AutismParentSupport

You know how it is: it’s a beautiful day: your friends are all around you.  And then it starts.

First you notice your autistic child has wandered over to the snack box. You know that if he gets his hands on those chips, he’ll turn into the child from hell before you can say Jack Robinson. But you head him off and distract him with his favourite toy.

Peace.

Five minutes later, you hear the rustle of the chip packet.  Your friend has given him the snack.  You race over, you snatch the chips.

“AaaagggHHHH!”

Your child screams, your friend is abashed and you are left in the middle awkward and embarrassed.

Why is it so hard to be in a public place with your child?  You just want to enjoy a normal outing….

You have tried explaining to him he can’t eat those chips.  You have told your friends.  At home you have the alternative, and in fact they are in your bag now.

But you forgot to put them out….Why?

Because for once you thought it was OK to relax and chat to your friends…

Sigh…

“Ah give the kid a break, let him have a treat once in a while…”

So now you have a problem.  3 problems actually.

• You feel guilty about your son’s diet
• You feel irritated with your friend
• You once again feel the ritual embarrassment in a public place

You decide not to take him for outings with your friends any more. He stays at home and watches TV…

Except you don’t want to stay home. You want a normal life.

Maybe you don’t have a problem around food.

• Maybe it’s with the school
• Maybe its your lack of patience as she has to fold those clothes into ever decreasing squares
• Maybe it’s the heartache of your child’s isolation

Chances are, you are having a hard time somewhere along the line.

Not because you don’t love your child.  You do.  But because autism in the family presents certain challenges.  It just does.

Hi, I’m Claire Hayes, creator and owner of AutismParentSupport.

I have been through my own “vastly different journey” with my own ASD child.  I have designed this support programme with you in mind, to help you get through your days with ease and minimum stress.

I give you real tools to deal with everyday and long term issues, so that you have the energy for yourself and your child.

So how can I help you?  Here are a few simple ways to get started.

• Sign up for a free Time to Talk where you have exactly that- time to talk about your own experiences.
• Feel a real sense of relaxation and support as you listen to my free audio “Here I am”- a 15 minute MP3 download which will give you a chance to bring you back to yourself

Or if you want to know more about the sort of people I support, click on Is This You?

I look forward to hearing from you.