Managing Feelings of Overwhelm and Guilt When Starting ABA Therapy for Your Child

Starting ABA therapy for your child can fill you with hope and overwhelm. As a parent, facing early intervention challenges after an autism diagnosis can make you doubt and feel guilty. These feelings can shadow your good intentions.

Starting ABA therapy is like an emotional rollercoaster for many parents. It’s hard to manage the guilt that comes with it. With 75% of autistic adults dealing with depression or anxiety, it’s clear how complex these emotions are¹. Learning to navigate these feelings can make your journey better and help your child more.

Creating a supportive environment for your child and yourself is key. It can turn that initial overwhelm into steps forward.

• Understanding the emotional impact of an autism diagnosis helps in managing initial reactions.
• ABA therapy can provide significant benefits when started early, despite the accompanying challenges.
• Feelings of overwhelm and guilt are common among parents navigating therapy for children with autism.
• Building a robust support network is essential for managing these feelings more effectively.
• Coping strategies, such as mindfulness, can enhance your ability to support your child.

Getting an autism diagnosis can stir up a mix of emotions for families. Parents might feel shocked, relieved, and worried about the future. It’s key to understand these feelings to talk openly and support each other.

Parents might feel guilty for not spotting symptoms sooner or scared of what’s to come. Adults with autism often face more health issues like depression and anxiety². They may also struggle with communication their whole lives².

This highlights the need for early diagnosis and help. It can change a person’s life path for the better.

Acceptance is crucial for families dealing with autism. It helps them see their child’s needs and find helpful services. Studies show that love, support, and acceptance from family can reduce stress³.

Parents who accept the diagnosis can better support their child. They can also speak up for their needs more effectively.

Getting a diagnosis of autism for your child can feel overwhelming. It’s important to start learning about autism spectrum disorder (ASD) right away. This knowledge helps you find the best treatment options for your child.

First, collect all the autism resources you can find. Learning about ASD’s main traits helps you talk better with your child’s care team. Make a list of questions for them to make sure you get all the important info⁴. It’s also good to talk about how you’re feeling after the diagnosis⁴.

After learning about autism, look into treatment choices. Early help is key, as studies show it can really help with developmental issues and improve life skills⁵. ABA therapy, for example, can help with communication, social skills, and daily tasks⁵. Combining ABA with speech therapy can make communication better⁵.

It’s important to customize these treatments for your child. This way, they get the most help based on their own strengths and challenges⁵. Also, adding in occupational therapy and special education can help even more with your child’s growth⁵.

Understanding ABA therapy is key for parents of children with autism. This method has helped kids with autism since the 1960s. It focuses on improving skills and reducing bad behaviors.

ABA therapy, or applied behavior analysis, is for kids with autism. It helps with communication, social skills, and daily tasks. It uses positive methods and is tailored to each child’s needs⁶⁷.

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) helps create a plan. This plan uses different techniques to help the most⁶.

ABA therapy can greatly help your child. They might get better at talking, socializing, and doing everyday things⁶. Families see real changes and feel more confident in the therapy⁶.

Studies show ABA helps with communication, social skills, and behavior⁸.

Starting ABA therapy can bring up many emotions for parents and caregivers. It’s important to understand these feelings of overwhelm and parental guilt as families start this journey. ABA therapy affects people in different ways, from adjusting to new routines to feeling the emotional impact of therapy.

Many parents feel overwhelmed when they start ABA therapy for their kids. The therapy schedule, new routines, and expectations can be chaotic. They have to manage therapy logistics and daily tasks at the same time.

With a big time commitment—often 40 hours a week for young kids—parents worry about the pressure on their child. This can lead to emotional burnout for both the child and the parent⁹. It’s key to understand these complexities to find ways to cope.

Parental guilt is a common feeling during ABA therapy. Parents might feel they should have done more before starting therapy. This guilt can make them feel they don’t deserve self-care or support while caring for their child.

It’s important for parents to recognize these feelings and know that seeking help doesn’t mean they’re not good enough. It shows they’re committed to their child’s progress¹⁰. By accepting ABA therapy emotions as normal, parents can take care of their emotional well-being. This creates a supportive environment for both them and their children.

Therapy-related guilt can really affect caregivers. It’s key to understand that these feelings are normal in such a tough role. Parents often feel guilty because they want the best for their kids. This guilt is a natural response to the deep commitment parents have.

Studies show guilt is a common emotion, acting as a warning when we feel we’re not living up to our values¹¹. Recognizing this can help parents ease some of their emotional load.

Knowing guilt is part of the job can be comforting. A 2018 study found that those who feel guilt more often are seen as trustworthy¹². Guilt in caregiving usually comes from wanting to support our loved ones the best way possible.

By accepting this feeling, parents can find a balance between being too hard on themselves and truly caring for others.

Self-compassion is crucial for parents dealing with guilt. A 2015 study linked early depression in kids to excessive guilt¹². Reflecting on our actions and their effects can help us understand if our guilt is helpful or not.

By facing unhelpful guilt, we can clarify our values and beliefs. This helps us align our actions with what we believe is right¹¹.

By embracing self-compassion, caregivers can create a supportive space. This space welcomes emotions and prioritizes self-care. Therapy can help untangle these feelings, leading to better emotional health¹³.

Creating a strong support network is key for parents of children with autism. This network can include joining parent support groups and using professional services in the autism community.

Being part of parent support groups is very helpful. It lets you share your experiences and learn from others. In the U.S., over 500,000 support groups help people deal with different issues¹⁴.

These groups help reduce feelings of loneliness and shame. They create a sense of belonging and understanding. With over 6.25 million people in self-help groups, the support is huge¹⁴.

Professional help is also important for dealing with the emotional side of caring for a child with autism. Studies show that strong social support helps people feel better after tough times¹⁵.

Therapists and counselors offer personalized advice and help parents find ways to cope. Using these services can improve life for both parents and kids. It strengthens the support system in the autism community.

Many parents feel overwhelmed, especially when dealing with their child’s autism therapy. Finding effective ways to handle this can greatly reduce stress and improve emotional health. Mindfulness helps manage worries about the future, bringing a sense of calm and presence.

Feeling overwhelmed is common, made worse by events like the COVID-19 pandemic¹⁶. Creating a self-care plan tailored to you can help manage these feelings¹⁶. Deep breathing exercises are great for easing anxiety¹⁶. Making a “no” list can also help, by setting boundaries and regaining control over your schedule¹⁶.

It’s important for parents to talk to their friends and family about their feelings¹⁶. Writing down your thoughts can also be therapeutic, helping to reduce anxiety¹⁶. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a great resource for those feeling anxious, offering support and guidance¹⁶. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is key. It helps you recharge and support your child better, building resilience against overwhelm.

Getting attention right for all kids is tough, especially for parents of children with autism. It’s key to make sure every child feels loved and supported. Finding a balance means paying attention to each child’s needs and keeping family harmony.

Siblings play a big part in a child’s life. When one has autism, others might feel left out. This can make them feel unhappy and unsure. Parents should talk to their kids and do things together to make everyone feel special.

It’s not about giving each child the same amount of time. It’s about meeting their unique needs. Parents can plan a schedule that makes each child feel important. This helps everyone feel like they belong and reduces jealousy.

• Regular family outings that incorporate interests of every child
• One-on-one time dedicated to each sibling
• Open discussions about feelings regarding attention disparities

Using these methods can make family life better for everyone. It shows each child they’re valued and heard. This leads to a happier, more balanced family¹⁷.

Creating a supportive space is key for kids with autism. It boosts their communication and helps them manage their feelings. One great way is to set up routines that give them a sense of order.

Setting up routines can ease anxiety in kids. Knowing what’s coming next makes them feel safer and more in control. Daily routines, like eating and bedtime, are vital for feeling grounded.

• Daily Visual Schedules: Use visual aids to outline daily activities.
• Consistent Timing: Maintain the same times for meals and bedtime to reinforce routines.
• Prepare for Changes: When changes occur, discuss them ahead of time to reduce anxiety.

Boosting a child’s communication starts with a supportive space that encourages talking. Using methods like showing how to speak and telling social stories helps a lot.

• Interaction Play: Engage in play that promotes verbal interactions and exchanges.
• Use of Technology: Facilitating communication through apps designed for children with autism.
• Emotion Identification: Teach children to recognize and express their feelings appropriately.

By creating a supportive environment with routines, parents can improve their child’s communication and emotional control¹⁸.

Starting ABA therapy for a child with autism can be both transformative and challenging. Parents need to understand the emotional side of an autism diagnosis. This understanding helps them start practical strategies to support themselves and their child.

Joining parent support groups and looking into different treatments can help. It’s also important to be kind to oneself. Remembering to give attention to all children in the family can improve family life. This approach boosts parents’ confidence as they face this journey.

Embracing the autism journey with an open heart builds resilience and support in the family. With the right help and support, parents can turn feelings of overwhelm into empowerment. This creates a healthier and more loving environment for everyone¹⁹²⁰.

1. Autism, Meltdowns, Managing Emotions – SPARK for Autism – https://sparkforautism.org/discover_article/managing-emotions/
2. Uncovering The Negative Impact Of Late Autism Diagnosis – https://www.goldstarrehab.com/parent-resources/negative-effects-of-an-autism-diagnosis-later-in-life
3. Self-forgiveness, Guilt, Shame, and Parental Stress among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10000355/
4. 10952-CopingWithAutismDiagnosis_m1.indd – https://www.kennedykrieger.org/sites/default/files/library/documents/patient-care/centers-and-programs/center-for-autism-and-related-disorders/card-coping-with-an-autism-diagnosis.pdf
5. Parent’s Guide: What to Do After Your Child Receives an Autism Diagnosis – https://allypediatric.com/blog/parents-guide-what-to-do-after-your-child-receives-an-autism-diagnosis/
6. ABA Therapy on Family Dynamics – https://www.yellowbusaba.com/post/aba-therapy-on-family-dynamics
7. Guide to Behavioral Treatments – https://childmind.org/guide/guide-to-behavioral-treatments/
8. Developing Effective Self-Management Skills in ABA Programs: Strategies and Techniques – https://masteraba.com/developing-effective-self-management-skills-in-aba-programs-strategies-and-techniques/
9. Invisible Abuse: ABA and the things only autistic people can see – https://neuroclastic.com/invisible-abuse-aba-and-the-things-only-autistic-people-can-see/
10. Autism And Impulse Control – https://www.thetreetop.com/aba-therapy/autism-and-impulse-control
11. Tips for Working with Guilt — Riverbank Therapy, PLLC – Seattle Therapists – https://www.riverbanktherapy.com/blog/2024/2/1/tips-for-working-with-guilt
12. Therapy for Guilt – Overcoming Guilt – https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/issues/guilt/overcome
13. Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction Therapy: Overview of the Treatment and Research – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9068861/
14. Chapter 21. Enhancing Support, Incentives, and Resources | Section 2. Creating and Facilitating Peer Support Groups | Main Section – https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/enhancing-support/peer-support-groups/main
15. 6 Tips for Increasing Social Support – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/from-lab-to-real-world/202106/6-tips-for-increasing-social-support
16. How to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed – https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2021/03/how-to-take-care-of-yourself-when-youre-feeling-overwhelmed/
17. Managing “Mom Guilt” | All Points North – https://apn.com/resources/managing-mom-guilt/
18. 3 Ways to Help Your Child Manage Shame – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-menninger/202208/3-ways-help-your-child-manage-shame
19. VA.gov | Veterans Affairs – https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp
20. Working with guilt and shame | Advances in Psychiatric Treatment | Cambridge Core – https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/working-with-guilt-and-shame/E274C3EC63EF0191113B049C5F2C86F3