Being your child's advocate

Being your child's advocate

Other than the doctors and therapists in your autistic
child’s life, there may be one expert on your child that
you may have overlooked: You!

As a parent, you’re the one who has spent the most time
with your child and, with or without a formal education
in autism, you have already figured out what works
with your child and what doesn’t.

As an expert on your child, you may find yourself being
your child’s advocate all the time.

Much of this advocacy happens in the classroom.

You’ll need to tell your child’s teacher what techniques
work best, what triggers your child and what calms your
child.

If you find that the school system is just dragging your
child along without actually educating him or her,
you’ll need to advocate by talking to the teacher,
the principal, or even a lawyer.

It may take all of these people to get the school
system to take your child’s education seriously.

You may choose to spend a little time observing or
volunteering in your child’s classroom.

This can help you see what’s going on in the classroom
and can provide you with the information you need to
be the best advocate you can be.

You may also need to be your child’s advocate with
your child’s doctor or doctors.

Too often, they spend just a few minutes with your
child and may need to hear from you the reality of
what’s going on in your household on a daily basis.

Prepare yourself with a list of questions and comments
to share with the doctor when you meet with him or her.

You may also need to advocate for your child with the
public that still doesn’t completely understand autism.

If you want your child to attend a particular day-care
or take piano lesions, you’ll need to explain to people
about your child’s condition and tell them what they
can expect when working with your child.

Many people, even educators, are afraid of autism and
tend to shy away from dealing with those who suffer
from it.

With your honest and forthright advocacy, you can teach
others about autism and specifically about your child
so that your child gets the best care and education
possible.

The Parenting Autism Resource Guide: A Complete Resource Guide For Parents Who Have Children Diagnosed With Autism.