Does anyone have experience with a parent with autism?
I suspect my father has autism (undiagnosed) as he exhibits many symptoms. This has very negatively affected my childhood, as when he was overstimulated, he would have meltdowns, which would often include physically abusing my siblings. He was also unemployed for a few years due to his symptoms, which caused enormous strain on my family.
I have recently been diagnosed with autism myself, and I am coming to terms with a lot of internalized ableism because of how my father's symptoms have caused my family to suffer. I am wondering how to navigate these difficult feelings.
Does anyone else have a parent with autism? What was your experience like?
I have been struggling with this for about 6 years and continue to struggle with it after being misdiagnosed with bipolar then diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
I always knew that there were mental issues on my mother's side of the family, but the ADHD just screams out so much now and both autism and ADHD can be passed down genetically.
I am a female so both do show differently. I see it it my mother's father SO much and though my mother and I have always had a rocky relationship to where I see her more as a friend than a mother figure, I am open with her and tell her to check up on herself. She has finally come to terms with have ADHD, but won't officially get diagnosed. Not like she needs the medication on top of the alcoholism.
I will say it is extremely difficult. My father is no walk in the park either. Though not physically abusive. He was verbally abusive to my mother and a little bit to my younger brother.
If you see that he that your father is already prone to meltdowns and how it negatively affects you and those around. The best advice a therapist gave me is if you are able and willing to cut the bad people out of your life, even parents, when you are trying to better yourself then it is for the best. Especially when they don't want to change, talk, or see the error of their ways.
My father never did. I only talk to him after 7 years because I don't want to live with hate in my heart and I am helping my brother who does live with him and takes care of this sick man. I'm not heartless and as children we have no obligation to take care of our parents when they get older.
Sorry went on a slight rant. Guess I had more on my chest. Hope some of it helps. Feel free to message me if you'd like.
