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A British dad has shared his experience of being a parent with autism, revealing that becoming a father presented a huge challenge…

British dad, Jude Morrow, has opened up about the challenges of being a parent with autism. Jude says that the birth of his son Ethan, and becoming a father, presented some unique challenges BBC news reports. The 28-year-old found the change to his routine and unpredictability of raising a child a struggle and wants to assure other parents with autism that they are not alone.

Constant Change

As a result of his autism, Jude has difficulty expressing his feelings and interpreting the feelings of others. He also dislikes changes to his routine and experiences some sensory challenges. When Ethan was born, Jude’s world turned upside down.

“I would always try to avoid change but I couldn’t avoid it becoming a dad,” he said. “I just wanted to know everything right away that was going to happen. I spent hours dwelling on it and thinking what I could do to prepare for it. It was a drastic life change – it was a downward spiral and I had a very tough time.”

Jude says his inability to establish emotion from facial cues meant that he was constantly worried about Ethan and whether he was ok.

Jude Morrow With Son Ethan

Finding Acceptance

Despite the daily challenge of parenting with autism, Jude says the experience has helped him to accept his condition and who he is. “I kept thinking I could grow out of it but I had to come to terms with it and make peace with myself,” he said. “I now see it as a difference to be celebrated – I’m proud of my autism now.”

Jude admits that though he doesn’t always deal well with chaotic situations, he has found ways to cope, but says there needs to be more awareness and support for parents with autism. “Autism is something I never thought I would talk about but I’m glad I did because I want it to be a beacon of hope for parents who have autism,” he said.

Are you a parent with autism? Share your story in the comments.

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  • I think he is doing a great job, and speaking out I am sure will help others too. It must be hard, but he’s doing it and thats the main thing

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  • I have Autism (Asperger’s) as do my oldest and youngest kids. It’s very hard at times but at least I have an understanding of how they tick. Though we all differ with a lot of things.

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  • I can believe it is a huge struggle for this very honest Dad. Many have problems communicating so that may cause a lot of frustration. Some don’t cope will with unfamiliar places and having lot of people around them. Many don’t like feeling as though anybody is “crowding” them. It is thought that in some cases Autism is genetiic.

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  • This dad sounds like he’s doing a great job

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  • I once had a fellow worker with Autism, she was a mum with 3 children and she was a psychiatric nurse (a job in which everything is unpredictable). She did well and was a valuable member to our team.

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  • Must be terribly hard to not be able to read people’s emotions. Even more so being a parent!!

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  • Parenting changes every day so it would be very difficult for this father.

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  • I can see this would be a huge challenge – and it probably won’t get easier.

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  • I commend any parent that has a child that is autistic. They deserve a medal.


    • The child isn’t autistic, the dad is, that’s what it says in the article if you read it. Hard to be autistic at any age

    Reply

  • Sounds like he’s doing a great job of being a Dad.

    Reply

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