@Rockhead,
Rockhead wrote:G, someone I care a lot about has an autistic child.
I would appreciate any light you wish to shed on the subject...
I think MonaLeeza is much better prepared to shed light.
My guy only has some of the symptoms on the spectrum. But for what it's
worth, here's what's helped in our particular case.
* Face the fact that this is the way it is. There will pobably be no cure in
our lifetime. He's not going to "get better." This is very hard to do. But,
on the other hand, never abandon hope completely. I know that sounds
like a contradiction, but it isn't.
* Learn to filter out the noise and static that are part of his disability in
order to let the person come out. Here's another contradiction: accept
that the noise and static are part of the package.
* Reading and research. In our case, his mother is the one who
tirelessly seeks out new information. She reads whatever she can find;
she talks with other parents.
* The kindness of others. There are an amazing number of folks out
there who want to help. Some are part of public programs, some are
private. Take what help you can get and ask them if they know of
other programs.
* This is your life. Because of this, your life just isn't going to be the
way you always thought it would be. But it can be fulfilling and
rewarding as well as demanding. Think of it as a great trust.
Anyway, tell your friend someone else is thinking about them,
understands at least a little bit and wishes them the best.
And is sending "positive thoughts".
