Developmental Disorders - Autism, Asperger

Most developmental disabilities (Autism, Asperger...)are thought to be caused by a complex mix of factors.

These factors include

• genetics;
• complications during birth;
• infections the mother might have during pregnancy or the baby might have very early in life;
• and exposure of the mother or child to high levels of environmental toxins, such as lead.

"Families with a child with a developmental disorders enter the world of mental health in the crisis of diagnosis. For some parents, the world change when the child is born with Down's syndrome or brain damage.For other parents, anxiety grows slowly with the ominous sense that something is wrong with the young child.

In other cases the parents are bothered by the poor performances of the child at school but deny any serious problem before a learning disorder is diagnosed. At this point recognition of the problem usually brings shock, anger, sadness and a sense of unfairness. The anger may be directed at self, spouse, child, obstetricians or other experts."(R. Permulter, A Family Approach to Psychiatric Disorders) 

Importantly, researchers emphasise that these reactions are a normal response to a very challenging situation

Parents of children with intellectual disabilities face many losses.

The loss of their dreams, hopes, and aspirations for their child can cause great sorrow.

Moreover, there remains a profound social stigma attached to intellectual disabilities. It can be an ongoing and difficult adjustment for families. They must learn to cope with a wide range of difficult emotions.

Feelings of guilt, frustration, disappointment, uncertainty, worry, sadness, and grief are very common.

Therapy and counselling can help you to find new coping strategies at the different stages of your child's development.