The demands of raising a child with autism are great, and families frequently experience high levels of stress. Recognizing and preparing yourself for the challenges that are in store will make a tremendous difference to all involved, including parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, and friends.

The uniqueness of each individual with autism makes the experience of raising a child with autism different for each family. But there are some consistent themes or issues that most families will want to provide the best support to the individual and to family members. This blog is the third one in the series “Towards solving the puzzle” and I feel this will be helpful for the affected parents. 

OUTINGS.

• Buying tickets in advance will cut down on wait time at movie theaters, puppet shows, and amusement parks.
• Avoid merry-go-rounds for low-functioning children as there may be too much sensory input.
• Try a stationary seat on an amusement ride and sit hugging your child.
• Wearing a fanny pack instead of a purse leaves both hands free for your child.
• When out for the day, bring a spare set of clothes for accidents or if your child’s clothes get wet.
• To help day trips run more smoothly, travel in two cars so that one parent can return home with your child if he gets distressed.
• Feed your child before leaving home or bring food with you.
• Have your child play with a quiet toy like a calculator in a restaurant, during religious services, or other social activity.

MOVIES.

• Take your child to a movie that is not likely to have many loud noises.
• Arrive at the movie a few minutes late to avoid previews, which tend to show the most stimulating scenes. 
• Take her to a matinee of a movie that is on its way out as the theater will be practically empty.

SOCIAL EVENTS.

• When going to large social gatherings, arrive early to let your child get accustomed to the growing number of people.
• If your child becomes distressed during a social gathering, pick a quiet place to go or take him out for a walk.
• When visiting someone’s home, ask to remove breakables from your child’s reach; avoid homes where people refuse to accommodate your request.
• Bring your child’s favorite toys or stuffed animals to a family gathering or other social event.
• Before going to a family event, show your child individual pictures of family members and teach him their names.
• Before going to a social event, write out and have your child practice simple courtesy phrases and responses to questions.
• Let trusted others watch your child if they volunteer; ask for help if you need it.
• Treasure any positive comments made about your child.
• Accept unwanted advice with the phrase, “I’ll have to think about that,” and smile

Part two of my interview .

Ok Karen so now he is two  and ; you have learned he has autism . Tell us  how things went from there .

After the shock wore off  . I started to educate myself about  autism .. Every book known to man kind on the subject i grabbed to read . My sister was going to the library for me and ; renting video's . It was time to start the fight .

And how were things with Matt ?

Not very good i'am afraid . Right away the doctor ordered him to go into therapy and ; a early schooling program . He started in it right away .

How was he doing physically at this point ?

You mean health wise ?

Yes

Not good . He started having siezures . Staring siezures as his doctor called them . That always scared me bad . But he did sleep long after having them . The sleep was a relief for me . We were down to only one hour of sleep at night . If i was lucky i got two .

And can you describe for me his behavior ?

Sure . Its like this;  imagine yourself going out into the woods and ; getting a wild animal you know nothing about .Bringing it home and ; then trying to take care of it . He was like some wild animal . He would bite  me ; himself and ; anyone who got near him . I couldnt keep clothes on him . He was always naked . Clothes hurt his skin . His favorite things to eat were .....

wax off the candles ; pencil erasers ; dirt ; grass ; dog food . While giving him a bath i couldnt  take my eyes  off of him for a second . If i did he would try to drink the shampoo . I had to keep everything up away from him . My house looked empty .

What kinds of food did he like to eat ?

He only ate foods that were round or red . For a long time thats all he would eat . It was very frustrating . His eating habits were horrible . He would pick just one food ; like pizza and ; eat that for months . Omg for breakfast ; lunch and ; dinner . I sent him to a specialist . It cost me a little over 2 ;  000 dollars . She told me to not give him what he wanted to eat . She told me he wouldnt starve himself . She said '' when he gets hungry enough he will eat . '' Omg ; omg i believed her .

What happen Karen ?

Ok this is another hard part for me . he would cry and ; cry for  what he wanted to eat . I would  try and ; give him other things . He refused and ; if i did manage to get it down his throat ; he would just throw it back up . He was starving to death before my very eyes . 2 weeks .........

yes ?  Karen ?

Two weeks later in the middle of the night . I had to rush him to the hospital . His body was feeding off itself . Oh god please forgive me for that . I never believed in doctors much after that . To this day '' I  HATE HER '' !  I will never forgive that doctor .

What about medicines ? would he take  medicine for you ?

Oh god NO !  i hated when he got sick . He wouldnt take any meds by mouth . So all meds were givin to him through shot form or creams . Mostly shots ; my poor baby .

He would injure himself too . So bad ; so very bad . He would have head injuries a lot and ; constant bruises . Always sprained ankles and ; toes .He would kick the walls . Punch himself ; punch and ; kick me . Taking him out in public was pure hell . I never knew what would set him off . Certain lights ; noises  and ; smells would send him over the edge .

Karen ; what else about those early days with him . Can you tell us about ?

Well ; we learned quick that he had to be locked in the house .

What do you mean ?

He would get out of the house in the middle of the night . If i turned my head for a second ; he would get out on me . He never came when we called him . I tell you a lot of times ; i was hysterical and ; in such a panic state of mind ; looking and ; screaming for him . He knew nothing about danger , He would run out in front of cars . We put special locks on all the doors .

Anything else ?

uhmmm..... wow so much and ; i've tried to forget those days ya know ?  He learned how to take his diaper off . He would eat his own ...... ok i dont want to discuss this part ok ?

Ok thats fine .

He was always in the hospital . Everytime  he needed some minor procedure ; well with any other child it would have been so simple . But  with my child ; they would need to put him to sleep in order to do it . We spent a lot of time in hospitals him and ; i .

Do we have enough information ? oh wait .... Karen let me ask you this . At what age did he become potty trained ?

Now that iam proud of !!! He was six years old and ; i did it all myself  . Took me a whole summer . Whenever i would see a teen with autism still in diapers . I always gave myself a pat on the back . I sooo rock ! hahahaha

Hahahaha yes you do . Ok well  that will conclude this . We have the rest . Now if you think of anything else we need to know ; please  get back with us .

Ok sure no problem .

This concludes my story with Matt . I dont want to discuss how he is now at 12 . Its his personal business . I will just say this ...... He has a long way to go but ; has come a long way . He is brilliant ; funny like his Mom lol ; talented ........... Lets just say he is an angel and ; i love him more than breathing .

Support Autism . Be a voice for someone who has no voice . Thank you

peace