It’s 3 am, and you can’t sleep because your autistic child is screaming in the next room. Again. You’ve tried everything – rewards, punishments, reasoning – but nothing seems to work. You’re exhausted, frustrated, and feeling completely helpless. It’s hard enough dealing with autistic children when they’re happy and cooperative, but it feels like torture when they’re acting out.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many fathers feel overwhelmed and miserable when their autistic child makes them unhappy. But there are things you can do to cope with this situation.
My autistic child makes me miserable; now what?
Believe me when I say that I understand how you feel. I have an autistic child myself, and there are days when I want to pull my hair out. But I’ve learned that it’s essential to find ways to deal with my frustration, or else it will consume me. Here are ten things that have helped me:
Stay calm: It’s difficult to think clearly when angry or upset. If possible, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This will help you feel more in control and better deal with the situation.
Identify the trigger: There’s usually a reason why your child is acting out. If you can figure out what’s causing the problem, it may be easier to find a solution. Is your child tired, hungry, or in pain? Or are they feeling overwhelmed or stressed? Once you know the cause of the problem, you can start to look for a solution.
Take a break: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break. Step away from the situation for a few minutes to clear your head. You can even ask someone else to watch your child while you take a quick break. Remember to return as soon as possible so your child doesn’t feel abandoned.
Try a different approach: If you’re doing everything the same way and it’s not working, maybe it’s time to try something new. Sometimes all it takes is a change in perspective to see the situation in a new light. Talk to other parents of autistic children, read books or articles about autism, or consult with an expert. You may be surprised at what you learn.
Be consistent: It’s essential to be compatible with your child. If you’ve been trying a new approach, stick with it for a while to see if it works. Don’t give up too soon – change can take time, especially with autistic children.
Set limits: When your child is acting out, it’s essential to set limits. Otherwise, they may think that their behavior is acceptable. Be firm and consistent when setting boundaries. It’s also important to follow through with consequences if your child doesn’t obey the rules.
Encourage positive behavior: When your child is behaving well, let them know you’re proud of them. This positive reinforcement will encourage them to continue acting desirably.
Please focus on the good: It’s easy to dwell on the negative when your child acts out, but it’s important to remember that there are also good moments. Try to focus on the times when your child is happy and cooperative. These positive memories will help you get through tough times.
Talk to someone: It’s normal to feel frustrated and overwhelmed when dealing with an autistic child. If you feel like you can’t handle it, talk to someone who can help. There are many support groups for parents of autistic children. You can also talk to your doctor or a therapist.
Seek professional help: If you’ve tried everything and you’re still struggling, it may be time to seek professional help. Many therapists and specialists work with autistic children. They can offer guidance and support that you may not be able to find elsewhere.
If your child acts like this, it may be time to call in a professional.
This is a video of an autistic child at the mall having a complete meltdown. The father tries to soothe and calm the child, but it does not work.
Please don’t give up: It’s easy to feel like you’re failing when your child is acting out, but it’s important to remember that you’re doing your best. There will be good days and bad days. Just keep going, and don’t give up.
But if you’re unable to cope, it’s essential to seek professional help. Many therapists and specialists work with autistic children and can offer guidance and support that you may not be able to find elsewhere. So don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it.
Raising an autist is challenging but not impossible.
Dealing with an autistic child can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources and people who can help you. With patience, understanding, and a little bit of effort, you can make the situation better.
Do you have any tips for dealing with an autistic child? Please share them in the comments below!
As a parent of an autistic child, I can totally relate to the struggles described in this article. It’s not easy when your child is acting out and you feel like you’ve tried everything. One thing that has helped me is finding a support group of other parents going through similar experiences. It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone and you can share tips and advice with others.
Another thing that has helped is finding a therapist who specializes in working with autistic children. They’ve been able to give me new strategies for dealing with my child’s behavior and it’s been a huge help.
It’s important to remember that every child is different and what works for one may not work for another. It’s also important to take care of yourself and not get too bogged down in the negative. It’s easy to focus on the bad moments, but when my child has a good day, I try to focus on that and remind myself that there’s hope. It’s not easy, but with the right support and strategies, we can get through it.