Free Holiday Guide Offers Tips For Parents of Autistic Children: Booklet Provides "Top Ten Tips" To Enjoy Holiday Season

Online, December 14, 2013 (Newswire.com) - During the holiday season, parents of autistic and special needs children are often depressed and isolated. Many feel as though a spotlight is being shined on their lives, and that their families fail to measure up to the so-called "normal" families depicted in movies, TV shows and ads. This can create feelings of guilt, loneliness and stress that can take all of the joy out of the holidays.

Your Autism Coach (YAC), a New York-based parent coaching and seminar company, has published Enjoying The Holidays With Your Autistic Child. This free booklet provides proven techniques designed to help parents, not only survive and manage the holidays, but actually enjoy them with their family and friends. A copy of the guide is available at no cost, by downloading it, at www.yourautismcoach.com.
Parents can also call (347) 869-4705 or send an e-mail to info@yourautismcoach.com to request a copy.

According to Your Autism Coach, parents should consider applying these tips to enjoy the holiday season:

• Don't isolate yourself. Your friends and family don't like or love you less because you have a child with autism. In fact, they probably admire and respect you more than ever after seeing how difficult it can be to raise a child with a disability. Don't shut these people out of your life. Reach out and you will find many hands waiting to take yours. Spending time with those who care for you will make you feel good and recharge your batteries. You'll have more energy to make the holidays special for your entire family.

• Ask for help when you need it. Unless you have a secret identity and a cape in your closet, you're not a superhero. And without super powers, no parent of an autistic child is going to make it through the rest of their lives without help. The good news is that this is the best season for seeking that extra aid. There's no shame in asking for and accepting help. Allowing others to assist you will also make them feel good about the holidays.

• Schedule some "me time". When your family and good friends ask what they should get you for a holiday gift, you can do yourself a huge favor by asking for one thing - - a few hours of "me time". Let them come over to take care of or play with your child in your home for a few hours. Familiar surroundings will make it easier for your autistic child and wonderful caregiver. You will know that your child is safe and well-cared for, and that you don't have to pay for child care. And giving you time off, with peace of mind, is the best present your friends and family can give you - - and it won't cost them a dime. Does life get any better than this?

• Give yourself permission to enjoy. Should you be happy, laughing with friends at a party, with an autistic child waiting for you back at home? Yes! Some people seem to think that having a child with autism means you must always be stressed and depressed. It's bad enough when other people try to impose that thinking on you, but it's even worse when you do it to yourself. Parents of autistic children may feel guilty for a having a good time over the holidays. But there is no reason to feel guilty. A bit of enjoyment is good for you, and believe it or not, good for your child. So make sure you've got child care arrangements you have confidence in, then go to that dinner with friends, that office function or that holiday party. It will do wonders for your emotional outlook to unload the weight of the autism burden for a few hours. By giving yourself permission for joy, you'll bring home new and positive energy for your whole family.

• Make 2014 The Best Year Yet. First, give yourself a pat on the back for surviving 2013! Recognize and reward yourself for being the great parents that you are. Because of you, day in and day out, your child's daily, personal, educational and medical needs are being met. You're a rock star in your child's life and he/she would be lost without you. So ring out the old year and bring in the new one on a positive note. And make your New Year's resolution to take better care of yourself - - to make your own needs and happiness a priority, along with everyone else's. You deserve it. And, most importantly, it's the best gift you can give yourself, child and family.

Your Autism Coach is committed to providing superior coaching services and seminars that address the issues and concerns of parents of autistic and special needs children.

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