For Family Members

A child’s autism diagnosis affects every member of the family in different ways. Parents/caregivers must now place their primary focus on helping their child with ASD, which may put strains on their marriage, other children, work, finances, and personal relationships and responsibilities. Parents now have to shift much of their resources of time and money towards providing treatment and interventions for their child, to the exclusion of other priorities. The needs of a child with ASD complicate familial relationships, especially with siblings. However, parents can help their family by informing their other children about autism and the complications it introduces, understanding the challenges siblings face and helping them cope, and involving members of the extended family to create a network of help and understanding (Understanding Autism for Dummies, 2006).

Helpful Information

• Causes
• Symptoms
• Diagnosis
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Facts and Statistics

Resources

Autism Source
Autism Society's on-line resource database

Resources in Your Area
Find local chapters and events, take action and find organizations in your area that provide support and services

Free Resource Material Downloads
Living with Autism series, informational brochures and more

Share Your Story
Send us the story of your journey with autism (about 300 words) and a photo to stories@autism-society.org.