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.
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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
