Mental Health? Identity Helps!

Firstly, I wanted to wish you all a wonderful Mental Health May! This is my first entry on my blog and I think this is a great topic to begin with.

Gone are the days when Autism was characterized as a mere diagnosis. Recently, there has been a cultural shift where adults with Autism highlight it as a core part of their identity that they can be proud of. However, this shift may be difficult for young children and adolescents with Autism because there is an increased reliance on social groups and a feeling of belonging that ultimately contributes to their self-image. I know you all remember 6th and 7th grade. Don’t lie; the groups ALWAYS mattered. 

And it’s probably no different with your kid. The realization can spark some anxiety in your child because engaging in social interactions may be taxing, and your child may not feel like they fit in with the other kids their age. Even if they seem somewhat comfortable in social situations with neurotypical youth, they may have learned “social camouflaging” which constitutes masking traits of Autism to adopt a neurotypical demeanor. This could cause mental fatigue, as there are “particularly high associations to mental health difficulties when switching between camouflaging in multiple contexts (Crompton).” 

As a parent, your job is to open up opportunities for them to engage with and learn from new environments. I started playing basketball in the 7th grade, with a team of girls who had all been playing the game since they could walk! I remember being extremely nervous in this setting, especially because everyone was well-versed in the game, but my dad made it a point to praise everything I did correctly, and workshop everything that needed work during our coaching sessions. Eventually, my self-esteem skyrocketed, which allowed me to feel more comfortable on the court, and in turn, perform much better.

THIS is what parents bring to the table. A major role that parents can play is being a voice of reinforcement in the home. When your child does something correctly or appropriately, be sure to reward them for it! Constant reinforcement (when appropriate) is wonderful for self-image, and there’s extra points if you celebrate their strengths frequently. Once you make this a habit, your child will be able to pinpoint their own strengths. I would also advise that parents encourage positive self-talk, such as “I can do this” and “I have many skills such as __!” It will likely allow them to positively acknowledge their own capabilities while decreasing their reliance on your social praise, which is great for thriving in settings where you are not present, such as school.

One last piece of advice I would give is to enroll your child in some sort of social group. Initially, this idea may seem pushy or demanding in a sense, especially if your child values alone time, but over time you may notice some improvement in their comfortability in social situations, which can boost their confidence. Finding a discrete social group for your child can be key for them connecting with other children with Autism in a comfortable environment while working on their interpersonal skills! 

All in all, your unique position as the parent of a child with Autism calls for a reinforcing presence in your child's life. Make sure to be open with your support and love, and let them know you are on their side in everything you do. Their mental health is very important in all stages of their life, and understand that YOU have the power to positively impact it! Lastly, make sure to prioritize your own mental health; you cant pour into them with an empty cup! So clap for yourself each day for being an awesome, loving force in their world, and keep on.

Resource:

“I Never Realised Everybody Felt as Happy as I Do when I am Around Autistic People: ‘A Thematic Analysis of Autistic Adults’ Relationships with Autistic and Neurotypical Friends and Family” by Crompton et. al