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
The SCERTS Model for Children With Autism
Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD
angry boy being scolded by his mother
Autistic Behavior vs Misbehavior
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
mom with daughter carried piggy back
Challenges and Tips for Summer on the Autism Spectrum
Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD
father reads with son
How to Homeschool Your Autistic Child
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Relaxed with Headphones
6 Realistic Tips for Making Your Home Autism-Friendly
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
dance at wedding
Setting Realistic Goals for Your Autistic Child
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
A mother having a tea party with her daughter
Why Playing With Your Autistic Child Is Not Always Easy
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Child on horse with therapist
Animal and Pet Therapies for Autism
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Father and son playing together
How to Build a Strong Bond With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD
Boy (6-7) reading book in school library
What Are Splinter Skills in Autism?
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 Surrounding Autism
Medically reviewed by Claudia Chaves, MD
Child having tantrum
How to Calm a Child With Autism
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Family group hug
What Will Happen to Our Autistic Child After We Die?
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Dentist working on a child
Prepare for the Dentist With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Sumaya Ibraheem, DDS
Doctor examining a young boy
Why the Defeat Autism Now (DAN!) Protocol Was Ended
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Father and son playing in surf
10 Hobbies and Activities to Enjoy With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
man plays with toys
Help Autistic Children Expand Their 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 Your Autistic Child Lead a 'Normal Life?'
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
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7 Tips for Including Kids with Autism in Family Events
Medically reviewed by Diana Apetauerova, MD
Teenage boy cooking in kitchen
Independent Living Skills for Autism
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
Dad teaches baseball
5 Ways to Help Connect With Your Autistic Son
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
family fitness challenge - kick off
Summer Fun for You and Your Child With Autism
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
7 Tips for Bonding With Your Autistic Grandchild
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Child with sensory ball
What Toy Should I Buy for an Autistic Child?
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Tea Party
6 Ways to Help Connect With Your Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Lyndsey Garbi, MD
Close up of rows of soldiers' boots
Must Teens With Autism Register for Selective Service?
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Thomas the Tank Engine ride through a forested area
Use Thomas the Tank Engine as a Teaching Tool
Fact checked by Ashley Hall
Worried Mom
What Not to Do When Your Child Is Diagnosed with Autism
Medically reviewed by Nicholas R. Metrus, MD
Group of children on the playground
Social Stories for Kids With Autism
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
How to Stop Your Autistic Child From Removing Clothes
Medically reviewed by Pilar Trelles, MD
Portrait of a mother with daughter Autism and Down Syndrome in daily lives
Mothers of Autistic Children and Depression
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
School Yard with several kids hanging out
Different School Options for Kids With Autism
Fact checked by Lisa Sullivan, MS
Two brothers playing with their dog on the bed
Choosing the Best Dog for a Child With Autism
Medically reviewed by Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD
Teen Boy Hands on Ears
Understand and Manage 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 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays With an Autistic Child
Fact checked by James Lacy
YOUNG BOY PLAYING WITH DINOSAUR MODEL AT HOME
10 Gifts Autistic Kids (and Their Parents) Will Hate
By Lisa Jo Rudy
Lonely middle school student in cafeteria
Social Motivation and Autism
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO
Dad Laughing & Playing with Daughter Under Tree
Navigating Life With an Autistic Child
Medically reviewed by Jonathan B. Jassey, DO