GUEST POST BY CLAYTON HUTCHINS
In my years working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as their parents, I have witnessed many different challenges that they face daily. I have been punched, kicked, bit, and scratched countless times. The parents of children with ASD have experienced these behaviors much more often than I have. Being hurt by your child to these extremes has an impact on your mental health. It can be difficult to see a brighter end of the tunnel when a child you love so dearly seems to fight your every wish any chance they get. In my experience, parents find it difficult to maintain hope that their child will grow out of these behaviors. This can lead to some parents feeling depressed and even hopeless. Our Houston Parenting Counseling can help you learn to manage when things are hard.
ASD is a learning disability in which people experience persistent challenges in social, emotional, and mental development and is also characterized by repetitive behaviors that get in the way of the person’s ability to develop in these areas. Children diagnosed with ASD face unique challenges that involve how they learn information, how they interact with others in social settings, and even how aware they are of their own basic needs.
The isolation can be very lonely
Being the parent of a child diagnosed with ASD brings many challenges that are unique to you. Everything is automatically more complicated and specific. There is no opportunity for you to live outside of this parent role and there is no time for you to live your own full life. It is difficult to find a time or place that you feel comfortable going out with or without your child. Others who do not understand your circumstances seem judgmental on how you handle your child’s behaviors. It is also difficult to find reliable helpers who could assist while you run errands or take alone time. It becomes apparent that you have begun isolating yourself. Many people can experience caregiver burnout in these situations.
Feelings of Depression that accompany isolation
Human connection is an essential part of the human experience. Without it we begin to feel depressed and life seems to lose its meaning. Isolation is one of the gateways that leads to a life that is bogged down by extreme feelings of dissatisfaction. Often parents feel guilty for having these feelings and dig themselves into a deeper hole. It is important to understand that you are not alone in your struggles and that there are groups that have been formed to support needs that you specifically need as a parent of a child diagnosed with ASD.
Finding community for people with Autism
There are many support groups dedicated to supporting parents of children with autism. Share your story with others and listen to their own; there are many experiences similar to your own with unique perspectives all around. Connect with other parents and loved ones within the ASD support community. We highly encourage you to reach out to one of these communities for support in your journey as a parent of a child with ASD.
1. HopeForThree:
Hope for three is nonprofit autism advocacy group that provides resources and support to families with children with autism and loved ones. The founders of this organization have personal stories about ASD and the difficulties surrounding it. This organization advocates for policies that create a culture that respects and embraces differences and diversity. They also offer programs to help connect members to support one another when needed.
2. Texas Autism Society:
Texas Autism Society is an organization that offers ways to connect to groups for support and understanding. They offer connections through Facebook, email, Meetup and virtual or face-to-face meetings around Texas. They also provide individualized guidance and resources for caregivers, parents, adults with Autism, and other individuals who support individuals with ASD.
3. Autism Moms of Houston:
Autism moms of Houston is a nonprofit organization began as a private support group on Facebook in 2019. Two moms began sharing their struggles and hardships with raising children with autism. During the pandemic support grew rapidly, resulting in more than 5000 members today. This organization works to empower, educate and advocate for and celebrate inclusion for everyone on the autism spectrum. They provide free monthly educational workshops, organize events for the inclusion of children and adults on the spectrum, and promote Autism acceptance and awareness for a more inclusive community.
What Can Parent & Autism Counseling Do for You?
I have listened to many parents of children with ASD express their anxieties about their child’s future. The parents I have met with were continuing to push themselves farther than they could handle for their kids. But their efforts were not being seen or heard, leaving them feeling isolated. After meeting with me for a few sessions, I could see a light in their eyes that had not been there before we met. Being seen and heard, these parents would be reenergized and inspired to continue doing their best for their child.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to ADHD Treatment and Autism Therapy, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Couples and Marriage Therapy, Divorce Counseling, Infertility Counseling, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment, Teen Counseling, Parenting Counseling, and Family Therapy. As well as Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, Chronic Pain Therapy and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
Here at Wilson Counseling, it is our goal to help you feel seen and heard through your struggles, and guide you to a better understanding of yourself to take your life from isolation.