Having a child with an autism spectrum disorder takes an immense amount of time and energy from all members of the family. A lot of effort is required to understand and communicate with an autistic child who does not respond in typical ways. Family members often develop a hyper-vigilance in order to ensure the safety and guard the sensitivity of the youngster with autism.

Parents must often cope with a great deal of uncertainty, both in communicating with their child, and in determining what services are available and how to access them.

Families are often concerned about what the future may hold for their family member with ASD. Self-care is critical for families, as it helps them to be the best possible parents, siblings, caregivers, advocates and organizers for their person with ASD. Family members and caregivers must ensure they get adequate rest and respite on a regular basis.

For all its challenges, however, there are many rewards. A child with autism is a special person with a unique way of looking at the world. Although he or she may communicate differently, parents and siblings do learn to read and understand their child or sibling and his or her perspective. Many family members become “experts” in understanding and living with autism.

Raising a child with autism makes you appreciate many things. Small advances in communication become cause for great joy. Children with autism teach us courage by struggling to live their lives against great odds. They show us the strength of our ability to cope, and help us develop our creativity by helping them live fulfilling lives within the community. Family members are often the vanguard of conceiving and developing new and effective community programs for individuals with autism. But most of all, living with a family member with autism deepens our ability to love and understand other human beings.