Coping with autism

Help on the Web
To most parents of children with autism, online support has also become critical. There are online chats and hundreds of message boards devoted to family exchanges. Bryant found her doctor by going online to a regular Tuesday night chat group of parents (several of whom are also health care professionals).

Many message boards and chats offer support and encouragement but the practical advice is just as useful, according to Bryant. “You can get tips on how to handle certain behaviors or ask other parents if their children had weird reactions to certain medications.” You can even talk with others about the impact autism is having on your marriage or other children.

The Internet has also become a place for families of kids with autism to organize and flex their muscle, which is another type of coping strategy, points out Laura Bono, who has a 15-year-old son with autism and is a spokesperson for the National Autism Association.

“Some of my friends feel better if they can go to a support group and cry and talk about how hard it is. We feel better if we can fight to make a change,” says Bono. NAA families stay in touch via the computer and convene occasionally for conferences and political rallies.

Indeed, parent-based groups are responsible for successfully lobbying the government for an additional $50 million in funding for autism research and treatment, according to Dr. Sarah Spence, director of UCLA’s Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Her facility is one that has benefited from family activism.

“You hear a lot about families that fall apart because of something like autism,” says Spence. “But [in my work] I have to say I’ve been in awe of the families who figure out ways to cope and seem to come together. They all help each other get through this. It’s pretty incredible. It’s an honor to be in their presence.” 

Bryant says it’s true: “Believe it or not, this experience can bring you closer.”

Victoria Clayton is a freelance writer based in California and co-author of the new book "Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife and a Mom," published by Fair Winds Press.

MORE FROM HEALTH

Health Section Front

It's down to the final four on 'Biggest Loser' Being thankful ... you’re not like mom and dad Woman meets the stranger who saved her life   6 tips for overcoming holiday diet fears     One girl’s wish for an organ transplant     Supporting St. Jude’s Children Hospital     Getting out of a workout rut Holiday gatherings could spread swine flu   Women bare all for prostate cancer Gasp! Babies’ fat rolls being airbrushed away? Health Section Front   Add Health headlines to your news reader: