Skip to main content
  • Accessibility
  • Headlines
  • Coronavirus-News
  • Get-Hooked
  • Technology
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Parasports
  • Ask Bhavna
  • NHBrandView
  • Independent Living
  • Lifestyle
  • NH Videos
×
Newz Hook – Changing Attitudes towards Disability Logo
  • Stories
  • Videos
  • Inclusive
  • NH Voice
  • Login
COVID-19 Notification by Government in Accessible Format

Accessibility Tools

Text Size:

Contrast Scheme:

  • C
  • C

Reset

  • Home
  • Get-hooked
  • Understanding mental wellbeing of parents of children with autism

Understanding mental wellbeing of parents of children with autism

Get-hooked October 20, 2019
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Parenting is a multifaceted role that requires constant alertness on the part of parents. Taking care of children with autism requires some more involvement from the parents. Caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders may include a number of challenges. This can cause stress and affect the mental and physical health of parents.

For most parents, caregivers, the wellbeing of their kids comes first, this causes them to ignore their own needs. Constant state of worrying, caring, making decisions can be stressful if there are no breaks or help at hand.

Taking the children to therapy, feeding them, medication, keeping them healthy and safe while managing their sensory issues are some of the many things parents do everyday.

Parents can get super stressed after a while and although they may not realize it, it does affect their own health negatively.
Mental stress can cause more serious health issues and should not be ignored. Depression, anxiety or other psychological issues may come into the picture.

Sumathi, a parent says that parent of children with intellectual disabilities can get tense at times but they need to adapt coping strategies.

At times the children are not able to respond the way parents want them to and this should be dealt with patience. Instead of shouting or overreacting, it is better to let go and not over think at that moment. I personally think that positive thoughts and calming routines such as yoga helps a lot. If I am not able to take out a lot of time, I sit for a few minutes by myself not doing anything and that relaxes me. Listening to music is a great way to distress and can calm the children as well. Sumathi, a parent

Here are a few things consider:

  1. Taking care of children with autism requires mental and physical stamina.

  2. Parents of children with autism tend to put in more time and energy in taking care of kids, this can lead to both mental and physical fatigue.

  3. Happy and healthy parents can provide better care to children.

  4. Parents should look after their own health to be able to provide quality care to their kids.

  5. Accepting the facts about life with autism can help move forward.

  6. Seeking help from friends and family when you need a break is a great idea.

  7. Spending some alone time, exercising, mediation etc. can help release stress.

  8. Music, singing, reading, writing or taking out time for a hobby works wonder.

  9. Joining parent support groups can also bring a positive change and also aid in child care in some practical ways.

  10. Couple should not hide their thoughts or feelings. Communicating and understanding each other can relive stress and negativity from life.

Archana Devi is a parent and feels that parents of children with autism face a lot of stress and fatigue.

“Parents forget to look after themselves due to the busy schedule when they are caring for child with autism. Every child with autism is different and requires different types of cares. The pressure of not being able to do enough and the guilt can take a toll on the parents. Meeting and talking to other parents can help a lot and provide the opportunity to socialize and share experiences,” she says.

There are a many things that parents try to do for their children and not being able to perform everything well is an added pressure. Parents should be kind to themselves and not be harsh judges.

Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today

We need your continued support to enable us work towards Changing Attitudes towards Disability. Help us in our attempt to share the voices of people with disabilities that enable them to participate in the society on an equal footing!

Contribute to Newz Hook

NH Videos

Healing pain through art - Dr. Anubha Mahajan, Founder Chronic Pain India

Contribue to Newz Hook |Disability news. Support us to make NewzHook Sustainable – Make a Contribution Today.

Newsletter

 Subscribe to our Newsletter

Want to feature disability stories or share disability news with the disabled community? Write to:

editor@newzhook.com

Newz Hook - Accessible News

Download App Now!

Videos

View More

Technology

Auticare uses virtual reality-based therapy to help children with autism develop critical skills

Get-hooked

At Sristi village, people with intellectual disabilities get the opportunity to find their potential

Education

Neuroscientist Joey Ramp is breaking down barriers for disabled STEM students with service dogs

Get-hooked

Understanding weighted blankets

Newz Hook Logo

About Newz Hook

Newz Hook | Disability News - media site focusing on Disability Stories and Changing Attitudes towards Disability globally. We highlight disability news, offer inclusive solutions and create accessible collaborations. Our focus is to have Inclusion Champions from across the globe who will share disability stories and news.
Lets come together to change attitudes towards disability!

Newz Hook is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Follow us on:

Related Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner with Newz Hook
  • Embed Newz Hook Timeline
  • Affiliate disclosure
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Contribute to Newz Hook

Our Awards

Zero Project Award Winner 2018
Back To Top
© 2019 All Right Reserved. Inclusive News India Private Limited.

Ask Bhavna

All fields are mandatory unless specified as optional.