If you're a parent of a child with Asperger's Syndrome, you already know the difficulties associated with this illness. All we want as parents is for our child with Asperger's to feel better and for people to understand. We're told we're bad parents, we're stared at in public, and we sometimes make excuses for our child's behaviour. At times, it can be overwhelming, whether you're a single parent or a family.

By now, we've all heard the statistics; 1 in 150 children will be diagnosed with Autism. Sadly, the odds of a cure being developed seem so much larger when you have a child with Aspergers. Asperger's child. Despite amazing advances in medical technology, Asperger's Syndrome continues to affect children across the planet. The most important thing parents can do is educate ourselves and our families.

The media has made a large effort in exposing the general public to the plight of children with Asperger's and their families, with shows like NBC's, “Parenthood,” depicting life with a child with Asperger's in the home. Sadly, most people still do not understand the condition and there is much confusion, even in medical communities, as to just what parents and families go through living with Asperger's.

A suggestion that has been made for all families dealing with Autism is to seek therapy. If you have a child with Autism, I'm sure you've already had your hands full with doctors, but what I'm talking about is individual therapy. Seeking counselling for yourself, to not only blow off some steam, but to develop some coping strategies so that you can be the best parent you can be. The outbursts, the behaviors, the arguments...all of these put stress and pressure on our personal and professional lives, as well as our relationships. A therapist may be able to assist parents and families in finding ways to extend their patience under stress.

Living with Asperger's can be challenging, but being the parent of a child with Aspergers is equally, if not more, challenging. Unfortunately, many parents of children with Autism are so busy juggling normal parenting issues to seek out therapy for themselves. However, if you can find thirty minutes per week, you have the time to seek counselling. And the counselling doesn't have to be with a high priced psychologist.

Many communities offer free therapy from churches, synagogues, mosques, and through free government assistance programs. Remember, you, as the parent, need to take care of yourself in order to be there for your child with Asperger's.