LET'Stalk ... relationships: Can autism be treated?
published:
Saturday | April 5, 2008
Yvonnie Bailey- Davidson
Dear Counsellor:
I have a son who is 10 years old and was diagnosed with autism since he was three. He gets aggressive at times and makes garbled sounds. His speech is limited and I have had to take him out of school. Are there treatments for his type of problem?
- Maria
Dear Maria:
Autism has become a common diagnosis and it persists into adulthood. These children usually have odd behaviours, limited communication skills and isolate themselves socially. Many of them also have mental retardation.
April is being celebrated as Autism Month to improve the public's awareness of the disorder.
Children who have behavioural problems are in need of therapy. Some doctors prescribe medication to relieve the aggression and hyperactivity. Behaviour training has to be intensive, detailed and prolonged. Behaviour training will improve the child's ability to function and he or she will learn social skills and relationship skills.
Sharing and caring
Dear Counsellor:
I have been married for two years and I am having problems adjusting to this new situation.
- Joan
Dear Joan:
Marriage is a lifelong commitment with challenges and benefits. There is companionship, nurturing, caring and sharing. Both partners need to make plans for the future and make decisions together. There are financial issues, the chores around the house, child rearing, among others. Sometimes one partner may give up his or her job to move to another location. This dislocation often causes adjustment problems.
Adjustment issues may arise because of personality differences, conflicting agendas and other relationship problems. In marriage, each partner has to be prepared to be a comforter, nurturer and caretaker. Each partner has to share in the management of the marriage. I view marriage as a business, with managers and workers. In this case, the managers and workers are the same people. Never neglect caring for each other. Couples should spend time together and speak to each other about issues that concern them.
money woes
Finances can be a great challenge as both partners are often just establishing themselves where major acquisitions are concerned. Money management is of utmost importance as many divorces occur because of financial stress. In the early stages of marriage, you may find that you have to skimp and save and deny yourself certain things. With your goals in mind and a dependency on God who provides, marriage can weather the financial storms. Sometimes one partner earns more money and so has to carry a greater share of the expenses.
Adjusting to a new situation always requires cooperation and accommodation. Each individual has to be prepared to compromise and work towards the greater good of the relationship.
Contact Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or 7911778 or email yvonniebd@hotmail.com.
