Seven Dangerous Mistakes When
Dealing With Childhood Autism
The first time a parent is told
that their child has Autism will be a moment that they never forget.
Often, the moment has been
preceded by months – or even years – of concern, guilt and even anger as their
once happy and outgoing child becomes less communicative, less expressive and
often less able to control their emotions.
Physical comfort, such as hugs
and kisses, that used to soothe your child are no longer welcomed and unusual
habits and obsessions become an important part of your child’s life. As a
loving parent, you try everything to draw your child back out of the little
world they’ve created for themselves, but nothing seems to work.
You talk to doctors, nurses,
child-care specialists, positive parenting groups – anyone who can help you
find the key to your child’s behaviour. And finally, it’s confirmed: your child
is diagnosed with Autism.
But, while it can be a relief to
finally discover the reason for your child’s difficulties – and to realize that
it’s not your fault – a diagnosis of Autism can feel like a life sentence.
Parents of children with Autism experience a wide range of emotions –
confusion, resentment, maybe even guilt that they were somehow unable to
‘protect’ their child from this condition. Many parents fear for their child’s
future and feel certain that life will never be normal or enjoyable again.
It is vital at this difficult
time in your child’s life that you put aside your fears and anger so that you
can realise this one important truth: you are the key to your child’s future.
Children, especially children
with Autism, are vulnerable little people and they rely on you, their parents
and carers, to protect them and do what’s best for them. And, while you can’t
protect your child from Autism, you can give them the tools they so desperately
need to help them to live with the condition and realise the potential that’s
locked up inside of them.
BUT – to be able to help your
child, you need to make sure that you’re ready to work with them in the right
way.
Seven dangerous mistakes – easy
to make, impossible to undo
Sandra Arntzen, M.Ed, specialises
in helping children with Autism. Using her twenty years of experience, Arntzen
has identified seven dangerous mistakes that parents and carers can make when
they are faced with a diagnosis of Autism. These mistakes, while easy to make,
can halt your child’s progress or even undo the steps they’ve taken so far.
- Failing to accept the diagnosis
One of the most common – and
natural – responses that most parents have when they learnt that their child
has Autism is to go into a state of denial or shock. Many parents and carers
don’t really know much about Autism, and what it means for them and their
child, but it’s important to accept the diagnosis, embrace the diagnosis and
work on moving forward with that diagnosis.
Once you accept and understand
that Autism is part of your child’s life – and part of who they are – you can
start working with them to unlock the potential that’s trapped inside them.
- Feeling guilty about your child’s condition
While it’s natural for parents
and carers to want the best for their child – and to mourn the loss of their
life ‘before’ Autism – it’s important not to let this guilt get in the way of
responsible, positive parenting.
Parents who spend their lives
feeling guilty about their child’s Autism – rather than accepting it as a part
of who their child is – risk spoiling their child as a way of ‘making up’ for
the diagnosis. While parents may feel that their Autistic child needs to be
wrapped up in cotton wool and protected from the world, this dangerous tendency
can keep children with Autism from progressing and can even undo the steps that
they’ve taken towards leading their own lives.
Even though your child has
Autism, it is important to raise them with structure, discipline, challenges
and boundaries. Just like any other child, a child with Autism still needs to
be pushed to become independent. Whether it’s doing their own homework,
learning to feed and dress themselves or simply communicating their needs to you,
your child needs to learn how to grow.
Supporting your child
appropriately from the earliest possible age is crucial. Today, you can learn
more about these, and the other, dangerous mistakes and learn how to avoid
them. Using this completely FREE webinar by renowned Autism expert Sandra Arntzen, M.Ed, you can be the positive change in your child’s life.
REMEMBER YOU ARE THE KEY TO YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE
Children with Autism need strong
parents and carers who will give them love, support, boundaries and structure.
While you might still be feeling shell-shocked by your child’s diagnosis, it’s
time to take action. You can start helping your child right now.
Register for your FREE webinar
training with Sandra Arntzen, M.Ed now and discover the key to unlocking
childhood Autism. - Register Here
