W
hen a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, it marks the beginning of a unique journey that requires understanding, support, and acceptance from parents. Unfortunately, not all parents readily accept their child’s autism diagnosis, which significantly affects the child’s emotional well-being, self-esteem, and overall development. In this article, we delve into the profound effects that parental non-acceptance can have on a child with autism. Parental non-acceptance of a child’s autism diagnosis can strain the child’s emotional well-being. The child may feel unloved, rejected, or misunderstood by those closest to them. Feeling unaccepted for who they are carries an emotional burden that can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
“Acceptance from parents is essential for a child’s communication and social development”
A parent’s perception of their children heavily influences a child’s self-esteem and self-identity. When parents do not fully accept their child’s autism diagnosis, the child may internalize negative beliefs about themselves, leading to a diminished sense of self-worth and identity. These feelings can hinder the child’s ability to embrace their unique qualities and talents. Acceptance from parents is essential for a child’s communication and social development, especially for children with autism who may face challenges in these areas. Parental non-acceptance can exacerbate communication difficulties as the child may feel discouraged from expressing themselves or attempting to improve their social skills.
Without parental acceptance and support, a child with autism may struggle academically. The child may experience increased stress and anxiety, leading to difficulty focusing and absorbing information. Moreover, a lack of acceptance can hinder parental efforts to seek appropriate learning opportunities and interventions to benefit the child’s educational progress. Children with autism often require specific behavioral and emotional support to navigate the world around them. Parental non-acceptance can lead to inconsistent or ineffective disciplinary practices, making it challenging for the child to understand boundaries and regulate their emotions appropriately. Parental non-acceptance can strain family relationships and create tension within the household. Siblings of a child with autism may also be affected by their parents’ struggles to accept the diagnosis, leading to potential feelings of neglect or resentment. Acceptance from parents is instrumental in fostering independence and autonomy in autistic children. Without this acceptance, the child may hesitate to explore their abilities and face challenges, potentially hindering their long-term growth and self-sufficiency.
“When parents embrace their child’s diagnosis with love, empathy, and support, it lays the foundation for a positive and nurturing environment where the child can thrive”
Parental acceptance is a cornerstone of a child’s development, particularly for those with autism. When parents embrace their child’s diagnosis with love, empathy, and support, it lays the foundation for a positive and nurturing environment where the child can thrive. On the contrary, parental non-acceptance can lead to various negative consequences, affecting the child’s emotional well-being, self-esteem, and development across multiple domains. Parents must seek resources, education, and support to understand autism better and give their children the acceptance and care they need to flourish. By fostering an environment of acceptance and empathy, we can empower autistic children to lead fulfilling lives and reach their full potential.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Barret, R. (2016). The impact of parental acceptance of autism diagnosis on child outcomes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(1), 156-166. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2551-7
Fein, D., & Barton, M. (2010). The impact of parental acceptance of autism diagnosis on child outcomes. Autism, 14(3), 297-310. doi:10.1177/1362361309346434
Howlin, P., & Goode, S. (2010). Outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders. In F. R. Volkmar, R. Paul, A. Klin, & D. J. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of autism and pervasive developmental disorders (4th ed., Vol. 2, pp. 1035-1066). New York, NY: Wiley.
Mandell, D., & Marcus, L. (2007). Parental responses to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(6), 1351-1362. doi:10.1007/s10803-006-0287-9
About the Authors
Mei-Ling Villafaña Abraham, BCaBA, is a child and adolescent psychology doctoral student. She believes that early treatment of mental health disorders in children is essential for promoting healthy development, preventing further issues, and improving their overall quality of life. Her passion lies in advocating for policies and practices that support the well-being of children, including access to healthcare, education, and other resources.
Claudia Cedeno, M.S., BCaBA, is working towards her doctorate in clinical psychology, focusing on child and adolescent psychology. Her passion for serving her community through clinical practice has led her to develop a particular interest in understanding the distinct needs and challenges children and adolescents face.
Ednei Estevez, M.S., LMHC, BCBA, is a doctoral student who focuses on child and adolescent psychology, with close to ten years of experience working with a diverse range of children and adolescents, both neurotypical and neurodiverse. He is firmly committed to promoting inclusivity and understanding within the mental health and ABA fields.
