A mother of an autistic teenager in Georgia has shared valuable tips on how parents can guide special children through the tough and trying times of puberty. Having already gone through the arduous process herself, she believes open communication is key.
Children With Autism Respond Differently To Puberty
During an interview with Times Free Press, Rebekah McNair advised parents to talk to their children as much as they can and answer their queries sincerely and carefully. She also debunked the notion that children with autism are all the same.
"So many parents feel others misunderstand their child because the assumption is that all persons with autism are similar," she explained. "In fact, there is a saying in the autism community that, if you meet one person with autism, you meet only one person with autism."
Alyce Benson, the clinical director at the Chattanooga Autism Center, said children with autism do not share a specific personality. Furthermore, individuals who have the developmental disorder respond differently to puberty. Benson tells parents to plan ahead for the inevitable physical and emotional changes.
Prepare Kids With Autism For Puberty
"The more prepared they can be ahead of time about what changes to expect the better," Benson mused. "It is important to have open communication with children and/or identify another adult that the child can talk to if they aren't comfortable talking to a parent."
Benson added that children with autism spectrum disorder are less likely to speak their minds about the changes they're experiencing. It is important for parents to regularly initiate conversations with their kids so they would feel supported and cared for during this confusing period in their lives.
Parents Also Need Support
Children aren't the only ones who need support and advice. Web MD pointed out that caring for children with autism takes a toll on parents' physical and emotional health too.
For this reason, parents should join a strong social support group in which they can freely voice out their concerns. It is highly recommended that parents specifically know who to call when they need emotional, social, informational and practical support.
