It is always hard for parents to assume that their child has any kind of developmental problem. It doesn't have to be a disease to make it look like a world to us. The unknown scares us and any type of disorder, however slight, it will seem to us the most terrible problem in the world. At least until we have assumed it and take control of the situation.
According to an article published in the magazine Psicothema there are several studies that show that mothers of children with autism spectrum suffer more stress. Actually, this article focuses on studies aimed at family stress in general, but certain conclusions stand out that we will explain to you below. It is essential that you know them to understand how important it is for you and your child that you maintain control and a positive attitude towards the symptoms of their disorder.
About autism
Autism it is quite a complex disorder, which not only affects language, it can also affect social interaction, communication, mental flexibility, symbolization and behavior.
In addition, problems associated with these conditions can be attached. There may be hypersensitivity, sleep disorders or alterations in their behavior. It is very important that in the diagnosis we specify what type of autism spectrum disorder our child has and to what degree. It will depend on this that we are able to assume what your needs are and adapt to them.
Autism has no cure, nor is it avoidable, the fact is that your brain works differently from the rest. As difficult as it may seem, we must assume that our child is different. Although autism will accompany him throughout his life, that does not mean that he cannot have a healthy and happy life.
It is possible that you have to adapt, that you cannot go to the school you expected. That should not be an excuse to slow down your lives. A well-diagnosed autistic child, well understood by his environment, can develop the rest of his abilities in a normal way. That is the way you will have the proper support.
In fact, autism is not really linked to IQ, your child is no less intelligent for being autistic. Y Depending on the type of autism you have, it may even be the case that you can focus on a specific task and that makes you excel at it. They call it their "perseverances", there are autistic people who maintain only one throughout their lives, others change their "perseverances" from time to time.
This makes them so efficient at these tasks that in certain settings, it is considered that to be successful in the arts or sciences it is necessary to have a certain level of autism.
Something more about this article and the conclusions it reaches
The article is published by Pilar Pozo Cabanillas, Encarnación Sarriá Sánchez, Laura Méndez Zaballos. In No. 18 of the journal Psicothema, under the title "Stress in mothers of people with autism spectrum disorders." They carry out a study comparing the stress suffered by families with children with autism, with that suffered by families with children who have other developmental disorders.
The aim of the study was to understand the relationship between the symptoms of the disorder and the stress experienced by families. Only by understanding this relationship, it becomes feasible to generate a specific and appropriate way of support for your situation.
The hypothesis from which the study is based is that the stressor of autism in families is part of a complex model. This means that it is intended to demonstrate that there is a range of nuances in the degree of stress produced by autism. The study relates the type of autism and the degree to which the individual is with the stress level of the families. As well as with their ability to assume the needs of the child, establishing a relationship between the mother's sense of coherence and her stress level.
Among the conclusions, the hypothesis is confirmed in addition to establishing a direct relationship between the social support received and the perception of the problem.
The importance of assuming the diagnosis
Based on the data obtained in this study, we can corroborate the importance of assuming the diagnosis. Since this will help regulate stress levels in the different changes and stages that your child will go through throughout his life.
The relationship between the mother's sense of coherence and her stress level makes perfect sense. A mother with a high sense of coherence, assumes the situation as normal. This allows you to correctly define your child's needs and manage the situation to meet them.
This is why once they give you a concrete diagnosis, the best thing you can do for him and for yourself is to assume it. Learn from him, his needs and grow together, helping each other in your personal development.