Impact on Family of Autism

Personal Accounts

“He is a blessing! A gift from God! Helps everyone in our home spiritually” (Parent , Myers et al 2009)

“He keeps me going, there is never a dull moment, I couldn't see my life without him. He makes you laugh, cry, feel happy, and everyday is a new accomplishment” (Parent , Myers et al 2009)

“My son has so enriched my life that it is unbelievable. I have learned so much about living life fully, about God and the nature of man, about love. It hasn't been easy all the time, but I would not trade the experience for anything. I think regular kids are boring. You don't have to try to read their minds, expressions or mannerisms. I love him better than life itself” (Parent , Myers et al 2009)

"You have to constantly explain what's wrong with him. People don't understand, they don't live with it 24 hours a day and get the constraints that come with him – I can't take him to Asda, can't take him on holiday because he can't stand the cabin pressure. It governs absolutely everything, where you go, what you eat, it's your whole life, even down to whether the patterns on the wallpaper are going to upset him. I can't do the simplest things that other people take for granted." (Parent of seven-year-old boy with autism, Simmons, 2008)

"We've had major disruption to family life for 16 years. Injuries to family members, especially parents. Parents' social life destroyed for 16 years. Severe limitations on where to go for holidays and what to do. Major reduction in family income (halved) due to one parent having to be at home all the time." (Parent, Barnard J. et al, 2011)

"Our marriage suffered and is still not right. I can understand why so many parents of autistic children are divorced." (Parent, Barnard J. et al, 2011)

Updated

01 Nov 2017