It is hard to hide something that is different about a person. Being different from others does not mean that you lack anything. If you have engaged with an autistic person, you may have realized significant differences in them. So many stereotypes exist regarding autistic people. Some people think that being autistic is having a defect while others assume that one is demon possessed.
Studies show that at least one person in every 59 people today has autism. Living with this condition can be challenging if you listen to such stereotypes. Autism can cause self-blame to a parent and lead to pity on the victim. Even if some people have not yet accepted this condition, finding ways to cope as an individual and as a family can help you live a healthy life like everyone else. We will teach you how this is possible so that you can stop withdrawing from the world.
As the autistic person
Research
Instead of paying attention to the negative talk regarding autism, purpose to find facts. Once diagnosed with autism, you may not know much about the disease. Ge books and articles to familiarize yourself with the things that make you different from others. Discover the kind of therapies that you can attend from online sources. Choose sources that have autistic authors to learn everything you need to know from an experienced person.
Get motivated by examples
Being autistic should not be a limiting factor for you to achieve your dreams. Studies reveal that with the right attitude, you can still lead a normal life. Many autistic people have made excellent contributions to the world by using their condition as a unique gift instead of isolating themselves. You can learn different things and develop your passions.
Take time to accept the news
It is not easy to take a diagnosis that changes every aspect of your life positively. Take time to process and receive the report as you try to understand your emotions. Feeling confused and anxious is normal and dealing with these feelings help you know how to live a positive life.
Establish a routine
Let your family members help you come up with a schedule to help you fit in like any other child. Following a specific routine will help you not spend too much time idle thinking about how different you are from others. Idle autistic people are bound to bury their self-pity in alcohol and drugs. Let Colorado Recovery Village be your helper as you struggle with drug tolerance and low self-esteem. Do not fight such problems alone.
Take counseling if you find it challenging to cope in school or around your neighborhood. Allow an understanding counselor to help you deal with the negativity that comes with inferiority complex. Avoid people who do not seem to understand your situation or feel bothered by your presence.
Find a friend you share the same condition
An autistic friend can help you cope well as you share ideas and learn from one another. Take advantage of online groups to find an autistic buddy near you. Someone with limited ways of communicating can provide insights on the do’s and don’ts of autism. It is normal to encounter difficulties living among other people, but your friend can encourage you during trying times. These are the people who will fully understand and not judge your actions since they have experience on what you may be going through.
Join an autistic community
Online advocacy autistic groups will keep you inspired to help the society understand that your condition is not a defect. These communities come in handy when you need answers to challenges at work or in school. You would be able to learn how to react in certain circumstances through ideas from people in the same shoes.
As a parent of an autistic child
Take the news positively
Most parents feel helpless when they don’t know what is wrong with their children. Take the news positively and find ways to help them integrate well with everybody else at home. Do not listen to negative talks without differentiating misconceptions and reality.
Keep your emotions in check
Having an autistic child should not make you sob for days. You should learn to be strong for your child because if you show them anxiety, they may blame themselves. If you must cry, do it far away from your child and don’t let them read between the lines. The way you react and accommodate your child affects their mental health. It will also translate to how they cope with the outside world.
Give them maximum support
Prioritizing on an autistic child reduces feelings of confusion and pity. Continue telling them of your unconditional love and support regardless of the circumstances and always be there for them during difficulties. You can purpose to spend more time with them as you encourage teamwork with daily activities. Be cautious when dealing with an autistic teenager as you give them some space so that they can feel useful carrying out some things on their own. In as much as you would want to support and help them, do not be the overprotective parent.
Be patient and accept that they are different
Treating an autistic child with the same expectations as a normal child can bring frustrations to a parent. Instead of expecting them to be perfect all the time, give room for mistakes and handle them with caution. Be patient whenever they do something wrong and teach them better ways of handling situations. Do not scold them every time they drop items at home or communicate with difficulty, but slowly let them understand what is expected of them. Avoid pampering or spoon feeding them excessively but teach them to be independent.
Final thoughts
Being autistic does not mean that you are incapable of achieving your goals. Instead of looking down upon yourself you should live in such a way that the society accepts and admires you for your uniqueness. Nurture your talents and seek support from open-minded people to find fulfillment in life.
