A brain that looks like a jigsaw puzzle

Autism and Family Life

An autism diagnosis affects the whole family. Explore ways to help parents, siblings, and extended family to live well with and support an autistic family member.
A picture of a child learning how to write his name
Could the SCERTS Model Help Your Child With Autism?
Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD
angry boy being scolded by his mother
How to Tell the Difference Between Autistic Behavior and Misbehavior
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
mom with daughter carried piggy back
8 Tips for a Happy, Successful Summer on the Autism Spectrum
Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD
father reads with son
Tips to Start Homeschooling Your Child with Autism
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Relaxed with Headphones
Make Your Home a Sanctuary for Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
dance at wedding
Are Your Dreams for Your Autistic Child Serving You or Them?
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
A mother having a tea party with her daughter
Learn Why Playing With Your Autistic Child Isn't Always so Easy
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Child on horse with therapist
How Animals Can Help Treat Symptoms of Autism
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Father and son playing together
8 Ways to Build a Strong, Loving Bond With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD
Boy (6-7) reading book in school library
Your Autistic Child's Splinter Skills Could Help Him Learn and Grow
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD
Siblings playing in the sand
Should Parents of an Autistic Child Have Another Child?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Good job son
5 Controversies in the Autism Community
Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD
Child having tantrum
20 Ways to Help a Child With Autism to Stay Calm or Manage Meltdowns
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Family group hug
Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Autistic Child's Long-Term Future
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Dentist working on a child
How to Plan a Successful Trip to the Dentist With an Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Sumaya Ibraheem, DDS
Doctor examining a young boy
Why the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Protocol Was Discontinued
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Father and son playing in surf
10 Activities to Enjoy With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
man plays with toys
Parents Can Help Their Autistic Child Have Age Appropriate Interests
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Young boy sitting on bed, lining up pieces of paper
Autism Terms You May Be Misunderstanding
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD
Multi-ethnic multi-generation family cheering boy hitting pinata at birthday party
Will My Autistic Child Lead a Normal Life?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
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How to Help Your Family to Welcome Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD
Teenage boy cooking in kitchen
Autistic Teens May Need to Be Taught Independent Living Skills
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
Dad teaches baseball
Use These Ordinary Fathering Skills to Connect With Your Autistic Son
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
family fitness challenge - kick off
9 Ways to Have Summer Fun With an Autistic Child
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
arguing couple
Marriage to a Spouse With Asperger's Syndrome
Medically reviewed by Aron Janssen, MD
Child and grandfather watching video together
How Grandparents Can Form a Bond With Their Autistic Grandchild
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Child with sensory ball
What Toy Would an Autistic Child Enjoy?
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Tea Party
Why Parents Sometimes Avoid Relationships With Autistic Children
Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD
Close up of rows of soldiers' boots
Does Your Autistic Child Have to Register for Selective Service?
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Thomas the Tank Engine ride through a forested area
Top 10 Ideas for Using Thomas the Tank Engine as a Teaching Tool
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Worried Mom
My Child Was Diagnosed with Autism! What Now?
Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD
Group of children on the playground
How to Use Social Stories to Help Your Child Navigate the World
Fact checked by Sheeren Jegtvig
Small boy talking to his mother
Helping Kids with Autism Handle Parents' Divorce
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Father dressing toddler in nursery
3 Ways to Keep Your Autistic Child From Taking Their Clothes Off
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
Portrait of a mother with daughter Autism and Down Syndrome in daily lives
Helping Mothers of Autistic Children Cope With Their Depression
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
School Yard with several kids hanging out
How Parents Can Choose the Appropriate School for Kids With Autism
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Two brothers playing with their dog on the bed
Discover the Best Types of Dogs for Children With Autism
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD
Teen Boy Hands on Ears
10 Tips for Understanding and Managing Your Autistic Child's Behavior
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Child Doing Jigsaw Puzzle
Why Autistic Splinter Skills Should Be Celebrated
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
Mother kissing daughter's cheek on christmas
16 Ways to Have a Great Holiday on the Autism Spectrum
Fact checked by James Lacy
YOUNG BOY PLAYING WITH DINOSAUR MODEL AT HOME
10 Kinds of Gifts Autistic Kids (and Their Parents) Will Hate
By Lisa Jo Rudy
Lonely middle school student in cafeteria
How Lack of Social Motivation Impacts People with Autism
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Dad Laughing & Playing with Daughter Under Tree
Articles With Advice for Living With an Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO