Survival Hints

• don´t point the finger
  no one is to blame ... use that energy to observe, read, network and learn how you can improve your child´s learning and adjustment capabilities and help him/her cope in this big world
• beg, borrow or steal
  any resources, offers of help, whether it is access to information about A.S., books, ideas for therapy, babysitting, cooked meals, someone to listen to you, someone who can help and cares about you and your child
• learn as much as you can
  find out as much as you can, network with others, pick out what you are comfortable with and discard the rest
• make time for you and yours
  don´t forget yourself and the rest of your family and/or significant others ... you, partners and siblings are important too
• speak up and speak out
  if you are not getting satisfaction with your doctor or  health professionals who are treating your child, then let them know ... if they can´t or won´t listen or help seek alternative opinions
• keep a diary
  or make a home page! this is valuable learning material for us all ... it helps keep track of our children´s progress and is valuable insight for our health professionals to see it from the parent´s point of view ... shared knowledge and experiences and reminiscing helps us all learn and be more effective as parents and carers
• maintain that humour and look on the bright side of life
  use it or lose it! our best friend when we have really horrible days!
• keep an eye out for other people´s top hints there are plenty out there! (and by the way, feel free to post them on the Message Board or Guest Book!)