Top Ten Concerns for Autism Parents
Every now and then, I ask parents who visit my Facebook autism forum to tell me what their biggest and most consistent worry is.
Below is the list of top ten concerns in my unofficial poll. Click each for information, inspiration and collaboration:
- Worrying about the future. What will happen when I’m gone? The BIGGEST worry by far. Many stories on the topic HERE. Just scroll away.
- Handling Meltdowns/Aggression
- Best and most effective treatment?
- Feeding Problems/ Sleeping
- Helping my child make friends/Social Skills
- What about the siblings?
- Toilet Training
- Transition to adulthood/ Puberty /Dating
- Finding a time for myself/ finding helpers
- Training for teachers
What are your concerns? Let’s help each other!
We got worries
Comments(3)
#2,3, and 6 are my biggest. We just went through medication changes and that caused a regression of sorts in behavior. My biggest worry is the behaviors getting so far out of hand before gaining control back…that, and whether or not he has a manic episode and has to be hospitalized.
I am scared to death that something is going to happen to my husband and me, then my son will be left alone. My family doesn’t even babysit for me. The thought of one of them having to take care of him the rest of his life, scares the living HELL out of me.
Dear Parent:
We are seeking volunteers to participate in a research study about what it’s like to grow up with a sibling who has autism. Do you meet the following requirements?
1. Are you the parent of at least two children?
2. Does one of your children have an autism spectrum disorder?
3. Does one of your children not have an autism spectrum disorder?
4. Is your child without autism between the ages of 8 and 18 years?
If so, please consider volunteering by clicking on the link below. The survey will take approximately 45 minutes to complete and may be taken at a computer of your choice that has internet access. The first part of the survey will be taken by you. The second part will be taken by your child that does not have an autism spectrum disorder.
If you would like to volunteer to take this survey, please click on https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=144893
and read the consent information at the beginning of the survey. We will not collect your name or that of your child. However, there is a potential risk of loss of confidentiality in all email, downloading, and internet transactions.
If you have any questions, please contact Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D., Principal Investigator at kdeornellasphd@gmail.com or 940-898-2315 at Texas Woman’s University.
Thank you,
Kathy DeOrnellas, Ph.D.