World Autism Awareness Day

Parenting a child with autism

Dr Nafia Farzana Chowdhury

Raising a developmentally different child is a challenge for most of the parents. The challenge begins when they know that their child is not normal for the first time. A sense of loss is often constant after a child receives a diagnosis of autism. This sorrow deepens when one compares one's child with that of a normal child of same age. Parents may feel responsible for the disorder occurring and not wanting to be a parent any more. They blame themselves that they could not manage time to spend with their child and did not make the child learn communicating. In order to raise knowledge about autism and bring together organisations working all around the world, the United Nations declared today as World Autism Awareness Day. Experts urged to give a voice to the millions of individuals worldwide who are undiagnosed, misunderstood and looking for help. As parents of a child with autism, it is important to remind yourself that, although your child is not responding in the way you thought he would, he is still responding. Watch how he reacts with various people, places and events. Learn to adapt yourself to your child's changing moods and behaviour. The unexpected response style of an autistic child may create a sense of inadequacy in many parents. But whatever your child's emotional responses may be, they do not prove that you are a failure. Do not feel that you are cursed or even blame yourself. There are different professionals and specialists who can advocate you. But it is you, who have to guide these people because you know your child better than anyone. Your motivation can help put you in touch with parent support groups in your area.
The writer works at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka. E-mail: nafiafarzana@hotmail.com