What can I do to make it easier for my family?

[Kamex]

It has dawned on me for the first time that my family is suffering greatly because of my autism. I wonder if this might even be the cause of my Dad's depression. I feel really awful now, and I want to know if there is something I can do. I cannot stop myself from throwing the occasional fit, I cannot help the fact that grease causes me extreme pain, and I cannot help the fact that get locked up in space out mode and am unable to hear my Mom when she homeschools me, but perhaps there is something I can do to make the experience easier for my family. I am asking this in a parent forum because I want to ask the parents what I can do. I feel like there isn't anything I can do, but I thought I'd post anyway on the off chance that there is. I now feel like I am becoming depressed too.

[cmdennis]

I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. I am a parent of a 12 year old who happens to be autistic. From watching my son grow over the years, I know how difficult it can be to not do certain things that everyone around you keeps telling you is not acceptable and how sometimes it is so very difficult to control what you don't even realize what you are doing. If you are like my son, controlling or even understanding your emotions can be very difficult and confusing too. I think your parents probably understand this as well. Talk to them. Many children worry that they may be what is causing problems at home, I know there were times when I did. Often the trouble isn't with them at all. Ask your parents if you can talk to them and tell them how worried you are. If you don't know how to explain it, show them your message that you posted. I know that if my son was feeling this way, I would want him to talk with me, no matter what it was about. I also would not want him thinking that it was his fault, especially if it had nothing to do with him. Even if you think this will not solve anything, just try it. It really can't hurt. Good luck and know that I am sending you my best wishes! Please post and let me know if this helps.

Crystal

[AutMom]

I agree with cmdennis that it helps so much when my son can tell me about things.

My son has had a problem with fits, and we have learned that there are things that make him more apt to have them. One thing we found out is that he's intolerant of milk products. He's now milk free and takes enzymes.

Another thing we found out is that his seratonin is very low, which makes him prone to depression. For that he takes Paxil.

Your dad's depression could actually be low seratonin.

Its great that you are seeking information that may help your family.

[Jnoland]

[QUOTE=Kamex]It has dawned on me for the first time that my family is suffering greatly because of my autism. I wonder if this might even be the cause of my Dad's depression. I feel really awful now, and I want to know if there is something I can do. I cannot stop myself from throwing the occasional fit, I cannot help the fact that grease causes me extreme pain, and I cannot help the fact that get locked up in space out mode and am unable to hear my Mom when she homeschools me, but perhaps there is something I can do to make the experience easier for my family. I am asking this in a parent forum because I want to ask the parents what I can do. I feel like there isn't anything I can do, but I thought I'd post anyway on the off chance that there is. I now feel like I am becoming depressed too.[/QUOTE]

[Jnoland]

Autism is life changing for everyone in the family but first and foremost for the child. So if you are feeling a little down and insecure talk to your family about it. If everyone is on the same page it always makes it better. You and your family can always go to some family or individual therapy. There isn't anything wrong with asking for help. As far as feeling guilty about your autistic tendency, don't. You can't help it and there is nothing to be guilty about. If everyone tries there best that's what counts.