Learning to Live with Autism

Mother of Two Autistic Boys Offers Valuable Tips to Affected Families.

Image Courtesy: laboshpublishing.com

(MIAMI) - As the number of children diagnosed with autism increases every year, it has become a serious concern for young families all over the country. In fact, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and other governmental agencies, autism is growing at an alarming rate of 10-17 percent every year.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that as many as 1.5 million people in the country are afflicted with autism. While much of the discussion about autism in the media focuses on the potential causes of the disorder, there is little discussion about families affected by autism.

Parents whose children are diagnosed with autism often go through a great deal of confusion and a high level of stress. Raising a child with autism can be very demanding and parents often find themselves overwhelmed with the responsibility involved. Families often find themselves limited by what they can and cannot do and this can lead to feelings of frustration and even despair.

As the mother of two autistic boys, Kathy Labosh wants to help other families with autistic children by sharing her own experiences. `Families sometimes feel like there is no where to turn for help," says Labosh, author of The Child with Autism Goes to Town, The Child with Autism at Home, and The Child with Autism Goes to Florida (Labosh Publishing, 2005). `I want to share what I have learned with affected families in hopes that it will make their lives a little bit easier."

To accomplish her mission, Labosh founded Labosh Publishing which produces tip booklets for families. In these booklets, Labosh gives advice for all facets of everyday life with children affected by autism. `It is my desire for these tips to serve as trail markers for families with autistic children as they venture out into their communities with their children in tow," says Labosh.

Her booklets cover a wide range of important topics. She shares how to prepare for family gatherings, what kinds of toys or presents children with autism like, how to keep them happy on long car or plane rides, what to do at the grocery store, and good ways to administer medicine.

As many families do feel limited by what they can do with their autistic children, Labosh wants people to realize that they don`t have to feel so limited. `You can go and do just about anything you want to do with a child with autism, you just need to go about it differently and take your time building up your skills," says Labosh. She even has a booklet on visiting Florida. The booklet, The Child with Autism Goes to Florida, evaluates all of the rides at all major Florida theme parks for sensory issues and their appropriateness for autistic children.

In addition to offering practical advice and important tips for parents, Labosh`s booklets offer hope for parents and families learning to cope with autism. `You really can enjoy a full and active life in your community," says Labosh.