Parent Coping and Self-Care: Strategies to Overcome Isolation
Social Support is essential for all parents, but especially those who are parenting a child on the Autism Spectrum. To overcome isolation parents should consider developing social coping strategies.
Having at least 2-3 close personal connections that we can trust to lean on and connect with weekly can provide parents with a greater sense of predictability and stability. Studies show that when we have close connections with family and friends, we not only live longer, but go through life with increased well-being.
Joining a Parent Support Group – Becoming a part of a community is a key social coping strategy. By joining support groups for caregivers of children with Autism, parents can create connections with other caregivers who may be experiencing similar challenges. Meeting other parents in their community allows families to share useful community service options but also provides the families with an improved sense of inclusion.
Suggested Resource:
Connectability – Listings for Ontario Parent Support Groups https://connectability.ca/2013/12/04/family-support-groups/
Image source: Pluslexia.com
Respite Care – Caring for a child with ASD can be as rewarding as it is challenging. It is important for parents to take breaks and take some time for themselves. Parents can ask their friends and family members for support but another option is to find short-term care for their child through respite care.
There are a few different approaches to finding respite care for your loved one. The first step is to learn about the types of respite options that may exist in your community such as an in-home or out-of-home model.
To improve the transition of care, parents can create a small package of information about their child to share with the respite service provider, including likes and dislikes, schedules and other relevant information.
Suggested Resources:
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/caregiving/respite-care.htm
Locating a Respite Service in Ontario:
- Respite Services https://www.respiteservices.com/
Image Source: Ben W.
Suggested Resource:
- Partners for Planning, Connecting to Family Networks https://www.planningnetwork.ca/resources/managing-the-new-normal-connecting-to-family-network
