| We have all seen the statistics showing the number of | | | | make sure that the evening needs of your child are |
| marriages that collapse and end in divorce. When you | | | | met. In fact, with a little imagination and creativity, this |
| add in the additional stress of raising a child with autism | | | | can be a very wonderful time to spend together as a |
| the divorce figures are staggering. Truly, you can be | | | | couple and a family! Working together on behalf of |
| the most loving and understanding of people but you | | | | your child -- perhaps during a Floor time therapy |
| will still have trouble dealing with this level of stress. But | | | | session -- can bring a married couple together and will |
| there are indeed strategies that can help - having a | | | | reap amazing benefits for your child. |
| positive outlook on life in general and working together | | | | The first piece of advice I give families that I work with |
| with your spouse to keep the marriage healthy are | | | | as an advocate and educational consultant is to get |
| just 2 strategies that can foster a successful marriage. | | | | involved with parent support groups. And not simply |
| My marriage did not survive and I have witnessed | | | | over the internet! Though there are many wonderful |
| other fall apart too. And rarely was it because the | | | | support groups on the web. But nothing can compete |
| people involved were horrible, or uncaring. But they | | | | with the actual face to face support that you get at |
| simply were overwhelmed by the stresses imposed | | | | regular support meetings. And, if there are none in your |
| by raising a child with autism. All married couples face | | | | area then start one! I did!! And many of those people |
| stressful situations and this leads to short tempers and | | | | are my friends to this day. |
| misunderstandings. Parents of autistic children are | | | | Finally, don't hesitate to get professional help. But be |
| often tired and frazzled with the extra parental duties | | | | very careful about the person you choose. There are |
| and the lack of time together alone. Here is just one | | | | many therapists out there but very few that know |
| piece of advice, and it is not only for families of special | | | | about raising a child with a disability and the stress it |
| needs kids, but to everyone who is married. Take time | | | | brings a married couple. The best place to get |
| to enjoy each other, alone, away from the kids, the | | | | recommendations is from the support group you join. |
| way you did at the beginning of the relationship. Find a | | | | Remember, autism doesn't just affect your child -- it |
| way to go out at least one evening a week, and don't | | | | affects the entire family. If there are siblings then seek |
| talk about the kids! This will be great not only for you | | | | out sibling support groups. Believe me, all your children |
| but also for your child with autism. Remember, he or | | | | can suffer and they each need the inner strength and |
| she has to learn to respond to people other than the | | | | strength of their family to not only survive but to thrive. |
| parents! And you definitely need the time to be | | | | You are not alone. don't lock yourself away. Instead, |
| together. | | | | reach out. Yes, the stress of raising a child on the |
| Everyone is tired at the end of the work day but | | | | autism spectrum can be overwhelming but it does not |
| when you finally get home, remember that your work | | | | have to mean a death sentence on your marriage or |
| is not done! Both parents have to work together to | | | | your family. |