It’s not easy being a single mom or dad trying to raise a small family. It can be downright exhausting some days. When you have a child with autism, these challenges can be compounded. However, this is not to say that single parenting a child with neurodivergence cannot also be deeply rewarding at the same time. At Monarch House, we have occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists on staff to help you with some of the responsibilities you face. Navigating these ordeals on your own requires resilience, planning, and creativity. So we are here to help. 

Here are ten ways to improve your experience as a single parent raising a child with autism in Markham.

1. Collaborate With Professionals

At Monarch House, we are here to help you with any daily living skills that can make your life a little easier at home. We  work closely with parents, teachers, educators, and healthcare providers to offer tips and help you build strategies about the best ways to have a child while getting everything else done around the home. This could be helping out with the cooking, laundry, or cleaning up. The more hands on deck, the lighter the load. At school, it’s important to regularly update your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals to align with their development and progress.

2. Focus on Communication

Different people talk to each other in unique ways. Some children like to express their emotions and frustrations through words, while other kids withdraw. You need to learn how to read the child. This is especially important in children with autism, as the communication styles can vary significantly, and be much more subtle than those of neurotypical children. Take the time to understand and support your child’s preferred communication style, whether verbal, nonverbal, or if it is a unique language type all its own aided by tools like picture boards or apps. Encouraging open communication fosters trust and reduces frustration.

3. Educate Yourself About Autism

The more you learn about autism the more equipped you are to navigate a child’s idiosyncrasies and behaviour. Parents that take the time to understand their child’s condition on a deeper level have more tools at their disposal to be better advocates and caregivers. At Monarch House, we suggest that you expand your knowledge by reading books, attending workshops, and consulting experts (such as us) to stay informed about effective strategies and therapies tailored to your child’s needs.

4. Create a Routine

Doing the same thing, at the same time, every day, can seem a little mundane at first, but it is very useful for children with autism, and it gives them a sense of autonomy within their environment. Children with autism often thrive on consistency and predictability. Make a list of things to do with your child each day, and develop a structured routine for meals, therapy sessions, school, and bedtime. Put these up in the home where they can be easy to see. You’ll find that visual representations of these schedules can be especially helpful in reinforcing the routine.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

You want to make sure that you are in a good place too before spending too much of your own resources on your child.  Take the time to breathe and relax when you need to. Caring for yourself is essential to being a good parent. Allocate time for meditation, hobbies, and physical health. Seek respite care services to take short breaks and recharge.

6. Build A Support Network

Having the right people around you can make all of the difference. Eliminate the toxic vibes from your life and focus on those who bring value to the relationship. Connect with family, friends, neighbours, and support groups who understand your situation. Monarch House, other autism support organizations, and active online communities can be invaluable resources for advice, shared experiences, and emotional support.

7. Manage Sensory Challenges

Bright lights, loud noises, scratchy surfaces. These can all come as a challenge to a child with particular aversions to sudden changes from serene to busy environments.  Children with autism may have sensory sensitivities. Create a sensory-friendly home environment with calming spaces and tools like noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, or sensory toys.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s all about the everyday victories. Progress may come in small steps, but each milestone matters. Celebrate achievements, no matter how minor they seem. Positive reinforcement builds confidence in both you and your child.

9. Plan for Emergencies

The most important thing for a single parent to keep in mind is the safety and security of their child. At Monarch House, we encourage parents to prepare in advance, and we can help them to build strategies. For instance, we can develop an emergency plan tailored to your child’s needs, including escape routes, contacts, and how to manage meltdowns in public spaces. We can help you teach your child basic safety practices in an autism-friendly way.

10. Practice Patience and Flexibility

At Monarch House we offer parent coaching sessions. Parenting a child with autism requires adaptability. Stay patient when faced with challenges and open-minded about trying new approaches to address your child’s needs and behaviours.

Single parenting a child with autism in Markham can feel isolating at times, but you are not alone. At Monarch House we have a professional, interdisciplinary staff of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech pathologists that are here to help with some tips and strategies. By implementing these suggestions, you can build a nurturing and supportive environment where both you and your child can thrive. Remember, progress takes time, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.