Parents are faced with an array of concerns when dealing with an Autistic child. Reaching out for what the future holds while struggling to obtain services becomes a priority. Nevertheless, a positive future for an Autistic child is one that offers them the support to achieve their full potential. The opportunity to gain meaningful language offers greater promise for an Autistic child who can use language to communicate and cope within our world. However, a child who demonstrates passive behaviour has a greater potential to learn through their level of acceptance and tolerance in situations as a rule. In addition a general compliance with learning will enable more people to work with the child allowing the child the opportunity to acquire more skills, which will create a positive impact on the child’s future.

A greater awareness of Autism and special needs today has resulted in an increase in acceptance from society and services than previously recognised. The interventions that have been recognised as treatments for Autism suggest that there is a great deal more hope than it was previously thought possible. However, when it comes to obtaining services the children with less severe symptoms who are more able to adapt tend to benefit most. Added learning difficulties and profound and complex needs means extra resources which I have found through experience are not readily available. This leaves the Autistic child with a greater need for support struggling further as the years go by. The struggle that parents are faced with is that a demanding Autistic child exhibits a strength of character in expressing their level of frustration in dealing with the world. However, the authorities choose to ignore the strength while seeing it as a difficult or no hope situation. This is a totally narrow minded view.

Severely affected children who do not receive adequate support tend to be less likely to live independently. Though, children who gain the ability to integrate stand a greater chance in living independently as adults. Though, it is said to be rare as most Autistic individuals have shown a need for some degree of supervision as they reached adulthood.

Concerns and stress on family
A child who lacks meaningful play and social interaction is a cause for concern to most parents. A child may display unpredictable behaviour or be a danger to themselves or others or even considered a nuisance to those who may not be so tolerant. As a result parents feel a need to watch their child constantly. The behaviours tend to take time away from time to relax which leaves a parent overly tired and drained of energy to function normally on a daily basis. It is a must that parents find time to relax and function within a family setting. Finding the most effective ways of dealing with situations will help eliminate the stress levels which stop a family from functioning normally.

Most children make friends easily as they are able to interact socially or occupy themselves. An Autistic child who lacks leisure skills needs a constantly structured and supervised day which makes the flexibility of family life, social events and holidays tiresome. The additional challenges of getting their child off to sleep keeps the parents drained of all energy. Letting it reach this stage is harmful to the parents as well as to the rest of the family. A parent in such a situation is likely to end up suffering from burnout, depression or other health problems.
Award winning author of "No Matter What" (Autism)
(Psychology / Mental health - Parenting / Family - Health general )
http://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Matter-What-Sandy-Howarth/dp/1847477496