July 20, 2019
There is plenty written about parenting a child with autism but not
enough about adults with the disorder. Research too tends to be tilted in
favour of parenting children with the condition and there’s a need to address
the lack of information and stigma that ageing parents with children with
autism grapple with.
One of the main reasons for the lack of information available about adults
with autism is that most of the people who want to know are parents
themselves. The struggle of raising their kids and the stigma comes in the
way of seeking support or sharing information. Fortunately that is changing
in India.
Chennai parent Ranjani Chandrasegar, a member of the
well-known parent support group Special Child Assistance Network
(SCAN) finds that most adults with autism tend to have anxiety and
depression issues if they miss out on diagnoses at the appropriate age.
There used be a shortage of awareness about autism earlier and many
children would miss out on a proper diagnoses. Since these kids are not
treated as children with autism, their behaviour is very often
misunderstood causing them to grow up to be adults with aggressive nature
or with lot of anxiety and emotional issues. – Ranjani
Chandrasegar, Member, Special Child Assistance Network
Children with autism grow up and have the same challenges. Here are a few
things to consider.
Children with autism can grow up to be functional adults and learn coping
strategies that help them lead their adult lives.
In some cases, children with autism may grow up with intellectual
disabilities and need the guidance and support to overcome challenges.
Like children, adults with autism are uniquely different from each other.
While some get employed and work in various fields, others remain
dependent and need a sheltered life.
The same holds true in case of relationships. Some adults with autism
find it hard to bond with others and form deep relations while others may
have successful partnerships, even be successfully married.
There are many adults with autism who lead a successful life and despite
challenges, and excel in their respective fields, such as an actors
Dan Akroyd and Darryl Hannah and singer
Susan Boyle.Having said that, not every adult with
autism should be expected to outperform and excel as everyone is
different.
In case of many adults with autism who were never diagnosed in childhood,
the condition may remain unnoticed like an invisible challenge.
Around 25% to 30% of adults are non-verbal, and they are unable to use
spoken language to communicate.
While some adults with autism may be ‘high functioning individuals’
and on the surface these people will seem to be coping well in life but
they may still face issues such as anxiety, sensory problems, and
social/communication barriers.
For adults there is no standard diagnostic test available yet. However,
evaluation with doctors and experts can result in diagnoses through
interactions and observations. ASD diagnoses can help a person understand
themselves and the reason behind their own limitations. The information
can aid in learning coping skills and strategies to do better and beat
the barriers.
Pritam Sinha, a Bengaluru parent, has been researching into
the causes of autism and ways to tackle the growing numbers. He states that
healthy lifestyle changes are effective along with a holistic approach to
treatment and care.
”It can be done by holistic approach, integrated yoga, ayurveda,
naturopathy, yogic diet, fermented millets, native cow milk which is Type 2
of cassin, marma massage or craniosacral therapy or osteopathic intervention,
horticulture, classical Music, drama, classical dance, musical instruments
and most importantly aura cleansing with pranic healing.”
Autism is known to effect one in every 59 births making it a common medical
condition. Society can provide a nurturing and barrier free environment to
people with autism by promoting awareness and acceptance.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/adults-with-autism-parenting
