Raising children can be difficult even in
the best situation, as the regular passage of childhood often contains special
stressors and other challenges. As parents who have children along the autism
spectrum well know, childhood is a time of great change and development, which
can be especially trying for their children and the family.
There are a number of community and
government resources available throughout the country to help parents and
caregivers receive the support that they need to help care for a child who
has been diagnosed with a significant health issue or condition.
Whether you have a child on the autism
spectrum or who has a learning disability, it is important that you know that
there are several types of assistance available to you. Assistance is wide
ranging and diverse and can include financial support to those with economic
difficulties and social support from others who are going through a similar
challenge.
The following are just a few of the many
types of programs that are available.
My Time: has groups all across Australia that
connect parents, grandparents and other carers so that they can support one
another in their efforts to care for their children that suffer from a disease,
disability or other serious health condition. Groups meet locally on a regular
basis, and include a designated carer that will facilitate the children playing
constructively while the parents and other primary carers have a chance to meet
in person and share their stories, tips and advice for how to cope with the
challenges that they face. This community resource is especially helpful to
families with children along the autism spectrum.
Australian Government Support for
Disability and Carers: the
Australian government has several programs and resources for the parents and
primary carers of children with serious diseases, disorders and disabilities.
Support is wide ranging and includes anything from providing assistance with
coping financially and mentally with the special challenges that carers face as
they provide care and assistance to children with specific needs and challenges.
Specific Australian Government Support for
Children Along the Autism Spectrum:
is a great place to start your research if you are seeking help with caring
for a child who is along the autism spectrum. This resource provides
information and links to assistance that is available to families and other
carers of children with autism spectrum disorders.
The Carer Adjustment Payment: provides information to parents and
other carers that need financial assistance to care for their child who is
under the age of 7 and also has a serious disease, disorder or disability.
State and Territory Carers Associations: provides information about resources
available to carers throughout Australia, with links to contact information so
that carers can receive local assistance and support.
If you are struggling with the care of your
child, consider looking into these resources to ensure that you have all the
help and assistance that you need.
