How does alexithymia affect parenting?
There have been as yet no empirical studies of alexithymia in the parenting context, but a capacity for empathy and emotional communication is believed to play an important role in an infant’s personality development. There is more information available about parents with Asperger’s syndrome or High Functioning Autism (HFA), who have an alexithymic emotional profile. Reports suggest that people with Asperger’s can be very successful parents, provided they have adequate support. It is important not to overload the parent with too many (possibly conflicting) practical demands and to allow for periods of rest. You can also read about the experiences of parents and grandparents of children with Asperger’s. There are some excellent recommendations for encouraging emotional awareness in Tony Attwood’s Asperger’s Syndrome: A guide for Parents and Professionals. You might find useful parenting tips on the alexithymia chatsite (see below).
