Having a child on the autism spectrum isn’t easy. The constant tantrums that seem to come out of nowhere; the apparent emotional unavailability; the bizarre behaviors they often exhibit, all these factors can cause a lot of difficulties both at home and at school.
According to Reuters, a recent survey revealed that nearly 40% of all U.S. children had been diagnosed with autism. What’s worse is that, compared to children with other emotional and behavioral problems, most kids diagnosed with autism don’t receive proper treatment.
But what are the main challenges parents of kids with autism face most often?
The challenges of having a kid on the autism spectrum
One of the biggest challenges parents often face is getting proper mental health services for their children. This is due in part to the fact that some parents fail to address mental health professionals who can provide a detailed assessment of the child’s condition.
Without proper assessment – which is achievable from an early age – children often lack the treatment they need to manage their condition. As a result, they face various challenges at school and often struggle with poor academic performance.
On top of that, they encounter difficulties in social interactions and often end up being isolated and avoided by their peers.
All these negative consequences make life difficult for them and their parents who feel completely powerless.
In the end, as Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele states, “I think that the take-home message isn’t necessarily new but is important: autism spectrum disorder is a common condition that merits screening and early treatment.”
If you believe your child might be on the autism spectrum, make sure you consult a pediatrician or mental health professional as soon as possible. The sooner a specialist assesses your child’s condition, the sooner you can focus on helping him/her recover.
To learn more about the autism spectrum, click here.
