Autism and Effects on Family

Discussion

Autism is not a simple development disorder that can be cured with medications or a few trips to the psychiatrist. It is a serious disorder that affects people differently and because an autistic child has leaning disabilities it is important to take extreme care for the child. The person suffering from autism is unable to relate to the world or comprehend it. Researchers still do not have an accurate idea how autism appears or how to treat it. So it is important to know what you can do in the meantime dealing with this disorder.

The financial hardships

Financial issues can be a major concern. Special services at home and outside treatments are available but are very expensive and it can be hard to find good workers that your child will get along with. "One family says they only get two hours a week of home services. As autistic children need constant care and attention, two hours a week is hardly enough" (Melissa Hincha-Ownby). Receiving a diagnosis is often the first financial hurdle that many families face. With fees ranging from 300 to 3,000 and up, it can be a serious issue for families. Most parents will need to hold a secondary job to keep up with their payments not only with therapy and treatment but also with paying of other debts such as electricity bill, house mortgage, and etc. Sharpe states that it is

important to begin financial planning as soon as a diagnosis is made. "She suggests financial planners need to help direct families to available resources and help them think seriously about the implications of spending all their retirement money on various

therapies or having one parent step out of the job force to care for a child when other options could be available" (ScienceDaily). Some families skip meals to save that little bit of money that they can, to support their child in treatments. Others talked about robbing their future by depleting savings, emptying their 401K plans, selling stocks and even filing for bankruptcy. "More costs are added to some families who need counseling and medication for themselves in order to cope with the stress of raising a child with autism, further straining the family budget" (ScienceDaily).

The effects on siblings and parents

Whether the child with autism is the first born, in the middle, or the baby, parents often worry about the "effect that dealing with the autism and the time commitment it involves will have on the other children" (Kathleen Doheny). In all of the families the children are very aware that their brother or sister has autism. Mothers find it difficult to spend equal time with both children because autistic children need so much more attention and care. Most siblings with a brother or a sister with autism are afraid to bring their friends to their home because they do not know how their friends are going to react to their brother or sister. Many siblings also fear and worry about other kids making fun of their brother or sister who has autism. McCarton claims that it is important for