How to Cope with Autism Depression

When a child is diagnosed with autism, it can mark the beginning of a long and painful journey for the parents. It's a journey that can begin with denial or sadness, both which if not dealt with, can lead to depression. You can over come the depression by viewing the situation from a different perspective. Read on to learn how to cope with autism depression.

Instructions

• 1

  The first thing you need to do is take a good hard look at your beliefs about autism. If think of autism as being a bad thing, then this will only cause you pain. You will feel as though something bad is happening with your child. Get rid of your judgments about autism. Don't view it as something bad. Instead look it as something that is a fact of life for some people.

• 2

  Focus on your child's positive attributes. Autistic children have many wonderful qualities. Many of them are extremely intelligent, have big hearts and their innocence is very endearing. You will feel such joy by shifting your awareness to the positive.

• 3

  Don't become attached to the results of your efforts to help your child progress. Let go of any desires that you may have for your child to be "normal." It's fine to help enhance your child's development. Just make sure you embrace your child the way he or she is now. This will take a lot of pressure off of you and your child.

• 4

  Meditate at least 10 minutes a day. This is a great stress reliever. Sit alone in a room in a comfortable position. Breathe in slowly through your nose and hold your breath for a few seconds and then slowly exhale through your mouth. The results of this are cumulative. You will notice yourself feeling increasingly calm over time.