It’s a blessing to have parents that are healthy and capable of being a part of your child’s life. Some of us are even fortunate enough to have grandpa or nana actively involved in the day-to-day care of our children. For those lucky parents, grandparents can play a crucial role in the lives of their grandchildren, especially those with autism. A grandparent’s experience, love, wisdom, and unique position in the family structure offers invaluable support. 

Here are ten ways grandparents can assist in supporting children with autism Toronto.

1. Engaging in Structured Play

More hands on deck is always a boon when it comes to children with autism. It’s a lot of work. For starters, children with autism often thrive in (and demand) highly structured environments. Having another home to set up more designated areas can really help. Not only that, grandparents can actively organize and participate in some of the structured play activities. This can include board games, puzzles, or even something more sensory, like playdough or baking bread. Activities like this can help improve communication, social skills, and fine motor skills in a fun, engaging way.

2. Assisting with Routines

Keeping things familiar and predictable is a big part of the job. This is because consistency is crucial for children with autism. Grandparents can help, especially during transitions or when parents are unavailable, by maintaining routines and schedules. Some examples of this might include storytime, meal times, bedtime routines, morning routines, getting around, getting to school, and other daily activities. A consistent schedule helps neurodivergent children feel safe and secure.

3. Attending Therapy Sessions

Mom and dad can’t always be there. Sometimes a sub to take the child to Monarch House can be essential to be sure that your child doesn’t miss any important sessions or lessons. Plus, sometimes it can be beneficial to have an adult there to help participate in therapy sessions, be it speech, occupational, or behavioral. Grandparents who go can learn the specific strategies and techniques that therapists use. This will allow them to gain a deeper appreciation, and help them connect with their grandchild with autism later on. 

4. Encouraging Social Interaction

Get your parents involved as mini project managers to help you ease your workload.  Grandparents can help to coordinate social events. Ask them to help with things like: organizing playdates, family gatherings, or outings to places like parks or museums. These kinds of experiences are great for children with autism as it helps them develop social skills and adapt to new environments. Ask your parents to keep in mind that these outings should be low-pressure and cognizant of a neurodivergent child’s comfort level.

5. Educating Themselves About Autism

Put on a little crash course in autism for your folks to better understand the condition. Understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the first step in providing meaningful support. Hook them up with literature, encourage them to attend workshops, or join support groups with them to learn about the characteristics of autism, such as communication styles, and other behavior management strategies. This foundation helps to lay the groundwork for a supportive environment and reduces potential misconceptions about neurodivergence.

6. Providing Emotional Support

It never hurts to have a ‘cool’ grandma or grandpa that a child can talk to freely. Grandparents can offer a non-judgmental listening ear and a shoulder to lean on for both parents and grandchildren. There’s a lot of emotional challenges that come with raising a child with autism, and If they can maintain a calm presence they can help alleviate the stress. This emotional support is key to maintaining a positive family dynamic.

7. Modeling Positive Behavior

Sometimes you just need a break. This is where the grandparents can really help—when you’re tired. Children often learn through observation. When you feel that you can’t put your best self forward any longer, turn the focus to the grandparents to model positive behavior, patience, and empathy in their interactions. One way they can really shine is during outings in the community. This can show how they handle challenging situations with calm, dignity, and respect. Watching them informs children with autism valuable life skills and gives them tips on how to regulate their emotions themselves.

8. Supporting Parental Caregivers

Cooking, cleaning, driving the children to sports and extracurricular activities, getting the kids up for school, putting them to bed at night—the role of a caregiver is an exhausting one with many responsibilities. Grandparents can offer practical support by taking some of these tasks off your plate. Ask them if they can set aside some time for babysitting, helping with household chores, cooking one night a week, or providing a break for you to recharge once in a while. This support helps prevent burnout and ensures the well-being of the entire family.

9. Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment

You don’t necessarily need a hammer and nails to carve out a safe place for your child with autism. Sometimes all it takes is a bunch of blankets. Ask your mom and dad for ideas on how they can help out. A sensory-friendly and safe environment is crucial for children with autism. Grandparents can adapt their homes to accommodate sensory needs, such as providing a quiet space, reducing noise levels, or installing dimmer switches or softer lighting. A welcoming environment helps the child feel at ease and comfortable during visits.

10. Celebrating Achievements and Milestones

Keeping up the positive energy is imperative. Having the grandparents help out can go a long way towards this when you start to run out of steam. Children with autism may have unique developmental timelines. But every achievement should be celebrated regardless. Grandparents can help to treasure each milestone, no matter how small, and embrace it with genuine enthusiasm. This positive reinforcement boosts a child’s confidence and encourages continued progress.

Your parents probably want to help where they can. Chances are, they are just waiting to be asked. Don’t be shy to include them in your plans. Grandparents have a unique opportunity to be a source of love, support, and guidance for their grandchildren with autism. By providing emotional and practical support, bringing positive energy, and creating a nurturing environment, they can make a significant impact on a child’s life.  Monarch House encourages grandparents to learn and develop the same skills we teach in supporting the parents and siblings on how to have more successful interactions with their grandchild. Their involvement not only benefits the grandchild but also strengthens family bonds, providing a foundation of love and understanding. So call them today. You won’t regret it.

If this rings a bell, but you’re unsure whether your child is neurodivergent or not, consider seeking an autism assessment in Toronto at a Monarch House.