Tips for Easier and Healthier Living with Autism
As a parent of a child with autism, I know firsthand that every day can come with its own set of challenges and joys. One thing I’ve learned is that while there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, there are strategies that have made a world of difference for my child and our family. I wanted to share a few tips that have helped us live a bit more easily and healthily, and I hope they might help you too.
1. Stick to a Routine (It’s a Lifesaver!)
If your child thrives on structure routines are a huge help. Knowing what comes next reduces so much of the anxiety that can come from the unknown.
What Helps: When my son was young, using visual schedules or setting a timer for transitions (like “10 minutes until dinner”) works wonders. It’s a gentle reminder that helps my child mentally prepare for what’s next. Even as a teenager, I plan ahead for the transitions he'll need, such as the time he needs to prepare to get out of bed.
2. Healthy Eating is Tough, But Worth It
Let’s be real—getting any child to eat healthily can be a battle, but with autism, food sensitivities and preferences can make it even harder. I used to feel so overwhelmed about meal planning until I started introducing new foods really slowly.
What Helps: Tiny, gradual changes made a big difference. I added one new food a week, and if it was too much, we backed off. Consulting a nutritionist who understands sensory issues can be very helpful.
3. Finding the Right Exercise
Exercise isn’t just good for physical health—it’s great for mental well-being, too. But traditional sports didn’t work for us. My child needed something that was both fun and sensory-friendly.
What Worked for Us: We tried swimming and simple days at the park. Those became instant hits. They’re low-impact, calming, and gave my son the sensory input he needed.
4. Sleep Struggles Are Real
If sleep has been an issue for your family like it was for ours, you know how exhausting it can be. We had nights where no one was getting a full night’s rest. Setting up a calming bedtime routine and possibly high-quality supplements can make all the difference.
What Worked for Us: We started winding down the evening by dimming the lights, turning off screens an hour before bed, incorporating an evening bath, and playing calming music or white noise. The consistent routine helped signal it was time for sleep. We also found a high-quality liquid melatonin sleep spray which changed our world.
5. Socializing at Their Own Pace
Social interaction can be tricky, but finding ways to connect with others has been so rewarding. I realized early on that pushing too hard wasn’t the answer—my child needed to socialize in a way that felt comfortable.
How We Did It: We started with one-on-one playdates in quieter environments, then, park meetups. Now, he interacts a few times a week with peers his age, both neurodivergent and typical, in groups of about 10 students. He also does Outschool classes with other neurodivergent teens weekly. When my son was young, social stories also helped prepare him for situations, and it really helped ease the stress of unfamiliar environments.
6. Therapy: A Lifelong Journey
Therapy can help a lot of people. From highly flexible, child-led ABA to speech and occupational therapy, the right support can help some children gain skills and confidence.
What We Did: My son did ABA until he was about 8, at which time it was no longer right for him. Then, we started back up when he was 16. So far, it's been great and is very much directed by him. Other therapies such as PT and OT were helpful when he was younger. Brain Balance also allowed him to make huge strides, but this is not the case for everyone and it can be expensive, so proceed with a lot of research and thought.
7. Mindfulness: Not Just for Adults
My husband really took the lead on this for our son. It helped him be aware of himself, regulate his emotions, and manage when anxiety creeps up.
What We Did: We practiced deep breathing and short mindfulness exercises together—just five minutes a day. It was amazing how something so simple could make such a big difference in his emotional control and focus. Apps like Headspace for Kids can also be a great resource.
You’re Not Alone
Living with an autistic individual is both challenging and extremely rewarding. Each new benchmark attained is worth celebration! And remember, what works for one child may not work for another—this is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one day at a time. I hope these tips help make things a little easier for you and your family.
