Accepting Help

Why it's so hard – and why it's survival-critical anyway

For Me, One of the Hardest Things Ever

Accepting help – for me, one of the hardest things ever.

After all, I was more or less completely on my own at 16 and had to manage everything myself.

That attitude runs deep. For years I thought: Whoever accepts help is weak. Whoever manages everything alone is strong.

But that's not true.

Whoever accepts help isn't weak – they're smart enough to recognize that you get further together.

The Help We Received

We really got great help to better understand Sam.

Sam received very intensive therapy where a therapist came to us twice a week and worked with him on:

For many situations, there were social stories that helped Sam better understand the world.

And we as parents also received regular training from the therapy team.

Additionally, we received a lot of informational materials that really helped.

This support wasn't just important for Sam – it was crucial for us as parents too.

Family Therapy – An Outside Perspective

Currently, we're doing family therapy. It takes place once a month and it really helps a lot.

It's totally important to have someone from the outside who isn't emotionally caught up in it, to assess the family situation and help at the right points through good counseling.

When you're standing in the middle of the storm, you often can't see clearly anymore.

A neutral outside view helps recognize patterns, develop strategies, and not get lost in daily life.

This therapy isn't a weakness – it's a tool. And it works.

What We've Learned

Accepting help doesn't mean you've failed.

It means you're willing to learn, grow, and do the best for your child.

Through therapy, we better understood Sam. And through family therapy, we better understood ourselves as a family.

We couldn't have done that alone.

Accepting help isn't defeat – it's the first step toward change.

What the Science Says

Parents of children on the autism spectrum demonstrably benefit from professional support.

Studies show that:

Families who seek professional help report:

Sources (Selection):
Bearss et al. (2015) – Parent Training for Disruptive Behavior
Gray (1998) – Social Stories
Karst & Van Hecke (2012) – Parent and Family Impact
McConachie & Diggle (2007) – Parent-mediated Interventions

A Final Thought

If you're reading this and thinking: "But I have to manage this alone" – then I'm telling you:

No, you don't.

And it's also not a sign of weakness when you accept help.

It's a sign of strength to recognize when you need support – and to get it.
📌 Important Note: The information on this page is based on our personal experience and is not medical, therapeutic, or psychological advice. Every family situation is unique. Always consult with qualified therapists, counselors, and support professionals for your specific circumstances. We're sharing what works for us, not prescribing what should work for everyone.