Being a Parent of Autism in 2020

Here is your counseling number! I said to 18-year old HFA son. Your 18, If you can play video games for hours you can sign up for college! Make a YouTube page, something! Then, I realize he didn't do it because neither had I. How could I teach what I don't know! Parents of children with disabilities are reminded daily that our kid's maturity level isn't an average young adult's mind. Our job isn't done, as a matter of fact, it has just reset. One in 40 children has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is a word thrown around more than A.D.H.D. That is why I can not stress enough to get to know your children is step one. Do not be like most Americans and allow them to become Labels or a part of a system that doesn't see them for how individually unique they are. I hate LABELS! We have many worries as parents. Almost half of the people who die at the hands of police have some kind of disability, while police interactions with minorities draw increasing scrutiny, disability, and health considerations are still neglected in media coverage and law enforcement policy. “I’m just different.”That’s what 23-year-old Elijah McClain told police in Aurora, Colorado before they killed him. Unfortunately, there are many in authoritative positions who don't care if our children don't really fit “the description”. So now our stress levels go from 0 to 100!

People with autism often have difficulties expressing their emotions including fear, frustration, and anxieties. Kinda like some of us finding difficulties in daily communications. So patience is needed and it is vital to find you 5, five minutes! Relax, breathe, rethink, and reset! Even if it's 5 minutes in the bathroom with the door locked.

I was told once by a parent that in order to communicate with my Autistic teen, I had to enter their world as a teen. I think that's just a teenage thing, it's an active age. Study your child, finding triggers can be simple. Here are some tips that helped me:

1ST FIND PEACE:

Free sensory test online I found helpful https://www.coordikids.com/sensory-motor-skill-quiz/ calm your home!

2nd OBSERVE:

Be in tune with your child, especially in a time where social media can be a bit terrorizing. TY 2020. Watch what they watch!

3RD ENTER THEIR WORLD:

Facts, most streaming, or social networks are not childproof. Cyberbullying is real! If your kid on “social networks,” you should be too! Knowing the challenges they face daily is key. It's part of being a parent. This new world can bring upon new social stresses.!

4TH BREATHE:

Be easy on yourself and remember the P in parenting doesn't mean perfect, it stands for the endless possibilities you can create to make your life easier!! Parents of children with ASDs experience higher levels of stress. Provide opportunities for your child to engage in coping and calming strategies that they [key word THEY] find helpful. Step into their shoes if you wanna know how they feel!

Last and final bit of advice I have is the RULES TO LIVE BY:

A - Always be diffident nothing is promised but anything is possible .

U- u cannot fix peoples Opinions but you can make your own .

T - Toxicity brings toxicity.

S - Structure is not always possible, draw outside the lines.

T- Treat yourself once in a while.

I- Independence is taught at home, starting with your goals and dreams side by side with theirs.

C- cope with it, it's not going away!

xoxo Always here MO7