When you don't want to acknowledge that your child may have Autism

 

It's a very difficult topic to talk to any parent about.  Your kid is different.  But not in a way that you want to acknowledge.  You know they hit their head, flap their hands, and repeat things, but they seem normal otherwise.  And you convinced yourself that she is.  

However, you know she isn't.  

I don't wish this upon anyone.  It is one of the saddest experiences I've ever had to deal with.  As a Nanny, the one thing I want in life is for all my charges, past, present, and future, to be happy and to live wonderful lives.  Two of my kids have autism.  Both diagnosed and both very difficult to handle, but somehow, I did it for many years.  From the beginning, I knew that both kids were on the spectrum.  Repetition, head banging, lack of verbal skills, and food issues were the immediate giveaway.

The parents did not want to believe it. And as the Nanny, what was I supposed to do?  I couldn't take the children to the specialists.  They aren't my own children.  All I could do was be there for them and have patience.  Because that's what it took to help them overcome their daily obstacles.  I encourage any families to seek a diagnosis as soon as you think something could be wrong.  The earlier the intervention, the better the help.  It's definitely not easy, but don't ignore it.  And if you need someone to talk to about being upset, come to me!  I know what you're feeling.