Autism Parenting Journey

The journey of parenting a child with autism is unique and challenging, filled with a spectrum of emotions from shock, grief, and initial denial to joy and resilience. Let’s explore the three key phases parents typically experience.

This is where it begins. A nagging feeling, a gut instinct – something feels “off.” Parents may observe subtle developmental delays, unusual behaviors, or a disconnect between their child and the world around them. This phase is often filled with anxiety and a desperate search for answers.

The confirmation of autism can be devastating for some. Denial is a natural defense mechanism. Most parents struggle to accept the diagnosis, grappling with grief, fear, anger, and feelings of inadequacy. It’s a time of profound emotional upheaval, where hope feels fragile. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in these feelings. Most parents go through similar emotions after receiving an autism diagnosis. This is a normal part of the process.

This is where the true autism parenting journey begins. Acceptance, while not easy, is the first step towards healing and empowerment. Parents start to understand their child’s unique needs, seek out resources, and start to build a support system. As a parent, the earlier you transition to phase 3, the better it is for both you and your child.

Acceptance is the first step in your autism parenting journey. Now, let’s explore the guiding fundamental principles for your parenting journey.

Investigate potential underlying issues, such as cerebral folate deficiency, as a crucial first step in your child’s autism journey.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The young brain exhibits remarkable plasticity, demonstrating a high capacity for learning and adapting to new experiences. However, this critical period for development can be significantly impacted by cerebral folate deficiency.

Folate is a very important nutrient for the brain. When folate levels are inadequate, the brain’s plasticity may be compromised, potentially hindering the acquisition of fundamental skills and impacting future learning and development. Ensuring adequate folate levels is essential for optimal brain development (neurodevelopment) and function.

It might surprise you to know that a significant percentage of children with autism also exhibit signs of a form of cerebral folate deficiency. Therefore, determining the underlying cause of cerebral folate deficiency should be your primary focus, as it paves the way for resolving it. To help you understand this crucial aspect, let’s explore a key element responsible for folate deficiencies and the test involved in identifying it.

Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs) can interfere with the brain’s ability to utilize folate, a crucial nutrient for brain development. Therefore, identifying the presence of FRAAs is important.

The FRAT^® test can identify the presence of these autoantibodies. If the test is positive, indicating the presence of FRαAs, alternative folate forms like folinic acid may be considered under the guidance of your child’s healthcare provider.

To understand the impact of FRAT^® testing, let’s explore some key facts and a real-life success story.

Having addressed potential folate deficiencies, it’s crucial to understand your child’s specific needs within the autism spectrum to ensure they receive the appropriate support. Knowing their autism level will help you set realistic goals and navigate their developmental journey.

• Autism Level 1: Requiring Support

  Individuals at this level may have subtle social communication differences. They might experience mild difficulties in social situations and may show some inflexible behaviors.
  Example: A child may have difficulty initiating conversations but can generally communicate effectively. They might prefer routines but can adapt to changes with support.

• Autism Level 2: Requiring Substantial Support

  Individuals at this level require substantial support to cope with everyday demands. They may have significant difficulties in social communication and show more pronounced and restricted or repetitive behaviors.
  Example: A child may have limited social interaction and require significant support in initiating and maintaining conversations. They may exhibit inflexible routines and have difficulty coping with changes.

• Autism Level 3: Requiring Very Substantial Support

  Individuals at this level require very substantial support across multiple life areas. They may have severe difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication and may exhibit significant limitations in social interaction.
  Example: A child may have very limited or no spoken language. They may exhibit severe difficulties in social interaction and may engage in intense or frequent restricted or repetitive behaviors.

A comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including a pediatrician, psychologist, and occupational therapist, is often necessary to determine your child’s autism level. If you are unsure about your child’s autism level, talk to your pediatrician to discuss your concerns and schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Having understood your child’s autism level, it’s crucial to shift your focus towards understanding your child’s individual needs. Autism is a spectrum disorder i.e. every child on the autism spectrum is unique, with their own set of strengths, challenges, and preferences. Spending quality time observing your child and paying close attention to their interests, strengths, and areas of difficulty will help you understand the key issues.

Early intervention is crucial for children with autism. It involves providing specialized support and therapies tailored to each child’s unique needs.

Understanding that autism is a spectrum, early intervention approaches will vary greatly. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Some children may benefit greatly from speech therapy to improve communication, while others may require occupational therapy to address sensory sensitivities or fine motor skills.

Determining the most appropriate type and intensity of intervention is a collaborative effort. Your child’s pediatrician, developmental pediatrician, and other specialists, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, will work together to assess your child’s individual needs and develop a personalized plan.

This plan may include a combination of therapies, such as:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): A well-established therapy focused on teaching new skills and addressing challenging behaviors.
• Speech and Language Therapy: To improve communication skills, including speech, language, and social communication.
• Occupational Therapy: To address sensory processing, fine and gross motor skills, and daily living skills.

Do remember that early intervention is an ongoing process. You will need to conduct regular assessments, and adjustments to the intervention plan to ensure your child continues to make progress and meet their developmental goals.