You’re Doing Great! – How to Support Fellow Moms with Autistic Children

A lot of children are annually diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and it is always essential as a mother to learn about the disorder and support other mothers who have children with it. Based on a report released by the Center for disease control, one in every 60 children has this, and this could be your friend, neighbor or family friend. As mothers around the world, we need to stand firm and support fellow mothers who have children with autism; motherhood is challenging but united we can achieve more. 

Here are some tips that you can implement to show support for mothers with kids who have the disorder:

Learning about the disorder

The best way to connect with a mom whose kid has autism is by learning about the disorder. The affected mom will feel supported, and you can also ask her some questions about it; let her know that you need to understand the disease and that you are willing to offer her support in whichever way. You can accompany the mother to therapy sessions, and in doing so, you will learn a lot about autism. ASD assessment specialists will advise you that accompanying moms to therapy will boost their morale which is extremely crucial, especially for those who are still unfamiliar with this condition. There are numerous autism help centers that you can attend with the mom that offer diagnosis, assessment services and therapy services. Bottom line, ensure that you learn about autism through whichever means; show some support. 

Offer mama care

Twice a week try inviting your fellow mom for a spa day, movie, lunch or dinner; show her you care by being motherly. In case she has other children try babysitting them in your free time and let her have some time to rest. You can also babysit the kid with autism and bond with him. Let the mom have some time off; after all; it won’t cost you much, just your time.

Help in house chores or run some errands

Children with autism need similarity and repetition in their surroundings. Making trips to the shop, handling daily tasks or even returning a book to the library might be tough for the mother. Keep in mind that kids with autism require several therapy appointments. Offer to do the extra household chores for your fellow mom, mow that lawn or pick that extra gallon of milk and deliver it to the struggling mom; she will appreciate your gesture.

Listen

The second way to show support is by listening to her cries. Your friend has gone through tough situations, therapy sessions, doctor visits and she gets a new diagnosis from the caregiver regularly. Ensure that you are empathetic and show some compassion by allowing her to air her grievances. You need to be that friend who cheers her on and recognizes the child’s effort to be a gift; generally, give her a listening ear.

Assist her in advocating

You can help her by joining a movement that raises autism awareness. Make a point of attending support groups and meetings with her, attend marathon awareness, sensitization walks, among other support and awareness groups. Your fellow mom will feel supported, and she will understand that she isn’t in the fight alone.

Put some extra effort

Most moms who have kids who are diagnosed with autism often feel depleted and overwhelmed with jobs considering the attention the kid needs along with taking care of the entire; this is a significant burden bestowed upon a person. You may notice that the mom is unable to return emails, texts or calls since they are always busy in therapy sessions, engaged in meetings or you will have endless calls with districts and insurance companies.

Take the extra step, swing by her home with some pleasantries or you can even make a call to check on her situation. Always remember that she is overburdened and needs your support all the time.

You know what it is to be a mom and you have probably gone through various hardships and challenges as you raise your kids; regardless of whether they have autism or not. When all mothers come together and form a community that offers support to moms whose children have autism, the society we live in will have accomplished more since the moms will have encouraged a helpless person. In case you spot a child with autism, try lending a hand to them or their mom. This way, you will have encouraged the mother by giving her hope that she may have lost or is about to lose.