Autism parenting is raising an autistic child or teenager in a way that respects how they communicate, learn and experience the world, while looking after your own wellbeing. It is not about changing who your child is. This guide is for Australian parents and carers, and covers support for parents, family life, burnout, young adults, the NDIS and where to find help.
Autism parenting means adjusting everyday parenting to suit a child whose brain works differently.
You are not expected to know everything on day one. Most families learn by watching what helps their child calm down, communicate and enjoy their day.
The Australian ADHD Guideline found that children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA). Our guide to ADHD parenting explains what that can look like at home.
Autistic children are very different from each other, so start from your child’s needs and the situation in front of you.
The National Guideline for supporting the learning, participation and wellbeing of autistic children and their families covers children aged 0-12, and its 84 consensus-based recommendations were approved by the NHMRC on 6 December 2022 (Autism CRC).
Three common questions come up again and again, and each has its own guide.
Telling your child they are autistic, in plain and positive words, can help them understand themselves. Our guide on how to explain autism to a child gives wording ideas by age.
Picture books and stories can start conversations with children and siblings. See our list of autism books for families.
Some autistic children need extra time, visuals or sensory changes to learn toileting. Read autism toileting for practical steps and when to ask your GP or paediatrician for advice.
Raising Children Network has a useful page on positive behaviour strategies for your autistic child.
Many parents ask whether autism runs in the family, especially when a relative is autistic. Questions about family history are personal, so talk them through with a professional rather than relying on general rules.
Our guide to what causes autism explains what is currently known.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →You do not have to work it out alone, and several free Australian services are built for parents.
When looking for ASD resources for parents, choose ones that suit your child’s age, name Australian services and welcome autistic voices.
Caring for a child with high support needs is tiring, and burnout is a sign you need more help, not a failure.
If you are struggling, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If someone’s life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).
As your child grows, the aim shifts from doing things for them to supporting them to make their own choices.
If your child meets the NDIS access requirements, funded supports can help with therapy, daily living and community access, and the early childhood approach is for children younger than 9.
Our guide to autism funding explains what the NDIS can fund, and you can read whether autism is a disability under Australian law.
TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.
Make a referral →You know your child better than anyone, and the right support makes family life easier for everyone. At TQN Care, our support workers help autistic children, young people and adults with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). See our NDIS services, then make a referral and we will call you back to talk through what you need.
Many families ask this, and the answer depends on your situation. If you are worried about future children or other relatives, your GP can discuss your family history and whether a referral would help.
Start by learning what your child finds hard and what helps, then adjust routines, communication and places to match. Use predictable routines, visual supports and calm responses, and ask your paediatrician or therapist for strategies tailored to your child.
Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 is a free national helpline run by Amaze, open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday. Your GP, school and early childhood partner can also point you to local services and parent groups.
The NDIS early childhood approach is for children younger than 9 with developmental delay or disability, and families can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. Thriving Kids is also being introduced for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism and low to moderate support needs.
Tell your GP, ask a trusted person for practical help and look into respite. If you are in distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.
Many families find training useful. The Australian ADHD Guideline recommends parent and family training for families of children with ADHD, and your paediatrician or therapist can tell you what parent programs are available for autism.