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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago
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Today is World Autism Day, in which people wear blue to signify their awareness of this very difficult and sometimes misunderstood condition. Many parents and family members like myself, live and care for someone with autism every day, and every though it's not a physical disability, it can be just as exhausting due to the stress involved in coping with their care.
My son who has just turned 15, was first diagnosed 10 years ago and as he got older, he has needed more care over time; specifically, coping with his sensory overload. He finds it very difficult to cope with the littlest noise, such as people coughing, sneezing, sniffing, baby's crying, even people scratching their head or face - all noises and actions that a 'normal' person can usually handle. He responds by hurting himself, shouting, throwing furniture about, slamming doors and stamping. As you can understand, the stress at home, let alone go out into public. Most people, if not all, have been very understanding, although one does feel the eyes on you.
After a year of trying to go without medication and my local authority trying therapy and suggesting coping mechanisms for him, we have now decided the next step is medication. Very daunting I must say, but it may give him and us as a family, the ability take him out and do 'normal' family activities.
Myself, like other carers, aren't looking for sympathy, but understanding how difficult it is caring for someone with this condition and going out into public. So the next time you may see a 'difficult' or 'misbehaving' child, please don't judge the carers on how they cope with their behaviour - they know their child and the condition very well.  |
