Lonely parent

Hang in there. Over time, you will come realise that your children are not disabled, they are special, gifted and wonderful.

I refuse to use the 'D' in ASD. I don't look at it as a Disorder because I have come to realise the Autism is simply a part of what defines my grandson. I embrace it, roll with it and celebrate the highs, the gifts he has. I accept the other stuff for what it is, work with it, develop strategies to deal with it.

And when it all gets a bit much, and that 'lonely' feeling descends? I remind myself what a fantastic human being he is when he's 'on song' .... and why I love him to bits.

I care not what other folk think. If they are ignorant, that's thier problem, not mine. I'm happy to educate them, if they are open to it, but I won't allow them to make me feel anything other than proud of my grandson.

Completely. 

Thank you for all the messages. Will definitely be looking for support groups. Hope you all have a good day.

Mommy B Better days will come, I'm sending you a big virtual hug.

It takes a lot of trial and error to understand how to help your child, and every child is different and unique, so there is no "one size fits all". Even your child keeps changing, so something that works now may not work in a few weeks time.

It's important to speak to your husband and find a local support group. When I reach a breaking point, I have my husband and vice versa. It is important to keep up the communication. It is also important to read and educate oneself about what can be done, this way you will feel less helpless, and especially now you have the diagnosis - you also have some recommendations as to what to do. Get the therapy he needs. It will take time, but you will see some improvements. Better days will come! 

Hi, please remember that we all feel like this. Have you been on any coffee morning suggested by your local autism team? I recommend that you meet others that may be experiencing the things you are right now. 

I also feel alone, like this parent journey is not what I had anticipated. Most times I feel sad, angry and frustrated that others don't understand what it's like to be in our shoes. I have previously just wished my child to be more 'normal' but now embrace her quirks and realise that what actually is normal?! I now feel blessed and although it's hard (I find the lack of sleep and school absences one of the hardest), we are warriors and strive for the very best for our children. I think we are the best parents out there. 

Keep going and be strong. Lots of love - you are NOT alone xx

Hi ️

My son's 7 and recently diagnosed and I have never felt so out of my depth and alone. 

His behaviour since the school holidays started has been so up and down and it really affects family life with my daughter and husband. 

I spend most days crying because I just don't know what I'm doing and I dread every outburst or trigger. 

Hi there,

As ParentingAutism said, many parents/carers feel like you.

For me, it's the huge responsibility, more than I ever imagined. It's the constant battle - with my son, and with the system. Not being sure what is the right way to help him... And to see other parents who just don't understand how difficult it is, it gets lonely. I think it can help to talk to other parents/carers, I am looking for support groups myself. I really feel it could help. Let me know if you ever want to talk. Wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart.  

I'm can totally understand and relate with you. I have 3 children, one of which is a 15 y.o on the spectrum. I feel like there isn't enough awareness about autism and any other special needs so everyone judges you thinking your a bad parent when you truly aren't. There are many people out there with special needs and the public doesn't know anything about it and first responders too. Do they really know how to interact with people with autism? But I understand why you feel alone, so do I but I promise you, I'm sure many other parents/carers feel like this.