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Parenting Autistic Children


Special Challenges, Special Joys

Studies into the coping skills of mothers of children with autism confirm that moms are more likely to report "poor or fair" emotional and mental health than other moms, but they are also more likely to show remarkable strengths.

These findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, come from a nationally representative survey of almost 62,000 mothers of school-aged children, including 364 mothers of children with autism. Researchers concluded that moms of children with autism were just as likely as other moms to report having a close relationship with their child and five times as likely to do so as mothers of children who had other developmental problems not including autism.

Autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) typically begin before age 3. They are a complex group of developmental disabilities marked by great difficulty in social interaction and communication. Difficulties on the spectrum range from mild to severe.

If your child has autism, you know how this developmental disorder can disrupt every part of your life—your relationships, physical and emotional health and career aspirations. But there is hope and help. Consider the following strategies as you tackle the special challenges and receive the unique joys of parenting a child with autism.




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

SOURCES: Montes, G. Pediatrics, May 2007; vol. 119: p. 1040–1046. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: "Autism Fact Sheet." National Mental Health Information Center: "Children and Adolescents with Autism." National Institute of Child Health and Human Development: "Autism Overview: What We Know," "Autism Research at the NICHD." National Institutes of Health: "Gene linked to autism in families with more than one affected child." CDC: "Vaccines and Autism: Important Conclusions from the Institute of Medicine," "National Immunization Program: MMR vaccine and autism." WebMD Medical Reference: "Understanding Autism: The Basics," "Autism Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and More," "Children with Autism: Coping Skills for Parents," "Dietary and Other Interventions." WebMD Medical News: "Moms of Autistic Kids Cope Well," "Caution Urged for Autism Treatments," "Girls' Autism-Like Symptoms Linked to Vaccines," "Vaccine Benefits, Vaccine Risks." WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise: "Autism: Treatment Overview," "Autism: Topic Overview," "Autism: Exams and Tests."

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