3 Key Ideas to Help you and Your Autistic Child Communicate and Connect

I had a wonderful chat with Jessica, (@aussieautismfamily on Instagram) about 3 key things for parents to know, if your child is early in an autism diagnosis journey, so you can support your child’s communication and build relationships!

You can catch the live chat here – it’s a bit under 40 mins and you’ll hear me talk about the ideas below, and Jess shares her insights and how these strategies have applied to her son and their family.

Here are the 3 ideas we discussed that can help you and your autistic child communicate and connect further:

🌟 Relationship comes before rules! Think carefully about when you’re putting up a boundary (e.g. saying ‘no’ to something) and consider where it can become a YES!

🌟 Get PLAYFUL! Play can happen all day, and it doesn’t have to be in ‘play’ sessions. Try to bring a playful approach to moments in daily life and see how it can help your child through daily routines, and learn new things!

🌟 All communication is valid. Accept all forms of communication – actions, gestures, body language, sounds, speech, signing, AAC. How ever your child is sending messages in that moment is right for them, and your job is to respond and acknowledge them – show that their communication attempts are valid!

If these tips were helpful and you’d like to know more, I hope you’ll join me, for my upcoming Connect & Grow LIVE parent program. We’ll discuss:

• autism
• neurodiversity
• sensory strategies
• supporting expression
• supporting understanding
• behaviour as communication
• PLUS I’ll be sharing specific activity ideas that you can try!