How to Raise an Autistic Child

Raising a child with autism doesn't have to mean a life of frustration and pain. Statistics show that Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, affects around 20 children out of every 10,000. It usually appears during the child's first three years and can sometimes be identified as early as 18 months.

Though scientists haven't found one specific cause, studies link autism to neurological and biological factors. In fact, families with one autistic child have 5%, or one in 20 risk of having a second child with the same disorder.

Understanding Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that affects the way the brain gathers and processes information. As a spectrum disorder, it affects individuals differently and at varying degrees. No two persons diagnosed with autism share the same symptoms. A person can be mildly autistic or severely autistic, and would require a specialized intervention program different from others.

The different disorders of autism vary from low-functioning to high-functioning. Children with classic autism, or Autistic Disorder, fall under the low-functioning group. They may be non-verbal, antisocial, and often suffer from mental retardation. At the high-end is the so-called little professor syndrome, also referred to as the Asperger's Syndrome. They are highly intelligent people, but have a deficit in social and behavioral skills.

Coping With Autism

Most parents undergo a number of stages starting with denial, to anger and resentment, to adjustment, and, finally, to acceptance. How can you deal with autism in your child?

- Educate yourself

The more knowledge you have, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about what is best for your child. Self-education can help you delineate facts from myths.

- Join a support group

Autism-centric organizations are a great opportunity for families to get tips from professionals, as well as share their experiences, difficulties, and parenting techniques.

- Inform the whole family

Caring for a child with ASD is a family effort. Involve siblings and other relatives in meeting the special needs of your child.

- Get individual help