Advice for Families of Children with Autism

We recently sat down with Dr. Candice Lake, Director of Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development for a Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation, and she shared advice for families and their support systems.

For parents of children with a new diagnosis

Dr. Lake’s first piece of advice is for parents to remember the diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is. “They are still the same kids you know and love, and a label or diagnosis doesn’t change that,” she says.

Second, Dr. Lake reminds parents that a diagnosis isn’t the result of something they did, or didn’t do. Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental and are not caused by the actions of parents.

A diagnosis is really a first step in the right direction. It means there is a label for a child’s challenges and a plan can be formed. “There’s a process, there’s hope, and things can get better,” says Dr. Lake. “We can give kids and families the skills and supports they need.”

For friends and extended family members

Just as each child with autism is different, the needs of their families vary. To provide the families in your life with meaningful support, Dr. Lake says the best way is to simply ask them what they need.

In addition to asking how to help, Dr. Lake provides a few practical suggestions –

• Awareness & Acceptance: Understanding what autism is and how it can present. “It’s important to reduce parent guilt, as well,” says Dr. Lake. “Less judging, and more compassion – because you never really know the whole story of what a child, parent, or family are dealing with.”
• Listen: Sometimes parents just need a safe space to talk about the great things about their child, but also the hard and challenging things that come with parenting a child with special needs.
• Actually Help: Give support in tangible ways. Dr. Lake suggests offering to transport kids to therapy or school or learning a kid’s protocols and therapy goals in order to provide childcare .

“It’s important to remember that kids with autism are just kids,” says Dr. Lake. “They are awesome, awesome kids.”

Wedgwood’s Autism Center for Child Development, located on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, can provide support and intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder and their families. To get connected to resources for a diagnosis, or to learn more about our center, visit www.wedgwood.org/autismcenter or call 616.965.3492

Check out the Wedgwood Coffee Break Conversation with Dr. Lake on our YouTube channel, or on the Wedgwood Podcast – available wherever you get your podcasts.