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How to Live with Autism

Living with an autistic individual may create a lot of stress for other family members, and whoever else may live in the household. Since there is no cure for autism, a bio-neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to interact socially and communicate effectively, and treatment varies from person to person, patience and consistency is the key to success in living with autism.

Things You'll Need

  • A health care team, including either a developmental pediatrician or psychiatrist
  • A school-implemented IEP (individualized education program) and ITP (individualized transition plan)
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Instructions

  1. Live with Autism

    • 1

      Be sure to constantly address the stress that can occur when caring for an autistic individual by sharing responsibility and giving everyone in the household time for themselves. Even a few minutes a day can be a great relief from the constant challenges of autism.

    • 2

      Utilize resources to help you with the care of an autistic individual. The American Society of Autism's website, for example, contains many links to qualified psychologists, occupational and speech therapists, physicians, schools, camps and government programs (see Resources below). You can also meet people living with autism in online communities and support groups at sites like LIVESTRONG.com.

    • 3

      Pay constant attention to safety in the home when you are caring for someone with autism. Many precautions are similar to the ones parents of toddlers and small children must take, such as putting childproof locks on doors and cabinets, placing gates in front of staircases, covering electrical outlets and preventing access to stoves and hot water faucets.

    • 4

      Address the concerns of the siblings of the autistic person. Brothers and sisters of autistic children can feel embarrassed and frustrated at having to answer questions about their autistic siblings. They can also feel forgotten and neglected by parents who have to devote a great deal of time to the care of the autistic child.

    • 5

      Plan for the future of the autistic child. Once he is old enough, he will need to be enrolled in an individualized education program (IEP) at school. Here, he will begin to receive behavioral and occupation therapy that will help to prepare him for adulthood. An individualized transition plan (ITP) will then need to be implemented with the help of the school and the autistic person's health care team.

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