April is World Autism Awareness Month. But as we parents of children on the spectrum know, autism is every day, 24/7. We love our children, we’re working hard to help them face their challenges—and we need help. What can you do? It can be as simple as supporting a friend, neighbor, or colleague whose child has a diagnosis of autism. In this article, you will learn five practical ways to support parents of autistic children and make a positive impact on their lives.
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects the ways that a person communicates, interacts, and experiences the world. ASD encompasses a wide range of conditions marked by difficulties with social skills, repetitive behaviors, challenges in speech, and nonverbal communication. Autism is called a "spectrum" disorder because it includes a wide range of symptoms and severity, with individuals displaying different abilities and challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1 in 36 American children and 1 in 45 American adults are affected by ASD.
Supporting parents of autistic children can make a significant difference in their lives. While each family’s experience is unique, there are a few key ways you can offer practical and emotional support. Below are five simple yet impactful ways you can help ease the journey for parents raising children on the autism spectrum.
Sometimes, the topic of autism is a thorny one. Parents might be confused about the diagnosis, hesitant to answer questions, or anxious about their child’s future. Be a ready, willing, sensitive listener. Ask how the child is doing in general, instead of asking specific questions about ASD. Once the parent opens up about the topic, express empathy—and keep listening. Certain questions are very difficult for the parent to answer; for example, the child’s prognosis. Sometimes, all we really want is for someone to listen without giving advice, no matter how well intentioned. Put simply: Just be there.
Maybe you’ve heard the quote, “If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism.” Each person on the spectrum is an individual, with their skills, challenges, personality, and temperament. Honor that. There’s an impulse to lump these children together and talk about them as if they’re the same—but the truth is, they’re all uniquely themselves. Resist telling the parent what you’ve observed in another child with autism, unless asked.
Many parents of children who have autism find that, over time, we become isolated. Even if we’ve found support among the ASD community, our children still need exposure to “typical” children of all ages. Invite us over for playdates or outings. Short, structured social events can be helpful for everyone—our child benefits and so does yours, because together we learn about differences and acceptance.
As parents of a child with special needs, we learn not to take anything for granted. We soon discover that getting our children to try new foods, sit quietly at the table, ask questions, make conversation, or behave in social settings can be difficult. The truth is, most of us have had embarrassing moments in public when our child screamed, resisted, or bolted. And we’ve gotten dirty looks from people who assume we’re “bad” parents who need to teach our children some “discipline.” Becoming educated about autism is a mind- and eye-opener. We need your support, not your judgment.
Daily living is a greater challenge for those of us with children on the spectrum. We love our children, yet our efforts to help them learn and grow may take a large toll on us. Getting some time to ourselves—for a nap, a walk, or a coffee date with our spouse—is challenging. Often, we can’t simply hire a neighborhood teenager to babysit. We need a trusted adult to interact with our child, who may have communication or behavioral difficulties. A break helps recharge and renew us so we can get back to caring for our child. Giving an hour of your time this April—or any time of the year—is a wonderful way to support a family dealing with ASD.
Supporting parents of children with autism is not about grand gestures, but rather showing consistent empathy and understanding. By listening, avoiding comparisons, staying involved, refraining from judgment, and offering your time, you can make a meaningful impact in their lives. These small actions can help reduce isolation and ease the daily struggles they face. Whether during Autism Awareness Month or beyond, your support is invaluable and appreciated.