How to Help Yourself

When you learn that your child has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s natural to experience a range of emotions: shock, sadness, anxiety, or even guilt. It’s important to understand that these feelings are a normal reaction to an unexpected situation. Taking care of your emotional and mental health is a crucial step in being able to effectively support your child.

Let’s understand ourselves:

Accept your feelings:
Allow yourself to experience all the emotions that arise. Talk about them with trusted family members or friends. Being open can reduce stress and help you find emotional support.

Seek information:
Understanding autism can help ease fear of the unknown. Consult professionals, read reliable sources, attend seminars. Knowledge provides confidence and clarity.

Join support groups:
Connecting with other parents raising autistic children can offer valuable advice and emotional support. In Panevėžys, the “Rain Children” Autism Association organizes meetings and events.

Take care of yourself:
Don’t forget your own needs. Make time for rest, hobbies, and physical activity. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain emotional balance.

Reach out to professionals:
If your emotions feel overwhelming, consider speaking with a psychologist or psychotherapist. Professional support can help you better understand and manage your feelings.

Beginning the journey to acceptance:

Accept the diagnosis:
Understand that autism is part of your child’s personality. Acceptance will help you move forward and find the right solutions.

Set priorities:
Focus on what matters most to you and your family. This will help prevent burnout and conserve energy.

Keep learning:
Gain knowledge about autism, therapy methods, and educational strategies. This will give you tools to better understand and support your child.

Communicate with your family:
Talk openly with family members about the situation and share responsibilities. Working as a team reduces stress and strengthens your relationships.

To support your child, you must first take care of yourself!

It’s not easy, but it’s incredibly important – your inner strength, calm, and acceptance become a safe haven where your child can grow and flourish. By allowing yourself to feel, to make mistakes, to seek help, and to care for your own well-being, you’re already offering the greatest support your child could ever receive.