A diagnosis of a lifelong disability can feel like a massive earthquake. The trauma is immediate, with after shocks and tremors for some time after. Eroded structures take time to crumble and many of the effects first appear long after the causing event.
If we understand the children and the families that care for them, we can partner with them, helping them to transition from the place of shock and loss to a new, joyful embrace of their life with autism.
If we understand the children and the families that care for them, we can partner with them, helping them to transition from the place of shock and loss to a new, joyful embrace of their life with autism.
The Family
Making a difference isn't convenient. The gentleman in Luke 10 was going about his business. I'm sure he had somewhere to go. He saw a victim of robbery and abuse and decided to stop. He delayed his own business to be with the man.
What might we have to stop, to delay, to be with a family that needs our time and resources?
The picture above points to 4 ways we can offer support. We can:
What might we have to stop, to delay, to be with a family that needs our time and resources?
The picture above points to 4 ways we can offer support. We can:
- Listen: Please don't offer advice before taking time to listen to someone's thoughts and fears and frustrations and hopes and dreams. You might find that listening is the gift that is most needed in that moment.
- Pray: My father in law once said that so many people tell us they will pray for us, but don't actually pray. Please pray that
- Families find ways to support each other and work together
- Parents and caregivers cope emotionally and get the external emotional support they may need
- Children are protected from bullies and abuse in their daily lives
- Teachers and schools understand the unique learning styles of children with asd
- Parents are able to research and otherwise collect information about schools, advocate for their children so that they go to the right schools and have the programs that are best suited for them
- Parents and caregivers get opportunities to rest and rejuvenate themselves
- God helps parents to stay one step ahead of the children, anticipating danger, so that they can keep them safe while at home and while traveling
- Parents have wisdom in figuring our long term care that works best for the family and the individual with autism
- Be a companion. Ask a family dealing with autism what you can do to help them in their day to day journey. If you have an hour, offer to stop by, or to go to the supermarket or do some laundry. The little things really add up.
- Provide a Harbor: Whenever possible, make space for families. There are so many spaces that are not safe or welcoming. Here are a few ideas:
- Create a space in you place of worship.
- Encourage the community center to have spaces that are suitable.
- Invite the family to your home (prepare your space for their child!).
- Invite mom, dad or both to visit your home while you stay at their home with their child.
- Send mom and dad to a hotel for the night and be a part of the night time child care team.
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