- What are the main challenges faced by a person with autism when they reach adulthood?
- In the case of people with Asperger's, what are these challenges?
- How do you face the future when you have another disorder besides ASD, such as psychosis?
- As adults, how can we know if we have ASD if we have never been diagnosed?
- Do the symptoms of ASD worsen with age?
- How can we support our children through higher education? Is the system prepared to facilitate their integration?
- How can we help a person with autism in their workplace?
- What is the role of parents when their children with autism grow up?
- Can a person with autism live alone?
- What to do when a person with autism or Asperger's becomes overwhelmed in a relationship and withdraws? How can you help them?
- What are the sexual and emotional relationships like for people with autism? How can partners help?
- What are the main difficulties in social interaction and what strategies can be followed?
- Given the difficulty of diagnosing and intervening with women with ASD, what should we take into account and what does the evidence tell us about interventions with this group by community mental health services?
- How can adult autism be differentiated from borderline personality disorder (BPD), besides impulsivity?
- How to address the incompatibility and conflicts of a mother with ASD towards a child with ASD in daily life given the rigidity and low tolerance for frustration and lack of empathy-understanding of both?
- What can be expected from specialized care when a person with ASD moves into the adult care network?
- How can you motivate a person with autism to improve their physical activity habits?
- What therapy is used in cases of people with ASD who self-harm?
What is the role of parents when their children with autism grow up?
This is a very interesting question... autism has usually been associated with childhood and adolescence, as if everything would be resolved when you turn 18. This is not the case. We grow and age, of course, but so do our parents and caregivers.
However, we must remember that there are people with autism, myself included, who have managed to build families. I mean, we may have our problems, but if our parents are no longer our main support, our partners can be.
Even so, in more severe or dependent cases than mine, I understand that it can be very difficult for caregivers to look after a person with special needs as they age. And I mean this both emotionally and financially, for example. That said, some ways they can support their children include expanding their support networks with friends, family, support groups, and so on . It's also important for parents to plan for the future of their adult child with autism in case they are unable to care for them in the future. This may involve seeking a legal guardian for their child.
In any case, aspects such as establishing routines and clear boundaries can be helpful not only in childhood but also in adulthood. And of course, don't forget to teach your child to be independent: cooking, cleaning, etc. Finally, remember that it's very important for caregivers to take care of themselves as well.
