Support for people on the autism spectrum and their families

More than anything, you want to see your differently-abled child happy, independent and successful.  So, you do everything you can to support your child. However, that leaves you exhausted most of the time. Sometimes that might mean questioning yourself, feeling helpless, worrying you are doing something wrong or not doing enough which can trigger feelings of anxiety and depression.  So much of your life is taken up with trying to advocate for, teach and support your child.  Still, it doesn't seem like enough.  Social situations seem difficult for them and you, and there is more conflict in your home than you want to admit.  You find yourself putting your child first until you have no energy left.

As a mum of an autistic teen, I can relate as I have been and still am on a similar journey.

• Do you worry about your child not having friends and/ or spending too much time alone?
• Are you frustrated about not being able to help your child?
• Do you worry about your child’s future and the ability to function independently when you are ill or when you have passed on?
• Do you worry about your son or daughter suffering and being taken advantage of by others?
• Are you trying your best and feeling exhausted or burned out?

You are not alone.  I can walk beside you as you try to understand not only the challenges you and your family are facing but also explore strategies to help support you to cope through the process so you are not alone.

How will counselling help you?

Counselling is a non-judgemental space in which to explore your feelings, concerns and worries about your child's development. You'll have the opportunity express your feelings fully about your situation, the condition itself and how this is impacting yours and your family's lives and what this means for you  Most important, you'll be encouraged to develop your own strategies for managing and coping with what will be seem like a lifetime of worry and stress.  Over time you'll gain more comfort and confidence around managing your own worries and frustrations  when it comes to your differently-abled child and feel more empowered in helping to support them towards a a good-enough outcome for all.