Parenting a child with autism is a journey filled with unique challenges but also profound moments of joy, growth, and connection. As a mom to a vibrant autistic preschooler, I've learned a lot through trial, love and support. These are the 10 tips that made the biggest difference in our daily life.
In this post, you’ll learn how to:
- Build calmer routines and smoother transitions
- Support communication and sensory needs
- Protect your energy while advocating for your child
1. Educate Yourself About Autism
Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was my first and most critical step. I dove into resources like Autism Parenting Magazine, attended seminars, and connected with supportive groups such as Parent to Parent (P2P) of Colorado. Educating myself didn’t just provide knowledge—it helped me feel less alone.
Try this today: Choose one reputable resource and take 15 minutes to learn one concept (sensory needs, communication, or regulation).
Tip: Join reputable online forums and local groups to expand your support network.
2. Establish Consistent Routines
Autistic children often thrive on predictability. Creating a stable daily schedule—including mealtimes, therapies, naps, school, and bedtime—reduced my son's anxiety and helped our whole home feel calmer. Tools like darkening curtains, a Hatch sound machine, and a visual countdown timer made transitions smoother.
Try this today: Make one routine visual (morning or bedtime) using pictures or a simple list.
Tip: Start small—consistency matters more than perfection.
3. Foster Clear Communication
Communication can be challenging, but clarity and simplicity are powerful. We used straightforward language, visual supports, gestures, and a lot of patience. Starting with single words, we went from practicing two-word phrases like “want juice” or “more apple” to eight-word phrases like "Mom, can I have my green Ipad please?".
I also learned to pause—sometimes a full minute—so he could process and respond.
Try this today: Ask one simple question, then silently count to 10–20 before repeating it.
Tip: Model short phrases you want them to use.
4. Create a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Observing my son's sensory sensitivities helped me create a space that supports regulation. Small changes like soft lighting, sensory-friendly toys (like a kid-sized trampoline), and safe alternatives (chewy snacks like apples instead of clothing) made a big difference.
Try this today: Notice one sensory trigger (noise, tags, lighting) and make one small adjustment.
Tip: Sensory supports aren’t “extras”—they’re tools for comfort and regulation.
5. Encourage Social Interactions (Gently and Gradually)
Social skills often need intentional support. Playdates, structured programs like Music Together, and social stories helped my son practice engagement in a way that felt safe. Over time, exposure built tolerance and understanding.
Try this today: Practice one “social micro-skill” like waving hello or taking turns once.
Tip: Start with short, structured interactions, then build from there.
6. Celebrate Strengths and Interests
Focusing on strengths is empowering, for your child and for you. Whether it's dancing, counting, singing the ABCs, playing musical instruments, or sports, using your child's interests for learning creates joyful progress.
Try this today: Teach one skill through a preferred interest (count with cars, read about animals, sing directions).
Tip: Interests can be bridges—not distractions.
7. Seek Early Professional Support
Early intervention changed everything for us. Working with a dedicated team of therapists, educators, and medical professionals helped accelerate and reduce stress at home. Programs like Rocky Mountain Human Services in Colorado can be a great starting point—and remember: you are your child’s strongest advocate.
Try this today: Write down your top 3 goals (communication, sleep, transitions) and share them with your provider.
Tip: Keep notes—dates, progress, and questions for appointments.
8. Prioritize Your Self-Care
Parenting an autistic child is deeply rewarding—and demanding. Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. Support groups, respite care, and even short breaks helped me stay grounded. After nearly three years, my husband and I finally made time for date nights again, and it strengthened us as partners and parents.
Try this today: Choose one 15-minute reset (walk, shower, journaling, quiet).
Tip: Rest is part of advocacy.
9. Maintain Positivity and Patience
Celebrating small victories achanged the tone in our home. Positive reinforcement and calm consistency create safety. When I shifted from “Why is this happening?” to “What is my child communicating?” everything felt more compassionate.
Try this today: Praise one specific behavior: “Great waiting,” “Nice asking,” “Good trying.”
Tip: Progress is often slow—but real.
10. Build and Nurture Your Support Network
Community is everything. Connecting with other families and autism organizations gave us resources, comfort and the reminder that we are not alone.
Try this today: Join one group (local or online) and introduce yourself with one sentence.
Tip: Support is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
Final Thoughts
Raising an autistic child takes intention, patience, and an open heart. By learning, creating supportive environments, and building community, you empower your child—and yourself. This journey can be hard, but it’s also filled with meaningfulmilestones and deep love.
If you feel comfortable, comment: What’s one area you want support with right now—routines, communication, sensory needs, behavior, or school?
Read next: What to Do After a New Autism Diagnosis (A Bilingual Mom’s First Steps)
Additional Resources
Books: The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida, Uniquely Human by Barry M. Prizant
- Websites: Autism Speaks, The Autism Society, Disability Advice
- Support Groups: Local autism support groups, Online parent forums
