Natural Living

Living with Autism

Support, understanding, encouragement...

Family Dynamics:
Having autism in your family definitely changes things. The “normal” life that you imagined for your family will never be, and there is some grieving associated with that realization. Your dreams and expectations for your family will change a bit, but you can still live a happy life once you learn to adjust. Don’t let anyone tell you that things will be the same as they were before, because no matter how much you may wish this to be so, it’s just not. Autistic behaviors are difficult to live with, and take some understanding and adaptation in order to have a successful family life.

There is a reason that as many as 95% of marriages fail when there is autism in the family. That is why we are creating a Family Dynamics page. We believe in the sacredness of marriage and the importance of a happy family life, and we hope to help keep families in tact through this ministry. It is an exclusive club that outsiders just cannot understand or relate to no matter how sympathetic they may be. They don’t know what it is like to never have time alone as a couple, or to be “on guard” 24 hours a day because your child has no sense of danger and likes to run away. It is not easy, but we do understand.

We know what it is like to be shunned from birthday parties and other social events. It has taken us years to find a church where we can bring the entire family! People just don’t know how to deal with autistic behaviors, and they end up isolating the families who are suffering through their lack of understanding. We get stared at in public, talked about behind our backs, and even find ourselves the brunt of rude comments from some inconsiderate folks. As parents of children with autism, you can probably relate!