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Dr Mariam Alammadi, a licensed psychologist who has been working in mental health for the last 14 years and founder of award-winning The Child and Family Foundation Centre, shares her insights on how being a caregiver for autistic individuals affects mental health.
1. What are some of the most common mental health challenges caregivers of autistic individuals experience, particularly in the early stages after a diagnosis?
Right after a diagnosis, many caregivers feel overwhelmed. It’s common to feel sadness, fear, guilt, or confusion.
Some might blame themselves or believe things that aren’t true - for example, the false idea that vaccines may cause autism or I have had patients tell me their child is regressing due to a fall or bumping their head.
Caregivers may also feel stressed trying to understand what autism means for their child’s future and how to get the right support.
It is important for them to understand high functioning autism and low functioning autism.
Caring for an autistic person can be a lifelong responsibility, and over time it can become emotionally and physically exhausting.
Caregivers often have to fight for services, explain their child’s needs to others, deal with unwanted comments and manage daily challenges, all of which can lead to stress, anxiety, and sometimes depression.
2. What support systems or coping strategies have you seen make a meaningful difference for isolated or overwhelmed caregivers ?
Support groups - whether in person or online - can help caregivers feel less alone. Talking to other parents going through similar experiences can be comforting. Access to therapy or counselling can also be very helpful.
Some of my patients have WhatsApp groups with other parents and that has really helped them. On a practical level, getting help with daily tasks, even from extended family or friends, can reduce the pressure.
Making time for self-care, even in small ways, is very important.
I am a big believer in early intervention and getting a child help as soon as possible.
Applied Behavioural Therapy in my experience has been very effective.
When parents feel they have been proactive in getting their child help, they feel more at ease.
Caregivers also need to remember that their wellbeing affects their ability to care for their child.
Setting small, realistic goals for self-care - like short breaks, rest, or asking for help - can make a difference. Also, learning to say ‘no’ to unnecessary demands and focusing on what truly matters helps reduce burnout.
3. What are some signs that a caregiver might be approaching burnout, and when should they consider seeking professional help?
Signs of burnout include constant fatigue, irritability, feeling hopeless or disconnected, and trouble sleeping.
If a caregiver feels emotionally numb or begins to resent their role, it’s a serious warning sign.
Seeking professional help, like counselling or therapy, can be very helpful and should be considered before things reach a breaking point.
4. In your experience, how does the cultural context in Bahrain shape the caregiving experience for families of autistic individuals?
In Bahrain, some families still feel pressure to keep the diagnosis private due to stigma or misunderstanding about autism.
There are still myths and shame around developmental differences, which can stop people from asking for help.
Also, the misinformation about vaccines causing autism is still believed by some, which can add guilt or confusion to the caregiver’s experience.
5. What services or initiatives currently exist in Bahrain to support caregivers, and where do you see opportunities for improvement?
There are some centres and organisations that provide support, such as therapy, early intervention programmes, and awareness events.
Reach Behavioural and Developmental Centre offers Applied Behavioural Analysis services for children with autism.
Alia Autism Centre/School and Rife USA also provide therapy services for children with autism.
The Child and Family Foundation Centre offers psychometric testing and milestone evaluations.
Omnia Centre provides treatment services.
The government initiative People of Determination provides care and support. Additionally, there is a monthly government allowance for children with autism, but eligibility is limited to Bahraini nationals or children of Bahraini mothers.
However, many families still struggle to find affordable and consistent services and there’s a need for more public awareness, better-trained professionals, and more accessible mental health support specifically for caregivers.
6. What advice would you give to new caregivers who may be feeling lost or emotionally overwhelmed?
You are not alone, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.
Reach out for help - whether from professionals, other parents, or support groups.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek out information. Be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time.
