Autism

Autism is a spectrum of complexity and differs for every individual. It is a developmental
disorder, however, for many of those diagnosed with Autism, they also experience some
additional struggles with sensory integration, as well as mental health issues (Depression,
Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive). For a parent, it can be truly overwhelming as you have to learn
how to best meet your child’s needs, as well as your own. Recognizing that your child’s brain
just works differently and that their individualism are their gifts, not their weaknesses. As a
parent of two boys with Autism, who present totally different, with one being diagnosed at an
early age, while the other at school age, learning to parent each of them has been challenging.
One thing I have learned is that it’s ok to ask for support, for them and for yourself, and in
doing so, is not viewed as a weakness or your inability to be a good parent. As a parent, you
have to recognize the areas your child is struggling with, and then be their advocate to assist
them in learning how to adapt, manage and regulate themselves in society. You just have to do
things differently, and that’s OK.
“Life is a journey for all of us, and there is no direct path, but therapy has played an integral part for all of us. As my boys prepare to enter their next phase of life of post-secondary education, I am confident they will attain their goals, it’s just going to take time.” – Parent of two boys with autism.

Conceptual Framework of Autism

The conceptual framework for autism is quite complicated. There are a lot of comorbid disorders that occur with ASD. Comorbid is defined as two or more separate disorders being diagnosed in one individual. Several reviews have indicated that the most comorbid psychiatric conditions with high functioning ASD include AD/HD, Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Depression and Bipolar Disorder (Mazzonem, Ruta, and Reale, 2012)

Depression

Depression is at a higher rate in the ASD population (Compared to typical population). What might this look like?

• Loss of special interests
• Increased Cognitive Rigidity
• Decreases in Restorative Non-social Time
• Downward Social Spiral