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Parenting a child with autism can be both rewarding and challenging.
Autism is a condition that affects how a child communicates, interacts with others, and behaves.
Every child with autism is different. As Chris Packham says “Once you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person”.
If you have a child on the spectrum you will know all this.
It’s important to understand your child’s needs and find the best ways to support them.
My oldest is on the spectrum so I am writing from a place of experience. However, I am not a professional.
Here are some tips on how to parent a child with autism.
Enjoy and don’t forget to comment at the end, I love hearing from you and subscribe to get access to FREE printables, newsletters, the latest posts and more.
1. Learn About Autism
When I first suspected my daughter was on the spectrum, I did so much research. I even went on a course to better understand autism as a whole.
The first step in parenting a child with autism is to learn as much as you can about the condition.
Understanding how autism affects your child will help you know what to expect and how to help them.
Without this understanding, you will face battle after battle with your child and yourself.
And lose.
You can read books, watch videos, or talk to doctors, friends and therapists who work with children with autism.
You will be amazed at how much of your child you see in yourself.
2. Be Patient and Understanding
Children with autism might have a hard time expressing themselves or understanding others.
This can lead to frustration, both for them and for you.
Don’t forget to remind your child that they are loved and they can do things but their brain just works in a different way.
I showed my daughter celebs and friends of hers who are autistic and what they have achieved.
This helped her see she wasn’t broken, stupid or unable to achieve anything.
Autistic means you come with superpowers.
Special interests may mean you are chosen for a career role over someone who is neurotypical. (not autistic)
My daughter has a special interest in Harry Potter.
We went to a quiz and I was astonished at the amount of information she had on Harry Potter!
We came 4th all because of her.
It’s important to be patient and try to understand what they are feeling.
Remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose.
They see and experience the world differently.
3. Create a Routine
Children with autism often feel more comfortable when they know what to expect.
My daughter needs to know exactly what’s happening, who’s going to be there, the timings, noises and so on.
Having a daily routine can help your child feel safe and calm.
Try to keep meal times, bedtimes, and other daily activities at the same time every day.
If something in the routine needs to change, let your child know ahead of time so they can prepare for it.
Social stories are a great way to show them these changes.
I like to show my daughter images so she knows what to expect.
This isn’t always possible I know. We can only do our best. We are human after all.
4. Communicate in Ways They Understand
Every child with autism communicates differently.
Some children might talk, while others might use pictures, gestures, or technology to express themselves.
Find out how your child communicates best and use that method to talk to them.
Speak clearly and use simple words or pictures to help them understand what you are saying.
Communication is essential in having a bond with your child.
5. Celebrate Small Steps
Learning new skills can be harder for children with autism.
That’s why it’s important to celebrate every small success.
Whether it’s trying a new food, saying a new word, or making eye contact, these are big steps for your child.
Praise them and let them know you’re proud of their progress.
It’s also good to remember to celebrate your success as a parent too.
Children don’t come with a handbook. We are all just doing what we think is best.
6. Encourage Social Interaction
Social interaction can be difficult for children with autism. It certainly is for my daughter.
But it’s important for their development.
Try to encourage your child to play with other kids, even if it’s just for a short time.
You can start with small playdates or family gatherings where your child feels comfortable.
Help them learn how to share, take turns, and play games with others.
My daughter loves people. She just finds big groups very challenging and this is where we see behaviour that challenges.
Making her aware of this and preparing her helps.
I can’t always avoid a meltdown but I am trying to teach her to be more self-aware.
7. Get Support
Parenting a child with autism can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s important to get support when you need it.
Talk to other parents who have children with autism. Join a support group, or seek advice from professionals like therapists or counsellors.
Getting help can make a big difference for both you and your child.
There are lots of charities like Suffolk Family Carers and National Autistic Society that are brilliant.
8. Take Care of Yourself
We are so focused on our children that we often forget about ourselves.
It’s easy to focus all your attention on your child, but it’s also important to take care of yourself.
If your bucket is always full, you won’t have the bandwidth to support your child.
Make sure you find time to relax, do something you enjoy, or spend time with friends and family.
When you take care of yourself, you’ll be better able to take care of your child.
Download this FREE 30-day self-care challenge.
Bee's Final Thoughts
Parenting a child with autism comes with its own set of challenges. But with patience, understanding, and the right support, you can help your child thrive.
Remember to learn about autism, create a routine, communicate in ways your child understands, and celebrate their successes.
With love and support, your child can grow and achieve amazing things.
Please feel free to comment and share with me, I love hearing from you.
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Thanks for reading.
Bee Inspired. Bee Joyful. Bee You.
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The person behind it all
I am a Mumma of three, a Wife, a Home Educator, a Blogger and lastly a Chronic Pain Sufferer.
The most common questions I get asked are “How do I get my hair curly, is it natural?” “
“How are you so organised?”
“You must be really smart to educate your children, are you a teacher?”
and lastly “What is CRPS?”
I have suffered from chronic pain since the age of 10, it has been a daily struggle ever since.
I know thousands of people suffer as I do and I want to share what helps me and my expertise in CRPS, chronic pain and more.
So, I started this blog to share my answers to those questions, journey and experiences with you. I have always been passionate about health, personal growth, and creating a balanced lifestyle for myself and my family.
Searching for ways to enjoy life in a minimalistic way, be part of my children’s education and reduce stress and pain as a whole is important to me.
