Autism is a neurological disorder that is characterized by difficulty communicating or interacting with others. While autism is more visible and easily diagnosed in children, it isn’t uncommon for adults to be diagnosed with autism.
In fact, it is estimated that around 2% of the American population has an autism spectrum disorder.
If a loved one has been diagnosed with autism, perhaps looking into resources like the Lotus Mission will be beneficial to you.
The Lotus Mission is a nonprofit that offers daytime programs for adults with autism.
The mission was founded by a family with a son who was diagnosed with autism at 2 years old.
Their aim is to provide a safe, holistic environment for autistic adults where they can engage in activities that interest them and help them be as independent as possible.
5 Ways to Support a Family Member with Autism
Coping with an autism diagnosis can be challenging for families. However, there are practical steps that you can take to help your loved one adapt to their diagnosis. Here are a few of them:
Understand Autism
The first step you can take to help a loved one is to understand autism.
Understanding what autism actually is can help you gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges of those affected by the condition.
This enables you to treat the affected individual in an appropriate manner and help them find the help they need to manage this disorder.
Find Resources
The next thing you can do to help is find resources to enable your loved one to deal with autism. This can include finding therapists or other programs to help them learn to manage their condition and helping them with daily tasks they find difficult, like driving them to an appointment.
Help Them Become Independent
Autistic individuals often have a fierce need to be independent.
They are just like everybody else, with their own aspirations for life and unique interests.
It is important for those around autistic individuals to recognize this need for independence and help them gain as much of it as possible.
Ways you can help:
- Help them find independent living arrangements that cater to their needs.
- Assist them in finding employment that aligns with their needs and interests.
- Support them in finding ways to stand up for themselves.
Consider Therapy Yourself
It can be difficult to come to terms with the diagnosis of a loved one and it can evoke a range of challenging emotions. Seeking therapy can be beneficial, especially if you are a caregiver.
Spaces like support groups or therapy can give you room to process your emotions, come up with strategies and learn from those with similar experiences.
Connect With Community
Connecting with other families who have been affected by autism can help you find a sense of community.
Connecting with those with similar experiences can lessen feelings of isolation and help you discover shared experiences.
Look for online communities or support groups that deal with autism in adults. This can also help you gain access to autism-friendly resources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while autism can be challenging to deal with, there are plenty of resources available to help those with the condition.
Understanding what autism is and how you can help serve the unique needs of your family member is the first step to moving forward.
It is also important to keep in mind your own health, so you should consider seeking out ways to deal with any difficult emotions that may arise.
Following these tips can help you better prepare for and support your adult family member in learning to live and thrive with autism.