How do they help parents that have kids with autism?

Question

How do they help parents that have kids with autism?

Answer 1

I think every country is different but here in the UK it comes in many ways.  My son is Autistic and we get disability and carers benefits (including a new car every 3 years), he also goes to a "special" school which only has autistic pupils and every month our son goes to a residential centre for 3 days to give us a break (invaluable as he is also hyperactive).  We also go to a special club/centre for disabled kids every few weeks to talk to other parents and our local swimming pool has free swim sessions every week for families with a disabled person.  Finally its worth checking with venues when  going places and trips as you can often get reduced rates of entry and many places let the carer (parent) in for nothing.  Good luck.

Answer 2

If you are in an area where Applied Behavioral Analysis is available, this would help a lot. The teachers will train you in the programs so you can re enforce the learning. Th earlier this is started the better.

If that is not an option, there should be support groups in your area. If the child is preschool age, ask the early intervention folks where to get help. If the child is older, ask your school district about where help might be available. Also check places like United Cerebral Palsy and the Arc. There should be some help available, but you might have to fight for it!!

Answer 3

which they?

Answer 4

That all depends on how severe the autism is and what help the parents are willing to accept. In the UK we do have some really good parent support groups that are very beneficial but these are mostly run on a voluntary basis. Some parent are entitled to disability living allowance for help with their children. On the whole professional help is very poor and it is left to other parent of autistic children to pick up the pieces. I do think the National Autistic Society is too big an organisation and does nothing to support parents at grass roots level.

Answer 5

Depends on the 'they'.

When children are quite young, psychologists and other therapists can work with the child on increasing interaction, communication and sensory integrative ability. It's a federal mandate that states provide early intervention for free for every family from birth to age three, which includes therapy and training for parents.

After the age of three, the child can attend the local public school for free, depending on the district there are different programs. Some have integrated programs within their own classrooms, others have specialized schools. There they receive speech, occupational and behavioral therapy.

There are several programs that work outside of the school, most states have waivers and other programs through DHS or Dept of Health. Local colleges and uni's may also have educational or therapy programs for reduced or free pricing. Many families qualify for social security disability, which provides money to care for the child.

Support groups are in place for emotional support and sometimes legal support (if the schools are unwilling to follow federal law to assist the family)

Answer 6

There are lots of support groups. I am on the Autism Society board in my state. I also have a theater group for special needs so it is also a support for the parents as well. There are also on line groups.

Answer 7

There are a lot of support groups out there ..

they do not come to you you have to find them

The nas are understaffed i waited over 2 hours to speak to an advisor who gave me the wrong information

I get dvla for my son and a careers allowance but no help on how to cope with his autism