What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopment
disorders that range in complexity. The onset usually presents in early childhood. Children with ASD may show common symptoms of repetitive characteristic
behavioral patterns, preoccupation and challenges with social communication. These symptoms may disrupt daily
functioning.
The term “spectrum” simply refers to the broaden range of disability
functioning levels along with symptom and skill levels. These levels are often classified from "1" (being
the mildest to level) to "3" (referring to those who require the most support).
What are some common signs of ASD?
Infants
and children with ASD may appear different when compared to other children their
age. The children may seem preoccupied with
certain actions and objects. They may
lack the ability to give eye contact for more than 3 seconds. ASD children may fail to engage or have playful
interactions with family. In other cases, there are those
who may develop normally until the age of two or three, but then, start to show
signs of indifference and social awkwardness.
ASD occurs in individuals across the world regardless of
race, ethnicity or socioeconomic classifications. However, it should be noted that there is a
higher ratio of ASD among males in comparison to females.
What is Lay Caregiving?
Informal or "Lay" caregiving
is an unforeseen duty which may slowly consume the provider’s routines of daily life. In many cases, the provider is often catapulted into
the life of caregiving by either a slow or sudden event. Either way, these transitions are immensely complicated. Some of the common examples of what places
families into the life of informal caregiving stand at:
- aging parents
- tragic
accidents
- the births of babies with milestones
and the list continues.
Lay caregiving can
wear on the fabric of families. Sleep deprivation,
exhaustion and the lack of self-care or personal time usually contributes to the
breakdown of vital relationships. The vital
relationships affected are usually between spouses, siblings and close friends.
The damage often runs deeper into the relationships
among the parents and children; the lay providers and the close friends; or even
the lay providers and their coworkers or the general public.
Support offers
stress relief for the entire family. Support helps keep all who are involved safe
and comfortable enough to function in their daily activities without completely
compromising ones quality of life. Finding dependable and tangible support is often a battle within itself.
For more information contact us or visit these helpful links:
What is "Burnout"?
Without support, Lay (or
informal) caregivers are eventually consumed by their obligated duties. The lay provider’s fade in appearance is often the first
sign of burnout/consumption. There is often a change in their mood
and stamina. A provider may also have increased anxiety, sadness and physical body pain.
It is
important for the caregivers, family and friends to recognize these initial signs
and symptoms fore getting the proper help with relief can stop the onset of “Burnout”
which compromises the care and wellness of the dependent(s).
What to do
when a Lay provider is “Burnt-out”?
Seek professional
help for the individual(s) who are suffering.
Seek professional care for the
dependent(s).
Professional help can be found through your local hospital social worker.
Please contact us or call 844.899.3215
