Parenting a Child with Autism: Tips, Strategies & Support for Thriving Together

Updated on May 19, 2025 Listen to the Podcast

Autism parenting is no small challenge–but when armed with the necessary information and support, parenting a child on the spectrum is a beautiful experience all its own. Every child is unique, whether they have autism or not, and all children can grow and thrive in their own way. The key is becoming an expert on your child, understanding the best ways to support him or her, and of course–showering them with love, regardless of their quirks. But don’t forget to take care of yourself too, so that you have the emotional and physical strength to be the best parent you can be.

Understanding Your Child

The first and perhaps more important thing to remind yourself, when considering practical strategies to help your child with autism thrive, is that autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the behavior of people with autism varies enormously. Finding out where your child fits into the three levels of autism is only the beginning. To build a truly effective strategy suited to your child, you should be able to identify how your child acts in certain situations–for example:

• Sensitivities – over-reaction or under-reaction to light, noise, smells, and even textures


• Communication – choosing to avoid speaking versus the inability to speak, or preferring to only speak about specific topics 


• Behavior – preference for routines, ways of expressing anger, self-care abilities, repetitive physical movements, and other behavioral patterns that stand out

Building Routines

With this knowledge in hand, you can now begin to create routines that support your child’s growth. But why is this so important? We can look at this essential aspect of an autistic child’s life from two points of view:

Parents and Caretakers

By understanding a child’s behavior patterns, you can plan their day around things that they like to do and avoid potential triggers that may lead to a meltdown. Of course, you can’t control everything, and unfortunately, burnout is a common problem even for the most attentive caretakers. 

Children

Autistic people are often confused and scared by events that others consider normal, particularly anything that involves change. Routine allows them to feel safe and have some control over their environment, which otherwise might be threatening. 

Building routines for autistic children depends greatly on their level of autism, their preferences, and your resources. But there are a few things that should be common to any schedule, including:

• Visual supports – a board or screen that describes the day’s activities with icons and pictures


• Timing – make sure that activities happen at the same time every day; use an actual timer to indicate when a different one is about to start


• Changing carefully – when you must disrupt the child’s schedule, explain what is about to happen with visuals, give them time to think about it, and (if the event is outside the home) consider going when few people are around

Developing Communication Skills

A major priority for many parents of autistic children is to help their kids overcome individual barriers to communication. Encouraging communication in autism depends highly on the child’s level. For instance, children with Level 1 autism will benefit when you speak slowly, avoid asking questions, and refrain from using complex words and phrases. But an even greater challenge is finding ways to encourage communication with non-verbal children. In this case, you should refer to an expert, who will recommend steps like accepting the child’s challenges as long-term and using some form of non-verbal communication tool.

Self-Care for Parents

Caring for a child with autism can be exhausting, difficult, and stressful. Considering that this is a long-term commitment, parents need to remember to care for themselves as well. Always prioritize your physical health, and develop other healthy habits for families with special needs such as a balanced diet and nutritional supplements when required. Establishing a routine for your child should also help you get enough sleep. And don’t forget relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, watching great movies, and enjoying your hobbies.

Leveraging Support Systems

Connecting with your community can also make a big difference to your mental health–but how do you find the time? You may be surprised to discover how many people are willing to lend a hand, give you a break, offer valuable advice, and more–such as:

Friends and Relatives

Your social circle might allow you to take a break of a few hours (if your autistic child feels comfortable with others).

Professional Help

Psychotherapists, social workers, and government organizations can assist you with developing your child’s skills and getting help for your own needs.

Local Support Groups

Many communities have organizations that do everything from providing advice to hosting events. In the US, the National Autism Association can supply more information.  

Online Communities

There are dozens of online organizations that provide support with autism-related activities, help-lines, and services. This link is a good place to start. 

AngelSense, Autism, and Wandering

A final and urgent source of support for families with autistic children is AngelSense. The technology, in the form of a wearable device, helps first responders locate autistic children and adults who have wandered. Beyond its live GPS tracking feature, it offers a variety of functions including auto-pickup speakerphone, proactive alerts, estimated arrival times, auto-geofencing, and much more. AngelSense gives autistic children a greater sense of independence and security, and their parents equally enhanced peace of mind. The tool is a valuable source of information, and can help you with safety tips for preventing wandering in children with autism.

Knowledge Is Half the Challenge

Remember that you’re on a journey, and will continue to learn and grow about life with autism along with your child. Yes, there will be bumps on the road, but there will also be summits–and when you reach those little victories, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate them. Baby steps require patience, but remind yourself that every time your child achieves a new milestone, however small, it’s a step in the right direction. And it can be one of the most meaningful experiences of your life.

Get peace of mind from AngelSense, the groundbreaking AI-based assistive technology designed to enhance safety and peace of mind for individuals with special needs and their families. Our solution ensures you stay connected with your loved ones, empowering a higher level of independence while maintaining safety. Learn more about how AngelSense can make a difference for your family.