Impact of Social and Behavioral Issues on the Family
Introduction
When a diagnosis of autism is first identified parents may feel confused, relieved, helpless, surpirsed, or even angry. These diverse reactions to a diagnosis can vary from person to person. The following informaiton describes the positive and negative impact autism may have on the family unit.
The following is part of an interview with a parent of a child on the autism spectrum:
Positive Effects
Family Closeness
At times a diagnosis can unite a family due to:
Reduction of unceratinty
The individual diagnosed is no longer seen as purposely violating family expectations but needing assistance
Increased family problem solving
Over, Honest Reactions
Although this trait can been seen as a negative, overt, honest reactions can also be viewed postitively due to:
Never having to wonder if the individual is simply attempting to make you feel better.
If handled well, the individual can learn to self-advocate and still monitor social expectations.
Unwavering Love and Loyalty
When individuals on the autism spectrum are raised in homes that are accepting and loving, unwavering love and loyalty to the family unit tend to be seen.
Caring
Although most research indicates that individuals on the autism spectrum lack empathy, many on the spectrum have a deep sense of caring.
Some on the spectrum adopt animals from shelters or pounds.
Do not assume that caring does not exist. It may be communcated in a manner that you are not recognizing.
Negative Effects
Mobility Difficulties
Within the spectrum, some with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) are noted as having an awkward gait and clumsiness.
There can be both fine motor difficulties (ex. problems writing with pen or pencil). An Occupational Therapist may be of assistance.
According to the Yale Child Study Center, AS clumsiness traits are also seen in older individuals with classic autism.
Anxiety
Social anxiety is a major difficutly within ASDs and can limit attempts to interact with others.
For those with AS it is not uncommon to experience panic attacks (i.e. sudden bursts of panic with biological effects that are unexplained) beginning in adolescence.
Isolation
Due to social anxiety and the difficulty experienced to effectively interact with others it is not uncommon for those with ASDs to experience feelings of isolation.
This isolation can be extremely detrimental and depressing. If the individual experiencing this emotional dip does not appear to be coming out of the emotional dip, a counselor familiar with autism spectrum disorders may be of assistance.
Transition and Caregiving Concerns
Most individuals with ASD need assistance with transtion.
Those with higher cognitive abilities need to learn how to transition for themselves. Those with lower cognitive abilities, depending on the individual, may need assistance for a lifetime.
Group homes (allow for some independence while maintaining monitoring by others).
Circle of Friends - a group of individuals, trusted by the individual with ASD, who assist the individual in obtaining services and living on his or her own. Also assist with financial matters if the individual needs assistance.
Financial Issues
Some on the spectrum experience difficulties with comprehending financial issues:
Cognitive abilities are not always indicative of financial competence.
Credit cards and checks may be difficult due to abstractness rather than concreteness.
