Dealing With Stress of Raising a Child with Autism
Start with modest adjustments—If you have an autistic kid and are overwhelmed by all of these stressors, often the simplest changes may make the most effect. This might include getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and setting aside time for oneself. If these chores seem overwhelming, you may start with tiny modifications like slowing down your daily routine, drinking extra water, or asking for help. You may be shocked at how much of your stress is under your control, and how much self-care benefits your kid.
While any parent might get nervous about their child’s development, parents of children with autism are more prone to excessive anxiety about their children’s future issues. If you’re stressed, consider whether you’re focusing on your child’s immediate needs or future “What ifs.” “What is my obligation today to my child and to myself?” might help you focus on what you can manage.
Work is one of the few locations where parents of autistic children may get away from their child. Caregivers need time and space away from work to focus on their own mental and physical health, hobbies, and relationships. Fear of how their kid will adjust to a new caregiver can deter parents from getting help, but interacting with other people benefits both you and your child.
Not surprisingly, parents of autistic children who have strong support systems report less stress than those who don’t or can’t. When family and friends volunteer to assist, give them specific tasks to do. Caregivers may help loved ones learn more about autism spectrum disorders by pointing them to online resources. Don’t forget that disability groups, churches, schools, and other community organizations may be valuable resources.
Don’t underestimate the usefulness of professional help in managing stress. If regular treatment or counseling isn’t a possibility, there are still options. Ensure that you are physically well and that there are no difficulties that are adding to your stress. Local disability or autism organizations, schools, and hospitals can assist you find autism caregiver support groups. Support groups can help you feel heard while also connecting you to helpful resources and information.
Resources in Riverstone, TX
If your child with autism is struggling in school, contact Pine Cone Therapies today at 346-368-4421.
For children with autism that need school based resources, contact us about Pine Cone Prep Academy or check out the Fort Bend IDS guide here: https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/lib/TX01917858/Centricity/Domain/16533/FBISD-Community-Resource-Guide_Parent-Edition_English.pdf
More Riverstone, TX resources:
| TeenLine – Provides a confidential and anonymous hotline for teens available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | 713-529-TEEN |
| United Way Helpline – Information and referral service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | 713-957-4357 or 211 |
| Youth Advocates – Health counseling available for youth. | 713-228-3634 |
| Fort Bend County Family Health Center – Counseling and medical services for those eligible. | 281-342-0529 |
| Fort Bend County Women’s Shelter – helps survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and their children with services that help them live violence-free, away from their batterers and abusers. | 281-494-4545 |
| Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) is a Non-Profit Organization that work on behalf of child abuse victims through two advocacy programs: COURT Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) | 281-341-9955 |
| Literacy Council of Fort Bend County – Provides tutoring, ESL and GED classes. | 281- 240-8181 |
Next Steps for Riverstone, TX Families
Pine Cone Therapies, LLC is a leading provider of early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and speech therapy. Our clinicians are devoted to helping children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). We have practiced in Dallas-Fort Worth for over a decade and have expanded to Houston.
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