Support offered to fathers of autistic children – 95.3 MNC

About 1 in 36 fathers have children with autism. Common concerns associated with this include the impact on the child’s future, treatment options, family dynamics, etc.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the way people communicate and interact with others and the world around them.

Dr. Breanne Hartley is the clinical director of UNIFI Autism Care in Carmel. She says autism isn’t always a disability, but for some it opens the door to new ways of understanding and interacting with the world.

“It really is a spectrum disorder. There will be different degrees to which one child experiences their symptoms compared to another. If a child has recently received a diagnosis, I would recommend following up with the person who performed the diagnostic evaluation. You have to gather information to see exactly where the child is falling,” Hartley said.

Hartley says that after you receive the exact diagnosis of how your autistic child should function, it’s not a bad idea to join a support group.

“Connect with other parents. In this case, this Father’s Day weekend, we’re talking about dads. So you’ll want to talk to other dads who have had similar experiences. Support groups can meet in person or online,” Hartley said.

But it’s not just about the father. Hartley says the father and his partner should always be on the same page regarding any treatment or therapy the child may need. Otherwise, it can have a negative emotional impact on the family.

Some autistic children are victims of bullying at school. Hartley says there is a way a father can help his autistic child in this situation.

“Many times when autistic children are bullied and ridiculed, it is because of a lack of understanding and awareness. I think the father in this situation can really play the role of educator and advocate, not only for his autistic child, but for all autistic people,” Hartley said.

Hartley recommends that fathers of autistic children be present in their lives as much as possible and be willing to participate in activities that their autistic children enjoy, which can strengthen family bonds and bonds.

Fathers also can’t forget another important thing…themselves.

“You need to take care of your physical and mental health. Do things like exercise, eat well, and seek help if you feel overwhelmed from counselors or therapists,” Hartley said.