GULF WEEKLY -
The bond between a caregiver and an autistic individual can be profound, writes GulfWeekly's columnist Preety Praveen
In life, we seek success, health, happiness, good relations... but with the condition that everything and everyone around us should be perfect in all aspects. Is it plausible or right to consider such a perfect life.
But a human who crosses this bridge of judgement will find immense contentment, gratification and cheerfulness in accepting everything with the utmost respect and humility.
And such gems often nurture to become caregivers for people around them, which can be incredibly rewarding but it also comes with unique emotional and psychological challenges. One such scenario is when one decides to be a caregiver for someone with autism spectrum disorder. That someone can be a family member, colleague, friend, or even an unknown person, who needs a caring and understanding soul around.
This approach not only helps them but gives one a prospect of developing empathy, patience, emotional intelligence.
One learns to see the world differently, appreciating beauty in different ways of thinking and experiencing life.
The bond between a caregiver and an autistic individual can be profound. It’s not always built through words but through trust, consistency and care.
Even small breakthroughs, a shared laugh, a new skill, a moment of calm can be incredibly rewarding for both. It helps one become more patient, empathetic and emotionally strong, eventually.
But this journey is not that simple and easy. There are many challenges both mental and physical, which might drain a caregiver’s mind, soul and body. Tackling unpredictable behaviours, communication barriers, and overwhelming needs can break one’s earnestness.
Biologically, it is proven that when we help someone, our body releases endorphins, brain chemicals that reduce pain and increase euphoria.
This creates a rush of elation followed by a period of calm and improves one’s spiritual health.
In the words of retired US politician Bob Riley, “Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when ‘hero’ within us is revealed.”
(Preety is a psychologist and author)
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