Autism Therapy: Respite Therapy
I am surrounded by many friends who love their children. DESPERATELY! Who would do anything they can to help their child or children with autism. And they do. They sacrifice their health, finances, relationships, and marriages to save their child or children with autism. These parents scour the internet, looking for the latest in autism therapy, autism education, and autism information. Anything to help their babies. What they need is respite therapy.
A few organizations are seeing the need for mom & dad (sibs too) to get help. Caring for a child with autism is a 24/7 job. And often, vacations can be more stressful for the family. Taking a child with autism out of their routine and off to Disney World with all of its fun…it can be a set-up for a HUGE melt-down.
So, where do you go? How do you find respite therapy? If you’re looking for a camp for your child:
http://wmoore.net/therapy.html
Another great resource:
Churches can also be a great source for respite therapy and care for your entire family. More than likely there are several churches in your area that offer special needs ministries. Great place to start. They can offer family counseling and help with support for your family, even if you aren’t of that particular religion.
Don’t be afraid to ask family and friends for help! If you are fortunate enough to have family close by, take advantage of it. If you have friends who have offered to help, accept their help. Co-op babysitting with other couples who have children with autism.
There are also local agencies and “sitters” you can hire to assist you. Be wary and always do your homework, just as you would with anyone you would allow into your home. Great checklist to use:
http://www.efmoody.com/longterm/respitechecklist.html
We caregivers often neglect ourselves, thinking that it’s the right thing to do. We put everything we have into our kids. Digging into every piece of autism therapy, autism information, and autism education that we have at our disposal. Until one day we realize that our marriage is in trouble. Our friendships are no longer there. Our health (mental and physical) has suffered greatly. We can’t do it alone. Our kids will be the ones who suffer the most in the end.
Parents should be the first to understand their abnormalities. Don’t show them the weakness of giving up with their abnormalities show them the love, care and understanding and get involve on what they wanted and will go smoothly.
It is great to be in a family therapist with a religious organization that could lift up your views in life. A terrific way to loosen up your mind and spirit.
Hope this could also help you regarding about therapist:
http://www.therapists411.com/therapist-information/choosing-christian-marriage-therapists.html
Absolutely.
Sadly, there are people who don’t understand developmental disorders (not just autism). And marriages show the strain of a world that divides us. Some stats rate the divorce rate at 95% in autism families. That’s just insanity. Families need to unite in order to help their kids. Extended family included.
I appreciate you posting the link to your blog. Any way we can help families in crisis.
Blessings,
Deb
It is natural that the guardians of the person attacked by autism feels alot for that patient.But yes there is no point stopping one life to help someone…it has to become a part of licing I guess.
I was talking to a friend about this very subject last week. Unless something catastrophic has happened in your life…something has knocked you for a loop, people just don’t get involved in others’ lives anymore. There are times when we all need help. When a neighbor loses their job. When a soldier is overseas and the family is left behind. When an elderly neighbor needs someone to talk to. Sounds a bit old fashioned, but I’d rather live like that.
Off my soap box now.
Hope you have a great day! Look forward to hearing from you again!
Deb