Don't Give Up: Raising a Child with Autism

Imagine taking your four-year-old child to a nearby park. Other families greet your child, but there’s no response. Then, when it’s time to leave, your child says goodbye, but more so to the tables, and trees, and playground equipment than to the people.

Author Julie Homok described her baby girl Lizzie as happy, engaged, and developing normally. Then one day she started crawling into walls. What at first seemed like a funny accident became a disheartening realization that Lizzie was losing touch with the world around her.

She was soon diagnosed with autism and developed many challenging symptoms, including:

Tantrums
Loss of language
Waking up screaming each night
Banging her head on the floor
Lining up random items
Opening and closing cabinet doors
Flapping her arms
Isolating from loved ones

Autism is a spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with speech, social skills, repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication.

Each person has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think, and problem-solve may range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD require significant support in their daily lives. Others may need less support or, in some cases, live independently.

If you or someone you know has a child with autism, I encourage you to join me on the Focus on the Family Broadcast “Don’t Give Up: Raising a Child with Autism.” Julie Homok and I are exploring some of the unique challenges that come with raising a child with autism. This encouraging program will inspire parents and educate the general Christian community.

Tune in on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Julie’s book, United in Autism: Finding Strength Inside the Spectrum and a CD copy of our conversation are available for a gift of any amount. For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

If you’re going through a tough time, we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).