Caring Together Charity supports people who care for a loved one with autism
Caring for someone with autism can be rewarding and challenging. Parents, siblings and young carers often face similar questions about how best to support a loved one with autism while also looking after themselves.
Everyday challenges
Carers find themselves problem-solving daily. Here are some common hurdles and tips that may help:
- Anxiety: Prepare your loved one for changes in routine, create calm spaces. Respond calmly to emotional expression.
- Meltdowns and behaviours: Recognise these as coping strategies. Stay calm, keep them safe, and track triggers.
- Eating: A food diary can reveal helpful patterns if you have a selective eater.
- Sleep: Consistent routines and reduced screen time can help. Seek advice from your GP if needed.
- Health checks: Make visits manageable by asking professionals to adjust appointments to reduce triggers.
- Friendships: Encourage social opportunities through school, peer support and autism-friendly activities.
Communication challenges
Autistic people have individual communication styles and may use few or no words. The following may help:
- Keep it simple. Use their name, speak slowly, clearly, using literal language and gestures.
- Introduce alternative visual communication tools like PECS, Makaton or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps.
- Give them extra time to process information. Try the ‘six-second rule’, waiting six seconds after speaking before repeating yourself.
Be aware of body language, the environment and repetitive phrases to help understand what they’re communicating.
The carer’s challenge
Balancing care with other responsibilities can leave carers drained. You may feel exhausted, isolated, worried about money or struggling to navigate services. As a carer, it’s easy to put your own needs last. Remember, you matter too and asking for help is essential. Try to:
- Find your tribe. Join local or online parent carer/carer groups to share stories and support.
- Take breathers. Even ten minutes with a cup of tea or a short walk can reset your day.
- Seek support. Ask us, your GP or local council about a carer’s assessment. This could unlock respite care, financial help, or training.
- Support networks. No carer should feel alone. Call us. These organisations listed below can also help.
Useful organisations
Ambitious About Autism
Resources and online parent community
www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
ASD Helping Hands
Norfolk-based support and training
www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk
Carers UK
Advice on carer’s rights and financial support
www.carersuk.org
Caring Together Charity
Carers’ advice line, information and groups
www.caringtogether.org
National Autistic Society
Information, parent-to-parent emotional support
www.autism.org.uk
NHS
Advice and tips
www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism
Pinpoint
Information, groups, training for Cambridgeshire parent carers
www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk
Young Minds
Mental health support
www.youngminds.org.uk
What about additional help?
Our team of Care Professionals can provide respite so you and other members of your family can have a break from caring for your loved one with autism. This could be a regular weekly break or as a one-off. Call 0345 241 0954 or visit our Homecare page for more information.
