Is there anyone in your family who is autistic? Almost every book or article deals with how autism affects the person with the disorder, but never their family around them. Being an autistic parent or child can be extremely difficult and life-changing. Some parents consider having an autistic child to be a bad thing and that they would eliminate their autism if they could. Other parents think it's a good thing that their child is different and wouldn't take it away. I think the effects on the family are very important to talk about and need to be discussed. The parents' home life will be completely changed and will be different for the rest of your life. You may need to buy new things for your child, either to help them or to keep them safe. For example, with learning tools, some autistic people use special computer scissors, pencils, and mice to make things easier. Not only will parents have to buy things, but you and your spouse might behave differently towards each other. The couple will not be able to spend time alone, go on vacation or have a date. Finding a babysitter while you go out and do these things is almost impossible because they are not qualified to do it. Staying at home all the time can therefore put pressure on your marriage. Not only is their family life different, but so are their professional and social lives. If you are married to someone, one of you will have to take leave or resign because you will be obligated to care for your child. Not working or not having something to do will put a lot of stress on you and could make you feel bored. Not only that, but they also won't be able to go out with their friends or entertain them as much, if at all. Either you will worry about your child while you ...... middle of paper ...... you will have a huge impact on a parent's life. Being a parent of a child with autism affects not just one aspect of your life, but everything that happens in your life. To be able to meet your child's needs, you must take care of your own. “Remember, if you want to take the best care of your child, you must first take the best care of yourself. » (Autism and your family) How do you think having an autistic person in your family affects you and your daily life? Works Cited Benaron, Lisa Dorothea. Autism. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2009. Print. “Diagnosis, causes and symptoms”. Autismspeaks.org. Np, nd Web. “Autism and your family”. Autism speaks. Np, and Web. March 14, 2014. “The Effects of Autism in Families and Partner Relationships – Autism College.” » Autism College. Np, and Web. March 16, 2014. Autism. Knowledge of the BBC, 2012.