Information is the key

For all of us parents with children with any form of disability, not just Autism, our job is primarily to care, nurture and advocate for them because they can't do it themselves.  Even just our kids in general.  Being a parent is a lifelong employment opportunity and lets face it the pay isn't overly fantastic but the benefits outweigh that.  But what happens when it gets too much?  What happens when you do have that time when you just want to have a break down and give up?  Trust me it does happen.  It happens to a lot of us.  In most cases when you hold that gorgeous baby in your arms you are nowhere near able to predict the events that are going to take place on a daily basis for the rest of your life. 

As a parent of a child (possibly 2) with Autism, on top of the usual chef, laundromat and cleaner that mums are, I am also a researcher and advocate for my son.  Finding the right information is essential.  I already know a lot about sensory issues but there is always room for more information. 

Yesterday I did two workshops at Autism Queensland and honestly they blew my mind.  Seriously if you are a parent in Queensland I really do highly recommend their workshops no matter what age your child with Autism or Aspergers is.  I learnt so much helpful information with for one what ASD is and what it means and how to deal with Challenging Behaviour.  The main thing I learnt yesterday is that behaviour = communication.  It's not that Callum is being a 'little turd' so to speak but it is his way of communicating that there is something he can't handle, he needs help and basically that something isn't quite right.  They helped me identify his triggers and what to use to motivate Cal.  I was so grateful also for all the teachers I saw there yesterday.  These women and men are the lovely people who are there to educate our kids and they need this info just as much as we do. 

So if you have a place like AQ that you can get info or help from USE IT! That's what they're there for.  I definately walked out of there yesterday feeling more positive and feeling more able to cope.  I was even still positive with the peak hour traffic I got to drive home in lol.

Here are some links below for Autism Support Services throughout each state in Australia

Autism Queensland

Autism Spectrum Australia

Autism Western Australia

Autism South Australia

Autism Tasmania

Autism Northern Territory

Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia

I am doing more research to find other sources as well a bit later.  Hope you all find some of these links highly useful :)