance to do. Best of all, they’ll know their child is safe and well-cared for and there are no child care costs.

• Schedule some couple time. Run an errand. Pick up some groceries when you shop or drop off some clothes at the dry cleaners. It’s one less, time-consuming task on their long “To Do” List. 

• Share household tasks. Wash some dishes, a load of clothes or help clean the child’s room. An extra pair of hands is always welcome.

• Bring a dish. A nice dinner or even a take-out meal can make everyone feel special and appreciated.

• Plan a fun get-together. Schedule some time, possibly when the kids are in school, to go out and have some fun. Reconnect. Go shopping or have a quick bite. It will do wonders for parents to unload the weight of the autism burden, even for an hour. 

• Listen without judgement. Bring over some coffee or tea, sit down and just listen. Allow them to laugh, cry, vent and blow off some steam. No one expects you to solve their problems or even offer solutions. A shoulder to lean on works just fine.

• Acknowledge their dedication. Tell parents they’re doing a great job. Day in and day out, they’re taking care of their special needs child without as much as a “Thank You.” Words of encouragement and praise is a great morale booster. 

Related: Seven Ways to Help Special Needs Parents During Autism Awareness Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in 68 U.S. children now has an autism spectrum disorder, which is an increase of more than 30 percent from the 2008 report. These dramatic increases mean that more and more parents will need guidance and support to help deal with this new and unexpected life that has been thrust upon them.

Your Autism Coach, LLC provides superior coaching services and seminars that address the issues and concerns of parents of special needs children. Additional tips will be available at www.yourautismcoach.com during Autism Awareness Month.

Helpful Articles

• What Is Autism? ASA Guide to Diagnosing & Treating Autism
• Seven Ways to Help Special Needs Parents During Autism Awareness Month
• Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Tax Planning for Parents of Children with Autism
• A Spectrum of Options to help Individuals with AUTISM
• 5 Ways Fitness Can Improve Autism Symptoms
• The High Cost of Autism
• The Upsides of Autism
• Autism and Early Intervention

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