Grandparent Autism Network

a vital resource for autism...and each other!

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Supporting Your Family

Sometimes grandparents are concerned about engaging with their grandchildren who have autism. They may feel uncomfortable about being solely responsible for their care, especially when they are out in public. They can, however, be especially good resources for their typical grandchildren who are sometimes overlooked because of the extra resources needed for the child affected by autism.

If you live nearby, consider inviting your typical grandchildren for sleepovers or take them to restaurants, parks, museums, movies, plays or other community activities. If possible, offer to transport them to after school classes, clubs, sports or religious programs. They need your special attention and reinforcement – and their parents will appreciate the respite time that will provide for them.

If you live at a distance, keep in touch with regular Facetime visits, phone calls, text messages or notes. Send small treats, gift cards or sponsor amusement park tickets. Invite them to visit or to take a trip with you. Be sure to reinforce them so that they feel special and loved.

How to Support Parents

You can provide emotional support for the parents of your grandchild with autism. Most families find that facing this challenge together, with acceptance and optimism, brings the family closer. Many parents of kids with autism say that getting verbal approval and support from their own parents means a lot.

Offer emotional support and a listening ear without judgment. Be available when your son or daughter needs to vent or wants to share a success. Knowing they can come to you without being judged or receiving advice can be a relief and reinforcing. Always compliment and reinforce them.

Keep any information about the child and family confidential. Parents prefer to share information about their child, the diagnosis and needs as they choose, rather than having you or others talking about any issues the child or family is having.

There are many controversial and expensive treatments available for treating autism but choosing treatments is up to the parents. They should not have to defend their decisions or whether or not to select an intervention. That being said, you should not feel responsible for financially sponsoring therapies that are not evidence based and proven effective. Currently, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only medically endorsed treatment that is especially effective when started at a young age.

Ask how you can be helpful. Parenting a child with autism can be exhausting. Any offers, no matter how small, will be truly appreciated. You might sponsor babysitting, meals, special programs and services, family outings or sleepovers at your home.

Provide support for your autistic grandchild’s siblings. They too often lack the attention they need. Sometimes grandparents find it easier focusing on the siblings and that provides additional respite time for parents, as well.
Focus on staying connected and committed to each other. This gives everyone in your family a sense of belonging. Families say positive things can come out of difficult experiences. For example, some find difficult experiences help them to learn patience, compassion, acceptance and respect for other.

  • Send them care packages with items you know they will enjoy.
  • Post photographs or pictures of local places prior to their visit to you so they can anticipate your outings together.
  • Put your picture on the calendar on the date you will be reunited. The child can then anticipate when you will be together again.
  • Educate yourself and your extended family about autism. Attend seminars, read books, call or email your family to get frequent updates on your grandchild’s progress.

Focus on staying connected and committed to each other. This gives everyone in your family a sense of belonging.

Supporting Parents Of Children with Autism

1. Be there – sometimes parents just need someone to listen
2. Be Inclusive – include parents with their autistic children in activities you plan
3. Try not to be judgemental – it’s hard to put ourselves in their shoes with all that they need to deal with
4. Help provide respite care – everyone needs a break and parents of children with autism may not have as many opportunities to take care of themselves.
5. Learn more about autism – find out what you can about autism from reputable resources (visit our site www.ganinfo.org)
6. Keep things confidential – everyone will be different about what they want others to know but it’s just safer to keep everything confidential!
7. Become an advocate – advocate for the rights of people with autism for inclusion and understanding and against discrimination.

30 Things Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum Want You to Know

(an article from Applied Behavior Analysis)

Sometimes our children find it difficult to communicate their challenges to us. This article addresses some of the universal issues they may experience but may not personally share with you.

t is estimated that one in 68 children are now diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum disorder, and yet, this diagnosis remains as misunderstood as ever. We simply do not live in a society that is accommodating or even accepting of those who are not “neurotypical.” Fortunately, parents of autistic children are wonderful at communicating who their children are and why. Below are 30 things those parents of children on the Autism Spectrum want you to know.
Not all autism is the same, and neither is every child with autism.
It’s called the Autism Spectrum because autism actually covers a wide scope of complex disorders in brain development. Included are Asperger’s Syndrome, “classic” autism and  Pervasive Developmental Disorder, among others.  The types of autism range in everything from communication skills, anxiety, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors, among other things. As with any kid, a child with autism should be treated as an individual with his or her own set of abilities and preferences.
Just because my kid doesn’t look like another kid with autism doesn’t mean he’s not on the Autism Spectrum.
As one parent wrote on the popular Autism Speaks blog, “Knowing one child with autism doesn’t mean anything really – they’re all so different. Please don’t tell me my son doesn’t have [autism] because he looks so different from the other kid you know on the Spectrum.”
READ MORE

Reinforcing Parents

Frequent phone calls, notes of encouragement or just simply listening can be really helpful to your child in helping them cope with their stress.

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Upcoming Events

Oct 6
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Person-Driven Planning: Supporting Transition for Students with Disabilities

Oct 12
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Autism Inclusion in the Workplace Panel

Oct 29
10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Parent’s Support Meetings with Dr. Gantman

Nov 3
8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Person-Driven Planning: Supporting Transition for Students with Disabilities

Nov 4
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Autism Speaks Orange County Walk

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Grandparent Autism Network
360 E. First Street #202
Tustin, CA 92780-3211
Tel: 714.573.1500
E: info@ganinfo.org

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Our Mission: To promote awareness and understanding of autism and to enhance the resources essential to community responsiveness.

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