Written by: Abbey Pratt M.S., CCC-SLP

To my parents whose kids were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder,

First off, I am here to tell you that y’all are all AMAZING parents and continue to provide a wonderful life for your child. Life is challenging as it is, so just imagen adding a neurological disability to it. Everyday life activities, such as brushing your teeth, taking a bath, using the bathroom, and even eating a variety of foods can be challenging for these individuals. However, these human beings are the most special people in the world. Each and every one of them have something unique to offer.

As a speech-language pathologist (SLP), I often work with several individuals with autism, who often experience speech, language, and social/pragmatic delays and/or deficits. Whether it be from establishing a communication system or helping them with social communication skills, SLPs do it all. Here are my top 10 tips for parents with children with ASD:

1. Take a deep breathe… remember your child is still a kid! Just because your child has a neurological disability, they still need your love and support.
2. Try and look at the positives rather than the negatives. Yes, I understand autism is a neurological disability and comes with challenges everyday but remember it could be worse. They are healthy, strong kids wanting to live a fun, happy life!
3. Seek the help you need! Often time, parents don’t realize all the professionals that are here to help. It is best to ask your physician for referrals to whomever can help your child succeed. These include:
   – Board Certified Behavior Analysts
   -Speech-Language Pathologist
   -Occupational Therapy
   -Clinical psychologists
4. Be involved in therapy sessions. In order for your child to succeed outside of therapy sessions, you, as parents, are a very important part. Yes, children can receive several hours of therapy a week; however, it is critical for parents to relay the strategies and techniques utilized in sessions be carried over in the home.
5. Keep an open mind. Some therapist may ask you to try something out of the ordinary with a 50/50 shot if it’s going to work or not. Some (if not all) of the strategies or techniques we use are trial and error and that’s okay!
6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and/or suggest ideas to therapist. Personally, I enjoy collaboration and ideas from parents. I mean, you all know your kid better than I do. If a communication system isn’t necessarily working at home, then let’s figure out how your child can best communicate with you.
7. It’s okay to want to have time apart from your kid. Just like any parent, you need your alone time. I totally get it! Find the right time and right people to watch your kid while you have some much needed self-care.
8. Educate Others: Although autism is becoming more prominent and/or diagnosed, there are still thousands of people who are still unaware of this disability.
9. Celebrate the little victories: Many basic daily life skills are challenging for kids with autism to learn and do independently. Some examples are going to the bathroom on the toilet, eating/drinking safely or with textures, brushing teeth, getting a hair cut, etc. It is a HUGE win when these individuals conquer one of these.
10. Believe: Yes, I know I sound like the train conductor on the Polar Express, but it’s a fact. Believe your child can do the things other typically developing children can do. Believe your child is going to communicate their wants/needs. Believe they are going to eat your different textured foods. Believe your child has a purpose in life and will continue to excel in all areas of life.

Well, I hope this was somewhat helpful and enlightening. If not, I’ll try harder next time.

I wanted to express what I have seen throughout my experience with caregivers and kids with autism. I hope to continue learning and sharing my knowledge!

Much love 🙂