WHY AUTISM IN AN ADDICTION BLOG?

If you are wondering why I posted a a few paragraphs about Autism and the new website ModernProdigy.com, it is because last year for the first time, I had parents of children with autism and two adults on the spectrum, with addictions. For some reason any link between addiction and families managing children with autism never crossed my mind. But the pressure some folks are feeling when they have a child with autism causes depression and anxiety. In turn, they seek medication for relief. In some cases this becomes a dependence and may even lead to abuse. Combined with alcohol it can be lethal. We use drugs and alcohol to change the way we feel. I have written many times that once in a while this is not harmful. But when we rely on substances to help us escape from our responsibilities, we are on a slippery slope. The first duty of a parent is not to love their child, but to keep them safe. That means being in the moment, fully present at all times. And if the child has special needs, it is even more important to know what is going on. As this website develops, I will keep you in the loop. And if you have any questions about parenting and addiction, feel free to write to me.