How to reduce stress as a parent of a child with ASD?
A parent’s well-being is critical to his/her child’s functioning. Our team has listed some simple strategies to help improve your emotional health:
Social & Professional Support
Meeting new families in the ASD community is an automatic stress reducer. Connecting with people in similar situations and having a safe space to share your experiences and learn from others will make you feel supported. For social support within the ASD community, check out the websites of Pôle Autisme Pays de Gex and/or Pôle Autisme Genève. On the other hand, If you feel you need professional help, consider looking for therapy and consultations for individuals, and parents, who want to improve their emotional and relational well-being.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is one of the natural components of how our mind works. It emerges spontaneously when we put our attention on what we are experiencing in the present moment. This attention must be brought and maintained moment by moment, intentionally and without judgment. Resist the impulse of thinking about your child’s therapies, his/her activities, his/her tantrums, what’s for dinner, or anything else competing for your attention.
Take some time just for yourself. Sit with your thoughts without judging them and focus on your surroundings, feelings, and any sensations you may feel without trying to change them. Mindfulness can include meditation, or it can just be a specific focus on what you are doing now.
“We put a lot of effort into improving the external conditions of our existence, but ultimately it is always our mind that experiences the world and translates it into well-being or suffering. If we transform our way of perceiving things, we transform the quality of our life” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Positivism
ABA Leman’s team is aware of all the challenges that autism can bring into your life, however, practicing optimism is associated with stress reduction and even better parenting. Focusing on your child’s positive qualities and strengths will make you feel more hopeful and increase your optimism. We, at the center, cherish every accomplishment of your child and value each’s unique qualities.
Gratitude
The positive psychology approach expressed that the conscious habit of noticing the small things that are well in our life, can increase our positive feelings, and decrease stress. One way of doing this is writing down positive’s aspects of your day. You can do it in the morning to appreciate what a new day brings you or before you go to bed, to sum up, all the good things that that day gave you. Practicing gratitude can develop joy and life satisfaction.