Many families I meet just need a little help. Not a lot, just a little help. It goes a long way. Children with Autism need more attention than typical children. It is almost like having a much younger child. Parents have to be constantly ‘on’ like when watching a toddler. Sometimes this toddler is bigger than we are though.
One parent used to say she just needed a little help. She needed someone to pick up her child from school and watch her child until she got off work. At around twelve years old most daycares do not want children. It is just uncomfortable for babies, toddlers, and preteens to be with teenagers. Many people say it is just not healthy.
The parent wanted to work and just needed a little help. Luckily that state’s system for people with developmental disabilities was able to help this child and her family at twelve. This is a parent who was able to remain a tax paying citizen because of a little help.
There are many parents that have to quit work in this situation. There should be more concern about families such as these. I know of two situations where both of the parents are professionals who could make a substantial salary if they could both work.
Unfortunately in both situations only one or the other parent did not work to be available for their child. They just needed a little help. Other families have come apart because of the stress of constantly being ‘on’ for their child. They just needed a little time away so they could remember why they were a couple, just a little help.
Parents of children with Autism need supports to keep their family together. They need supports to be able to work. They need supports for just a little help.
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Mylinda Elliott is the parent of five children. The third of the five has Autism which was diagnosed early on. The fourth of the five children has Aspergers. She is a self taught expert on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Mylinda Elliott has also worked professionally in the disability world for the past fifteen years. She is considered the “Go To” woman for advice or resources on disabilities.