Parenting a child with autism is a journey filled with challenges, but in Cambodia, one major hurdle is the spread of misinformation. Many parents rely on advice from other parents, social media, or outdated beliefs rather than seeking professional guidance. While shared experiences can be valuable, it’s dangerous when parents dismiss expert knowledge in favor of unscientific, sometimes harmful, advice.
So, should you trust the opinions of other parents or rely on autism specialists? The truth is, while parent support is important, professional guidance is what truly helps autistic children thrive.
The Problem with Parent Advice in Cambodia
Too often, Cambodian parents of autistic children talk nonsense, spreading myths instead of facts. Here’s why relying solely on other parents can be a serious mistake:
- Misinformation Runs Wild – Many parents believe outdated or completely false ideas, like “autism can be cured with traditional medicine” or “bad parenting causes autism.” These beliefs harm children and delay proper intervention.
- Emotional, Not Scientific – While parents mean well, their advice is based on personal experiences, not research. Just because something worked for one child doesn’t mean it will work for another.
- Reinforcing Harmful Practices – Some parents still believe in punishments to “correct” autistic behaviors or force their child to act “normal.” This approach causes stress, trauma, and does nothing to support the child’s real needs.
- Rejecting Professional Help – Many parents refuse to invest in professional assessments or therapy, thinking they know better. This leads to children missing critical early interventions that could improve their lives.
Why Specialist Guidance is Essential
If you truly want to help an autistic child, you need real expertise. Autism specialists—speech therapists, occupational therapists, and developmental psychologists—provide interventions based on science, not superstition. Here’s why their guidance matters:
- Accurate Assessments – Specialists don’t guess. They conduct structured assessments to understand the child’s needs. OrbRom Center’s assessments provide a real diagnosis and a plan for effective intervention.
- Evidence-Based Therapy – Speech therapy and occupational therapy are not just buzzwords. They have proven results. OrbRom Center’s speech therapy helps children develop real communication skills, while occupational therapy helps with sensory and motor challenges.
- Focus on Real Progress – Unlike random advice from a Facebook group, professional therapy is designed to build skills that last a lifetime, helping autistic children become more independent and confident.
At OrbRom Center, we provide the expert support your child needs. Book an assessment today and take the first step toward progress.
