When a child is diagnosed with autism, it affects the entire family. In addition to a shared, genuine concern for your loved one, there comes the potential for financial challenges, social obstacles and new, overwhelming changes in schedule as a result of the services put in place to help the child with autism overcome symptoms. The impact of autism on families varies, depending on a wide range of factors that may include the severity of the individual diagosed, as well as the family's financial capability and time to manage and cope with change. When one person is diagnosed with autism, the entire family embarks on a journey of hope, discovery, education, healing and strength.

Autism creates social challenges for family members and caregivers, too.

Because autism is a developmental disorder, those who are challenged by the symptoms of autism typically demonstrate difficulty socializing with their peers. Some individuals with autism are nonverbal, and therefore, must learn other ways to communicate. Parents and caregivers, too, may experience social challenges. They may drift away from friends who fail to show support or take the time to understand what it’s like to have a child with autism. Siblings, too, may become worried that their peers will view their family as “different."

Treating autism could be financially draining.

The financial pressures on a family with a child with autism can be significant. While some therapies are covered by a family's insurance plans, not all treatments are covered and as a result, some families have to pay out of pocket for specific therapies that they believe will help their child. This adds up after a while, especially if a double income in the household is lost due to one parent staying home to manage services for the child with autism.

An autism diagnosis can take an emotional toll on the entire family.

Not only are there social and financial challenges faced by families with a child with autism, there are other day-to-day hurdles that can cause a lot of stress. For parents, this includes getting your child to and from school and therapy appointments, working with their child at home, or simply trying to have a conversation—everyday responsibilities or tasks that may not be as challenging for families with typically developing children. Knowing your child struggles that much more than the average child can be simply heartbreaking. Siblings, too, hurt for their brother or sister and may also resent them or their parents at times when they feel like they get less attention.

If your child has been diagnosed with autism, know that you’re not alone.

While it may feel like it sometimes, families who have faced an autism diagnosis are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 68 children have autism in the United States. This is why joining support groups can be beneficial, as you will have the opportunity to connect with other families who may be on a similar journey and can help with ideas or strategies or simply be another shoulder to lean on.

Autism can be a seemingly devastating diagnosis at first but there are so much progress has been made in helping individuals with autism overcome symptoms and lead healthy, happy and productive lives, which ultimately, supports a family in achieving the same success together.

Has your child been diagnosed with autism? Learn about the Northport Wellness Center's Autism Recovery program.