Hi all,
4 months ago my 9 year old son was diagnosed with ASC following years of 'knowing' and being on waiting lists etc.
When we received the diagnosis, I felt like a massive weight came off my shoulders and that we'd get the necessary help through school and that my wife would be more supportive. However my wife has really struggled with my son's autism traits since day 1 around 7 years ago. My son is from a previous relationship.
She claims to have read resources about autism to understand his behaviours more but nothing has changed in the way she deals with scrutinizing his behaviours. She has a daughter of the same age and treats both children completely differently - her daughter doesn't have ASC and generally behaviour is OK. I feel my son doesn't get any sort of leeway and I have bitten my tongue for years but since he's had his diagnosis naturally I have begun to defend him more which results in arguments. My thinking is that he is a child with a learning disability and if I don't defend him then nobody will.
Whenever autism is mentioned on TV for example she doesn't show any interest and she will never sit down with my son to understand why he behaves the way he does. She will go straight onto the offensive every time he does something wrong. He has a strong tendency to answer back and lie about things which will infuriate her even more.
Is there anyone I can talk to professionally about how I can help change her attitudes before it's too late? Or maybe someone here has had similar instances in life? As I have completely lost patience and I feel that my son is never going to improve whilst my wife is the way she is. She suffers from depression and I think that my son's autism triggers her depression. The atmosphere at home can be toxic at times and life is a struggle. I have a very stressful job and just want my son to improve and for my wife to be more understanding with him.
