As a parent of a child with autism, you may need extra help from your family and friends. Whether it’s getting help with childcare or needing someone to talk to about your experience, asking for support is essential. But how can you enlist it? Here are some tips for asking the people in your life for assistance.
Tips for Asking for Support
- Focus on What You Need: The first step is to be clear about what kind of support you need from your family and friends. Do you need someone who can watch your child while you work? Are you just looking for an understanding ear? Or do you require more practical help, such as financial assistance or respite care? Knowing what kind of support you need will make it easier to ask for it.
- Be Direct and Specific: Once you know what type of support you are looking for, be direct when asking family and friends to provide it. Don’t beat around the bush; be clear about what exactly it is that they can do to help out. It’s also important to be specific in terms of how they can assist; try saying something like “Would you be able to watch my son on Tuesday afternoons so I can go grocery shopping?” rather than “Do you think you could help me out sometimes?” Being direct and specific ensures that everyone involved knows exactly what is expected of them.
- Acknowledge That It Is Not Easy: Don’t forget that caring for a child with autism isn’t easy—for either the parent or their loved ones! Try not to overwhelm people by asking too much at once; instead, break down tasks into smaller chunks so that everyone involved doesn’t feel overwhelmed or anxious about providing the necessary assistance at once.
Seeking assistance from family and friends when caring for a child with autism isn’t always easy–but it’s often necessary! By focusing on what exactly it is that you need, being direct without overwhelming people, and acknowledging that this process isn’t always easy, enlisting the support of those around you should become much simpler! Caring for a child with autism requires understanding and patience–and knowing where to turn when needed most definitely helps!
About Circle City ABA
Circle City ABA understands that caring for children with autism also means caring about their families – so we provide full-family education and support from day one. You’re an active and involved part of the process. To us, that means we’re here to walk you through what we’re doing and why. We share in your child’s wins together, and we’re always available to answer questions, discuss concerns, or workshop solutions to problems together. Learn more and contact us today to get started.
