Raising a child can be a difficult task for parents of any age. Parents and caregivers have to deal with work, their personal lives, and tending to the needs of their child. All of these tasks can quickly overwhelm new parents who are still adjusting and accepting the change in their lifestyle. As the parent watches their child grow, they may often compare the development of their child to other children their age. Sometimes, when a child misses developmental milestones the parent may assume that their child will eventually "catch up", and not be concerned about it. However, if a child consistently misses developmental milestones, careful observations should be made.
Although parents may feel the word Autism is overused, it has become widespread in our society today. Autism is a developmental disability that usually occurs in an individual by age three. According to Autism Speaks, Autism occurs in one out of every 110 children. Autism can affect a child’s social and communication skills as well as their behavior. It is important to remember there is a wide range of characteristics that may be exhibited by individuals, but vary among each person. Below are some characteristics of an individual that may have Autism that are often overlooked:
- Avoidance or lack of eye contact
- Sensory Issues
- The child may need additional stimulation.
- Sensitivity issues
- The child may not tolerate bright lights or loud noises.
In the worst case scenario if you were to pass away, have you ever wonder if your child’s new caregiver would know how to take care of your child? They may know the basics, but would they know the things that makes your child unique. For instance, your child may only eat certain foods or they may need to be read a book before they can fall asleep at night. We suggest creating a “Care Notebook.” In this notebook, you can include basic tips and ideas for taking care of your child and even unique tips like your child only eats macaroni and cheese with ketchup on it. A care notebook is just a good way to make sure child is taken care of properly and in the same manner you take care of them. It can also be helpful for babysitters and nannies to use as well.
Additional Information
Support Groups for Parents and Siblings of Children who are Autistic
Triangle Parents of Children with HFA, Aspergers, or PDD-NOS
Contact info: http://www.meetup.com/TriangleAspies
Autism Raleigh
Contact Info: http://www.meetup.com/Autism-Raleigh/
Organizer: Amy McCalla
The Wake County Autism Society
Contact Info: http://www.wakecountyautismsociety.org/supportgroups.htm
Eastern North Carolina Autism Network
This organization hosts a number of workshops and also has support groups.
Contact Info: http://enc-autism.org/2010/11/01/smithfield-nc-and-johnston-county/
The Sibling Support Project
The goal of the Sibling Support Project is to increase peer support and education programs for brothers and sisters of children with special health and developmental needs, providing training, demonstration Sibshops and technical assistance to agencies and organizations wishing to add a program for siblings to their existing services. For more information, contact: The Sibling Support Project, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, PO Box 5371, CL-09, Seattle, WA 98105-0371,(206) 368-4911.
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