The Role Of An Autism Support Group
Do you have a child with autism? Have you been trying to understand their needs and how to best meet them? Do you want to get a better understanding of the disorder in order to find the best possible help for your child? Or, are you just looking for family support and assistance, because they're your kids' sibling or parent? If so, an autism support group is where you should start!
In this post we'll be giving more details about what an autism support group actually is, who typically attends these groups, and what it's like being in one. We will also go into detail on how these groups can benefit those involved.
What is an autism support group?
An autism support group is a gathering of people with a common interest in autism. They provide support, information, advice and most importantly, friendship to people with a range of different levels of autism and their families.
How long do they last?
Autism support groups are generally long term situations. The length will vary, but many run over the course of several years and even decades, with the same core members. The reasons for this can be found in a few different places. First, there is the simple fact that autistic people tend to stay with the group over a very long time, so their social groups tend to stay fairly stable with the same members staying in them over an extended period of time. Second is the fact that there are some families who decide against getting their kids diagnosed with autism just because it's too much of an upheaval when things may not get better. Having these long term support groups where members can rely on each other helps alleviate some of this problem, as well as bring closure to situations for parents whose children have passed away or outgrown their interest in training and socialization with other autistic people.
What is the membership like?
Those who attend an autism support group will vary depending on their interests and the type of demands their family makes upon them. Those who are more comfortable around autistic people will find the general atmosphere to be very friendly and accepting, as almost all of the group members are family or friends of those who attend. Those with smaller children may want to bring a babysitter for safety reasons, though this is often unnecessary with most groups.
How much does an autistic person cost?
Autistic people generally cost less than neurotypical people. This cost difference can be directly related to their lack of social skills and understanding of casual conversation from those who do not have autism. In addition, they are generally willing to pay a smaller amount of money for supplies and services than neurotypical people because they have different needs and priorities in life.
Do autistic people have special needs?
Autistic people often require some sort of accommodation for their own wellbeing. For example, a child who does not like to interact with other children or those who do not understand what is on the autism spectrum may need to be placed in a separate area that is highly structured and supervised so as not to put their safety at risk. Another common need is help with the social aspects of life to include finding appropriate friends and planning out events that are suitable for autistic people. For more information on this, please check out the list of accommodations that autistic people need from the American School Counselor Association, as well as resources for those on the spectrum to learn about socializing and group dynamics.
Are autistic people in a wheelchair different from others?
Yes. Autistic people are often not interested in taking part in social interactions that involve talking to other people, or making small talk or joking around. They prefer to focus their attention on one thing at a time and are directly affected by interruptions when doing something they are interested in. The main reason for this is for sensory overload which can make them very shy and unsociable.
Are autistic people mentally different from others?
No. Autistic people are no different in their capabilities or intelligence than neurotypical people. They can have the same interests and goals that neurotypical people do, if they are motivated enough to go about making those goals a reality. If they don't want to do something, it does not mean they are unable to learn how or will not be able to achieve it on their own; it just means that they would rather not due to being uncomfortable with the social aspects of doing them.
Can autistic people develop normally?
This depends on individual circumstances. There are some autistic people who never learn to speak and will never be able to live on their own, while others are extremely successful in their life and work. On average, autistic people tend to have the same mental capabilities as those who are not autistic and have the same potential for development.
What can parents do if they have an autistic child?
Parents of an autistic child should find a support group for themselves so that they may get help and advice from other parents who are going through similar situations with their children. They should also consider finding a support group for their child so that they can learn how to appropriately interact with other people, especially those in their peer groups. Parents should also consider training their child to do the same so that they can be a mentor for other autistic children and explain what it's like to have autism in an objective way.
How can I find more autism resources?
There are many websites available online that have lists of autism support groups near you, as well as provide links to sites that give advice on helping autistic people learn how to better interact with others. One example is Autism Speaks , which also has a section dedicated to finding autism support groups in your area. In addition, there are many different Facebook pages and other social media outlets dedicated to supporting or sharing information on autism awareness and resources for autistic people. If you do not see any groups/pages that you frequent, ask around in the autism community to see if there are any members who would be interested set up a page for your own area.
Do autistic people have friends?
Yes. Autistic people have friends just like neurotypical people. They are just better at keeping the relationships that they form with those around them due to the social issues that they face. It is important for parents of autistic children to understand that having a loving and supportive group of friends can be just as important as being involved in activities outside of school that require more socialization and communication with others.
Is it dangerous to have an autistic child?
There is no direct answer to this question. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that everyone will react differently to having a child on the spectrum. If a parent has read up on autism and knows what their child needs in order for them to be comfortable and succeed socially, it is likely to be safe for them to have children if proper precautions are taken and the parenting skills of the parents are adequate enough for their needs. However, there are cases where children have been abused or neglected by those who should have taken special care of them due to the fact that they cannot communicate with other people.
Conclusion
If you are the parent of an autistic child, the most important thing for you to do is to find information on autism resources in your area and know how to help your child with their special needs. Autistic children can be misunderstood by neurotypical children who may not understand that they need extra time and attention in order for them to learn how to have a normal social life with others. If your child is having trouble making friends and being understood, help them find support groups or other autistic people who will understand what it's like for them in school, life, and socializing with friends.