One of the really important things for parents of autistic children to think about is finding a support network. Never underestimate the importance of surrounding yourself with people who understand your situation and care about you. Isolation is one of the worst things that an autism parent can experience.
But how can you go about creating a support network? The key is to find others who are in a similar situation to yourself and to reach out.
If your child goes to a special school, you could try and get chatting with the other parents at the school gate, or during coffee mornings or "get togethers" at the school. Hopefully these people live locally and you may be able to arrange to meet up and socialise outside of school hours.
The internet is also a great source of support, with many groups and chatrooms dedicated to parents of autistic children.
There may also be specialist groups in your local area, so it is well worth finding out what is available.
Real friendships can be made, with bonds that last a lifetime. And it is lovely to know that there is someone who understands the difficulties you face and can share the highs and the lows, giving encouragement when needed and a shoulder to cry on.
So what are you waiting for? Don't isolate yourself! Get networking! And if there isn't a group where you live, why not create one?
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