Ideas for Grandparents and Help with Autism

As our company expands and is supporting families with children of disabilities I continue to find helpful advice I hope this information will be useful for our older clients.

Grandparents hold a special place in the lives of grandchildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Regardless of distance or personal challenges, they can still offer support, insight, companionship, advocacy, and heartfelt love.   If able and ready to assist, let your adult child lead as the primary caregiver and ask how you can be specifically supportive and helpful. If you live nearby offer to help watch your grandchild for brief periods, giving their parents some much-needed rest. Offering a little extra supervision or simply being there at home can make a big difference, too. You might also stay with siblings while the parent attends a therapy session or school meeting for the grandchild with autism. Supporting the siblings can also mean helping with projects, cheering them on at sports games, or taking them to playdates and library visits.  You can also offer financial support to help with a drive-through meal or paying for a babysitter for a date night. There's lots of ways to be involved!
 
You can offer emotional help to your adult child as well. Many families discover that working on this challenge together, with a spirit of acceptance and optimism, strengthens their bonds. When you feel a sense of pride in your child’s daily hard work and commitment to your grandchild, make sure to tell them. Verbal approval might be the push they need to get through their day, little things really do mean a lot! 
 
To be better prepared to help, here are some resources you can take advantage of to equip you for your role in your grandchild's life:
 

1. Autism Grandparents Club: This online platform offers expert consultations, forums for peer-to-peer conversation, and access to relevant articles and blogs that address the unique challenges faced by autism grandparents. More information can be found at Autism Grandparents Club
2. Grandparent Autism Network: This network provides practical tips and resources for grandparents. They focus on facilitating communication between grandparents and parents to enhance collaboration in caregiving. Visit their site for more details: Grandparent Autism Network
3. Marcus Autism Center: This center offers resources and support for families with children on the autism spectrum. Their website includes articles tailored for grandparents, highlighting how they can effectively support their grandchildren and their parents. You can find useful information at Marcus Autism Center
4. Autism Speaks Family Services: Autism Speaks provides a wealth of information, including community resources, tips for grandparents, and ways to get involved in advocacy and fundraising. They also have resources for raising awareness and improving support systems. Check out their resources here: Autism Speaks

 If you need support as you navigate resources for your loved one with Autism we are here to help. We assist with Medicaid and Waiver applications, IEP meeting n-person support, and transition plans from high school. Contact us at 706-756-5625.