A Job For Life

This week, we're looking at a great blog post from catonatrampoline, an Autism Mommy Blogger, who writes about Autism and parenthood. In her post, A Job For Life, she imagines an introduction letter from the Human Resources Manager at 'AutismLand' to the newly-minted Autism Parent, complete with required qualifications, on-the-job training, and employee benefits and incentives. 

catonatrampoline writes: 

"Congratulations on your successful appointment to the position of Autism Parent.

We understand that you may be confused by this appointment, as you never actually applied for the post in the first place. You may also be concerned that there are no contact details in this letter, so you cannot write, call, or email us to turn the position down. Your concerns are to be expected, and will become less over time."

(catonatrampoline, A Job For Life)

For "Qualifications", she states: "the only essential qualification required is to be the parent of an autistic child", and in terms of "Training You Will Receive Before Taking Up The Post", she wryly notes: "None." (ibid.)

catonatrampoline captures the common anxiety and desperation of a new parent coming to terms with their child's diagnosis, and starting down the path of educating themselves about Autism, and how they can best support and guide their child through a world that will, at times, overwhelm them, exclude them, judge them, or deny them the same opportunities as their neurotypical peers. The battle for these parents has just begun to ensure that their child is provided with compassionate and knowledgeable caregivers, access to effective education, and inclusion in the social landscape of their environment. 

I think this post is a great reminder for all of us that while the start of a new school year can be stressful for any parent, the job of an Autism parent is an even more nerve-wracking affair. Our parents are starting on a 10-month adventure of attending countless IEP meetings, dealing with teacher communication, helping with homework, pushing behavioural strategies and support, fighting tooth-and-nail to make sure that their child doesn't fall behind, and much, much more. 

We need to be a haven for these parents - always, but especially during the tough first few months of school. We need to be the welcoming arms that greet them with the same compassion we extend to their children. We need to be the people that have their back, even when the day has been long, and we're tired, and they're tired, and their child is tired... It's our job to be the positive energy in the room, to be empathetic to their concerns, and to give them an account of the day that doesn't drive their cortisol levels through the roof! 

Throughout September, let's all remember to check ourselves at the door (literally!) when we are greeting parents before or after a session, and to recognize that their batteries are often more depleted than ours, and that by being their cheerleader and coach, we can make the biggest impact in the lives of our families.