Are you caring for a child with special needs? If your answer is yes, you are not alone! Research from ‘The Carers Trust’ highlight that 14% of all carers (approx. 840,000) care for people with neuro-diverse conditions, including autistic-spectrum conditions.

Also, if you have answered yes, you will also know that caring for a child with autism or other neuro-diverse needs can be life-altering and often leave you feeling isolated and in need of support.

For many this support may come from a spouse, family or friends.

There may be times however, that you may lose touch with family and friends due to the demanding needs of being a carer. A study by ‘Contact a Family’ shows that two-thirds of families caring for a disabled child reported feeling isolated.

However, there are also other forms of support outside of your initial circle that can be accessed to enhance the life of both you and your child.

Many of you may have already made the decision to join a support group, where you can connect with like-experienced people. It is crucial to build relationships with those who can relate to your circumstances, share advice, understand your feelings and emotions, and most importantly, offer encouragement.
There are a range of support services available for parents of children with neuro-diverse needs, both for professional insight and personal support. Gaining the right support at the right time is key to living a fulfilling life. Taking stock of what you need to take care of yourself today, can and will positively impact the future of you and your family.
Through my career as a teacher and coach supporting families living with special needs. I have become more and more aware of the need to support parents in their journey. The Americans have a saying- Happy wife, Happy life. I like to think Happy Parents, Happy Mini-Me’s and more importantly empowered parents lead to empowered children.
To achieve this there are coaches and mentors who can offer family-focused support. They are in your corner to advise, support, and empower you through your journey as a family. Their job is to aid you to develop a solution focused attitude to the challenges you may face.
Managing possible behaviours, accessing the right support, and caring for your child’s needs can leave you understandably tired, frustrated and many times feeling alone.
A coach can alleviate some of this as they help you work through any concern such as your child’s ability to communicate, educational needs, preparing for changes in their lives, and other areas that are unique to you and your family.
An impartial voice at these times can be priceless.
Every day can present a different path of your journey, many of which can be challenging but this is a little reminder that you’re not on your own, you don’t have to walk this journey feeling isolated and unsure about the future of you and your family.
Make the decision today to access some of the support that is available to you and make today the start of your journey to empowerment and uniquely taking your place.

Emma Pinnock – Autism and Behaviour Consultant

Rebekah Louise a freelance writer for hire. Her passion is to write about emotional and physical health and wellness for the benefit of others.