Autism Parenting Advice

Autism Parenting Advice

I often think about how lucky I was growing up in a household accepted for who I am.

I was an un-identified Autistic child but not once was I made to feel less or different. My brothers and sisters embraced me for who I was.

I remember my lovely dad always making sure I was okay, giving me a key to his office so I could have time to just sit, relax and research my interests.

Growing Up Autistic

When I look back now I realise his parenting style of total acceptance is how I parent my own gorgeous children.

As an Autistic parent in a predominantly Autistic household, I realise my parenting style is that of radical acceptance. 

Just like my beloved dad, I accept each of my four children for who they are. I parent in the manner that supports them best. They are my priority just like I am my dad’s priority.

I realise now my dad’s radical acceptance of me just as I am, has made the human being I am today and for that I will be forever grateful.

Autism Parenting Advice

Autism parenting advice can be varied and unique. What I can tell you is, if you are an informed and educated parent you will no doubt do the best you can for your child. As an Autistic parent to three Autistic children I have learned to ignore what mainstream society dictates as parenting norms and instead I choose to focus on my own unique neurodiverse family and parent my children in a manner I believe is best for them.

Radical Acceptance Parenting

My parenting style is to radically accept my children just as they are. To see the challenges they face as systemic and not of their own making by virtue of their being Autistic. I do my utmost to support them to live the best life that they by advocating for them when challenges arise. I have a neuro-affirmative, empathetic approach to how I support my gorgeous little ones.

Radical acceptance originates from Buddhist teachings and is the ability to accept that which is outside of our control without judgement.

Autistic parenting radical acceptance means accepting the child you have and letting go of what you have been led by society to believe is the child you should have.

It means parenting your child and your family in the manner that you believe supports your neurodiverse family.

It is adapting your parenting style to do what is best for your child and family.

Radical Acceptance Parenting

Here are just a sample of some ways you can be a radically accepting parenting for your Autistic child.

• Accepting your child as their true authentic Autistic self
• Accepting your Autistic child just as they are, and not comparing them to other children
• Understanding and accepting your child’s experience of the world may be vastly different to that of your own
• Redefining your family culture as to what is best for your neurodiverse family
• Saying no to extended family social events and having no guilt or shame for saying no
• Saying no to socialising if it is overwhelming or dysregulating for your child
• Understanding your child’s trauma responses and accepting their meltdowns and shutdowns
• Ensuring home is the Safe Haven for your child where they can rest
• Embracing and supporting your child just as they are, not expecting them to live up to neurotypical norms
• Redefining how you view and understand “good v bad” behaviour
• Forgiving yourself as a parent for the times in the past when you did not know better.
• Accepting and understanding that YOU are doing the best you can as a parent.

Being The Best Parent

Ultimately you can only do your best as a parent. Don’t be hard on yourself for your choices before you understood your child was Autistic. You can only do better when you know better. Parenting is a life long journey. We spend most of our lives learning to be the parent our child needs most.

I hope you have found this post on Autism Parenting Advice helpful. You can download a FREE Autism Parenting Advice PDF copy of this post here.

Happy printing <3