Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signs, Symptoms & Support Guide

What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition present from birth that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially, and experiences the world. It is characterized by differences in social communication, restricted or repetitive behaviors, and unique patterns of processing sensory information. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide range of ways autism can present in different individuals.

Autism is classified as a neuropsychiatric condition, meaning it relates to how the brain develops and functions differently. The brain of an autistic person processes information in distinctive ways, which affects everything from how they learn new things and communicate with others to how they perceive sensory experiences like sounds, lights, textures, and smells. These neurological differences are present from birth and remain throughout a person's life.

It's crucial to understand that autism is not a disease or illness - it is a different way of being. Just as people have different personalities, learning styles, and ways of thinking, autistic individuals have brains that are "wired" differently. This neurodiversity perspective recognizes autism as a natural variation in human neurology rather than something broken that needs fixing. Many autistic individuals and advocates emphasize that autism is an integral part of their identity, not something separate from who they are.

The causes of autism are primarily genetic. Research has identified hundreds of genes that may contribute to autism, and studies of twins show that autism has a heritability of approximately 80%. This means that if one identical twin is autistic, there is a very high probability that the other twin will also be autistic. Family members often share autistic traits even if they don't meet diagnostic criteria themselves. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also play a role, though no single environmental cause has been definitively identified.

The Autism Spectrum

The term "spectrum" is essential for understanding autism because it highlights the enormous diversity among autistic individuals. Two autistic people can present very differently from each other - one might be highly verbal with subtle social differences, while another might be non-speaking and need substantial daily support. Some autistic people live independently, hold careers, and have families, while others require lifelong care and assistance.

Previously, autism was divided into separate diagnoses including "classic autism," "Asperger syndrome," and "pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)." In current diagnostic systems like DSM-5 and ICD-11, these have been unified under the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, with specifiers indicating the level of support an individual needs. This change reflects the scientific understanding that these conditions share common underlying features and exist on a continuum rather than being distinct categories.

Common Co-occurring Conditions

Many autistic individuals have other conditions alongside autism. These are called co-occurring or comorbid conditions and can include:

• ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): Estimated to co-occur in 30-50% of autistic individuals
• Anxiety disorders: Very common, affecting up to 40% of autistic people
• Depression: More prevalent in autistic adults, often related to social challenges and stigma
• Epilepsy: Occurs in approximately 20-30% of autistic individuals
• Sleep disorders: Affecting up to 80% of autistic children at some point
• Intellectual disability: Present in approximately 30-40% of autistic individuals
• Gastrointestinal issues: More common in autistic individuals than in the general population

Recognizing and addressing these co-occurring conditions is an important part of supporting autistic individuals, as they can significantly impact quality of life and may require separate treatment approaches.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Autism?

Autism is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, and often sensory sensitivities. Signs can appear in early childhood, typically before age 3, though they may not be recognized until later, especially in those who develop compensatory strategies. The presentation varies significantly between individuals.

Understanding the signs of autism requires recognizing that these characteristics exist on a spectrum and manifest differently in each person. What might be obvious in one autistic individual may be subtle or absent in another. Additionally, many autistic people, particularly women and girls, learn to "mask" or camouflage their autistic traits, which can delay recognition and diagnosis. The signs described below represent common patterns, but no single sign is required for an autism diagnosis, and having some of these traits doesn't necessarily mean someone is autistic.

Social Communication Differences

Autistic individuals often experience and navigate social situations differently than neurotypical (non-autistic) people. These differences can include challenges with the unwritten rules of social interaction that neurotypical people often pick up intuitively. For autistic individuals, these implicit social expectations may need to be explicitly learned and consciously applied.

Common social communication differences include:

• Difficulty reading nonverbal cues: Understanding facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice can be challenging. Autistic individuals may miss subtle signals that convey emotions or social meaning.
• Different eye contact patterns: Many autistic people find making or maintaining eye contact uncomfortable, distracting, or even painful. This doesn't indicate lack of interest or dishonesty.
• Literal interpretation of language: Sarcasm, idioms, and figures of speech may be taken literally. "It's raining cats and dogs" might be genuinely confusing.
• Challenges with back-and-forth conversation: The reciprocal nature of conversation can be difficult to navigate. An autistic person might talk extensively about their interests without recognizing when the listener wants to change topics.
• Difficulty understanding others' perspectives: This doesn't mean lacking empathy - many autistic people have deep empathy - but rather difficulty intuitively guessing what others are thinking or feeling.
• Direct communication style: Many autistic people communicate very directly and honestly, which can sometimes be perceived as blunt or rude by neurotypical people.

It's important to note that these communication differences are often bidirectional. Just as autistic people may struggle to understand neurotypical communication patterns, neurotypical people often misunderstand autistic communication styles. Research has shown that autistic individuals communicate effectively with other autistic people, suggesting that the "deficit" is more about a mismatch in communication styles than an inherent inability to communicate.

Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors

This category encompasses a wide range of behaviors and interests that are characteristic of autism. While the term "restricted" might sound limiting, many of these traits can be strengths when channeled appropriately.

• Intense, focused interests: Autistic individuals often develop deep, passionate interests in specific topics. These "special interests" can range from common topics like trains or dinosaurs to more unusual subjects. The depth of knowledge and enthusiasm can be remarkable and, when aligned with career paths, can lead to exceptional expertise.
• Need for routine and predictability: Many autistic people find comfort in established routines and can become distressed when routines are disrupted unexpectedly. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and cognitive load.
• Stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors): These are repetitive movements or sounds like hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, humming, or playing with fidget objects. Stimming serves various purposes including self-regulation, expressing emotions, and processing sensory input. It is generally harmless and should not be suppressed unless it causes injury.
• Repetitive speech patterns: This might include echolalia (repeating words or phrases), scripting (using memorized phrases from movies or books), or asking the same questions repeatedly.
• Resistance to change: Changes in environment, schedule, or expectations can be very challenging. Autistic individuals often need more time and preparation to adjust to changes.

Sensory Differences

Sensory processing differences are now recognized as a core feature of autism. Autistic individuals may experience sensory input more intensely (hypersensitivity) or less intensely (hyposensitivity) than neurotypical people, and this can vary across different senses and situations.

These sensory differences can significantly impact daily life. A shopping mall might be overwhelming due to the combination of bright lights, crowds, background music, and multiple smells. School environments with fluorescent lighting, echo-filled hallways, and unpredictable noise can be exhausting for autistic students. Understanding and accommodating sensory needs is crucial for supporting autistic individuals.

Signs in Different Age Groups

Autism can present differently depending on age and developmental stage:

Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years): Early signs may include limited eye contact, not responding to their name, delayed babbling or speech, not pointing or waving, limited interest in other children, unusual movements, and intense reactions to sensory experiences. However, many autistic children don't show obvious signs at this age.

Preschool Age (2-5 years): Signs often become more noticeable as social demands increase. Children may struggle with pretend play, have difficulty making friends, show strong preferences for routines, have intense interests, experience meltdowns during transitions, and show unusual language patterns.

School Age (6-12 years): Academic and social challenges may emerge. Difficulty with group work, literal interpretation of language, struggles with unstructured time like recess, and challenges maintaining friendships become more apparent. Some children develop anxiety or depression as a result of social difficulties.

Adolescence and Adulthood: Teenagers and adults may have learned to mask many autistic traits, making identification more difficult. Mental health challenges, difficulty navigating romantic relationships, sensory overwhelm in adult environments, and challenges with independent living may be present.

How Is Autism Diagnosed?

Autism diagnosis involves a comprehensive evaluation by specialists including developmental pediatricians, psychologists, or psychiatrists. The assessment typically includes developmental history, direct observation, standardized tests, and interviews with family members. There is no medical test like a blood test for autism - diagnosis is based on behavior and developmental history.

Diagnosing autism is a complex process because there is no single medical test that can identify the condition. Unlike conditions that can be diagnosed through blood tests or brain scans, autism is identified through careful observation of behavior, developmental history, and standardized assessments. The diagnostic process is most effective when conducted by professionals with specific training and experience in autism assessment.

The Diagnostic Process

A comprehensive autism assessment typically involves several components:

Developmental History: Clinicians gather detailed information about the individual's developmental milestones, early behaviors, and current functioning. For adults, this may include childhood memories and observations from parents or other family members who knew them in early childhood. This history helps establish whether autistic traits were present from early development, which is a key diagnostic criterion.

Standardized Assessment Tools: Several validated instruments are used in autism diagnosis. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) is considered the gold standard and involves structured activities that allow clinicians to observe social and communication behaviors. The Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) is a comprehensive parent interview. Various screening tools like the M-CHAT-R/F for toddlers help identify those who need further evaluation.

Cognitive and Developmental Testing: Assessments of intellectual ability, language, and adaptive functioning help create a complete picture of the individual's strengths and challenges. These tests also help identify co-occurring conditions and inform recommendations for support.

Medical Evaluation: A physician may conduct a physical examination and may order genetic testing or other medical tests to identify conditions that commonly co-occur with autism or to rule out other explanations for the symptoms.

Diagnostic Criteria

According to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision), autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed when an individual shows:

1. Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts, including difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, nonverbal communication, and developing and maintaining relationships.
2. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, including stereotyped movements, insistence on sameness, highly restricted interests, and sensory differences.
3. Symptoms present in early developmental period (though they may not become fully apparent until social demands exceed capacity).
4. Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning.
5. Symptoms not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay.

The diagnosis also includes specifiers for the level of support needed (Level 1, 2, or 3), presence of intellectual impairment, language impairment, and any known genetic or medical conditions.

Diagnosis in Adults

Many autistic adults were not identified in childhood, particularly women, individuals without intellectual disability, and those who developed effective masking strategies. Adult diagnosis has become increasingly common as awareness has grown and diagnostic criteria have evolved.

Adult autism assessment follows similar principles but faces unique challenges. Clinicians must rely more heavily on the individual's self-report and may have difficulty obtaining childhood developmental information. Adults have often developed coping strategies that can mask autistic traits during assessment. The impact of decades of living without understanding their neurological differences may have led to mental health conditions that complicate the picture.

For adults seeking assessment, the process typically involves clinical interviews exploring developmental history, current challenges, and daily functioning. Self-report questionnaires, observation during the assessment, and collateral information from family members when possible are also part of the evaluation. Many adults report that receiving a diagnosis provides valuable self-understanding and validation of their lifelong experiences.

What Causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism has a strong genetic basis, with heritability estimated at approximately 80%. Hundreds of genes have been linked to autism, and it often runs in families. Environmental factors during pregnancy may also play a role, though no single environmental cause has been identified. Importantly, vaccines do NOT cause autism - this has been definitively disproven by extensive research.

Understanding the causes of autism has been an active area of scientific research for decades. While we don't have complete answers, research has made significant progress in identifying factors that contribute to autism development. The picture that emerges is one of complex genetic architecture with possible environmental influences during prenatal development.

Genetic Factors

The strongest evidence for autism causation points to genetics. Twin studies consistently show that if one identical twin is autistic, there is approximately 70-90% chance the other twin is also autistic. This high concordance rate, compared to about 30% for non-identical twins, demonstrates the substantial genetic component of autism.

Research has identified hundreds of genes that may contribute to autism risk. These include genes involved in brain development, neural connectivity, and synaptic function. In some cases, autism is associated with identifiable genetic conditions like Fragile X syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, or Rett syndrome. However, for most autistic individuals, the genetic picture involves complex interactions among many common genetic variants, each contributing a small amount to overall risk.

The genetic nature of autism means it often runs in families. Parents and siblings of autistic individuals frequently show subtle autistic traits even if they don't meet diagnostic criteria. This phenomenon, sometimes called the "broader autism phenotype," reflects the continuous distribution of autistic traits in the population.

Environmental Factors

While genetics plays the primary role, some environmental factors during pregnancy have been associated with increased autism risk. These include:

• Advanced parental age (both maternal and paternal)
• Certain medications during pregnancy, particularly valproic acid
• Very premature birth or low birth weight
• Pregnancy complications
• Short intervals between pregnancies

It's important to emphasize that these factors only slightly increase risk and that most children with these exposures do not develop autism. The brain development that leads to autism begins very early in pregnancy, during the first trimester when neural structures are forming.

What Doesn't Cause Autism

Several theories about autism causation have been thoroughly investigated and disproven:

• Parenting style: The outdated "refrigerator mother" theory blamed cold, unloving mothers for causing autism. This has been completely debunked - parenting does not cause autism.
• Vaccines: As noted above, extensive research has definitively disproven any link between vaccines and autism.
• Diet: While some autistic individuals may have food sensitivities or preferences, no specific dietary factors cause autism.
• Screen time or technology: Despite concerns, there is no evidence that exposure to screens or technology causes autism.

How Is Autism Treated and Supported?

Autism is not treated as a disease to be cured but supported through therapies and accommodations that help autistic individuals develop skills and navigate a world designed for neurotypical people. Evidence-based approaches include behavioral therapies, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and educational support. The goal is to maximize quality of life while respecting autistic identity.

The approach to autism has evolved significantly over time. Rather than trying to "cure" or eliminate autistic traits, modern best practices focus on supporting autistic individuals to develop skills, manage challenges, and access accommodations that allow them to thrive. This shift reflects input from autistic adults who emphasize the importance of acceptance alongside support.

Early Intervention

Research consistently shows that early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for autistic children. The brain is most adaptable during the early years, making this a critical window for developing communication, social, and adaptive skills. Early intervention programs typically involve:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This is one of the most researched interventions for autism. Modern ABA focuses on positive reinforcement to teach skills and reduce challenging behaviors. However, it's important to note that some autistic adults have criticized traditional ABA approaches for attempting to make autistic children appear "normal" at the expense of their well-being. Contemporary practitioners increasingly emphasize naturalistic, play-based approaches that respect the child's autonomy and focus on meaningful skills rather than compliance.

Speech-Language Therapy: Speech therapists help with various communication challenges, including developing spoken language, using alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices, understanding pragmatic language (social use of language), and addressing feeding and swallowing issues.

Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists address sensory processing differences, fine motor skills, self-care skills, and help develop strategies for managing daily life activities. Sensory integration therapy, while not yet strongly evidence-based, is commonly used to help with sensory sensitivities.

Developmental and Relationship-Based Approaches: Programs like DIR/Floortime and RDI focus on building relationships and emotional connections as the foundation for development. These approaches emphasize following the child's lead and meeting them where they are developmentally.

Educational Support

Schools play a crucial role in supporting autistic students. With appropriate accommodations and modifications, many autistic students can succeed in mainstream educational settings. Common supports include:

• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or equivalent plans that outline specific goals and accommodations
• Classroom modifications such as preferential seating, reduced sensory distractions, and visual schedules
• Additional time for tests and assignments
• Social skills instruction and support
• Access to quiet spaces for breaks when overwhelmed
• Paraprofessional support when needed

Some autistic students benefit from specialized educational settings designed specifically for autistic learners, while others thrive in inclusive mainstream classrooms with appropriate support. The key is matching the educational environment to the individual student's needs.

Support for Adults

Autistic adults often need ongoing support, though the nature and intensity of support varies greatly. Key areas of adult support include:

Employment: Many autistic adults can work successfully with appropriate accommodations. These might include clear, written instructions, reduced sensory distractions, flexible scheduling, and understanding supervisors. Some employers have developed autism hiring programs that recognize the valuable skills autistic employees bring, such as attention to detail, logical thinking, and ability to focus intensely on tasks.

Independent Living: Support needs for independent living range from minimal to comprehensive. Some autistic adults live completely independently, while others benefit from supported living arrangements, assistance with daily tasks, or residential services. Skills training in areas like cooking, budgeting, and household management can help increase independence.

Social Support: Many autistic adults benefit from social skills groups designed for autistic individuals, peer support networks, and community groups centered on shared interests. Building a supportive social network on autistic-friendly terms can greatly improve quality of life.

Mental Health: Given the high rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions in autistic adults, access to mental health services is crucial. Therapists who understand autism can help address mental health challenges while respecting autistic identity.

Medications

There are no medications that treat the core features of autism. However, medications may be prescribed to address co-occurring conditions or specific symptoms:

• Stimulants or non-stimulants for co-occurring ADHD
• SSRIs or other antidepressants for anxiety or depression
• Melatonin or other sleep aids for sleep difficulties
• Antipsychotics in some cases for severe irritability or aggression (though these have significant side effects and should be used cautiously)
• Anticonvulsants for co-occurring epilepsy

Any medication decisions should involve careful discussion of risks and benefits with qualified healthcare providers who understand autism.

What Is It Like Living with Autism?

Living with autism varies tremendously between individuals. Many autistic people lead fulfilling lives with careers, relationships, and families. Challenges may include navigating social situations, managing sensory environments, and dealing with societal misunderstanding. With appropriate support and acceptance, autistic individuals can thrive while being authentically themselves.

The experience of being autistic is deeply personal and varies dramatically from person to person. Some autistic individuals view their autism as a disability that presents significant challenges, while others see it primarily as a different way of being with both advantages and disadvantages. Many embrace neurodiversity-affirming perspectives that view autism as a natural variation rather than a disorder. Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for truly supporting autistic individuals.

Autistic Strengths

While discussions of autism often focus on challenges, autistic individuals frequently possess notable strengths:

• Deep focus and expertise: The ability to concentrate intensely on areas of interest often leads to exceptional knowledge and skills in specific domains.
• Attention to detail: Many autistic people notice patterns, errors, or details that others miss.
• Logical thinking: Strong analytical and systematic thinking skills are common.
• Honesty and directness: Many autistic people value honesty and communicate directly, which can be refreshing in environments where indirect communication is the norm.
• Loyalty and reliability: Once committed to a relationship or task, many autistic people show exceptional dedication.
• Unique perspectives: Different ways of perceiving and processing the world can lead to creative solutions and innovations.
• Strong sense of justice: Many autistic people have a deeply held sense of fairness and are passionate advocates for causes they believe in.

Common Challenges

Autistic individuals may face various challenges in daily life, though these vary by person and context:

Social Navigation: The social world can be confusing and exhausting for autistic people. Unwritten rules, subtle cues, and complex social dynamics require conscious effort to navigate. Many autistic people describe feeling like they're constantly translating between their natural way of being and what's expected socially.

Sensory Overwhelm: Environments that neurotypical people find comfortable may be overwhelming for autistic individuals. Crowded, noisy, or brightly lit spaces can cause significant distress and fatigue. Managing sensory needs often requires careful planning and access to quiet spaces.

Executive Functioning: Many autistic people struggle with executive functioning skills like organization, time management, initiating tasks, and transitioning between activities. These challenges can impact daily living and work performance even for intellectually capable individuals.

Masking and Burnout: Many autistic people, especially women and those diagnosed later in life, learn to "mask" their autistic traits to fit in socially. While masking may help in the short term, it requires enormous energy and can lead to autistic burnout - a state of chronic exhaustion, increased sensory sensitivity, and reduced functioning that can take months or years to recover from.

Mental Health: High rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions affect the autistic community. These are often related to the stress of living in a world not designed for autistic minds, experiences of bullying or exclusion, and the effects of masking.

Relationships and Family Life

Autistic individuals can and do form meaningful relationships, though these may look different from neurotypical relationships. Many autistic people have successful romantic relationships, marry, and raise children. Relationships may require more explicit communication about needs and expectations, and partners often need to understand and accommodate autistic traits.

Parenting as an autistic adult brings both challenges and unique strengths. Autistic parents may need specific support with the sensory and unpredictable aspects of parenting, but they often bring valuable perspectives like honesty, deep engagement with children's interests, and understanding of different ways of experiencing the world.

What Support Is Available for People with Autism?

Support for autistic individuals varies by country and region but may include therapeutic services, educational accommodations, disability benefits, employment assistance, housing support, and community resources. Families can access parent training, respite care, and support groups. Advocacy organizations provide information and connection to resources.

The type and availability of support varies significantly depending on where you live, your age, and your specific needs. Understanding what resources exist and how to access them is crucial for autistic individuals and their families. While we cannot list specific services for every country, the following sections outline types of support that are commonly available.

Medical and Therapeutic Services

Healthcare systems in many countries provide access to:

• Developmental pediatricians and psychiatrists with autism expertise
• Clinical psychologists for assessment and therapy
• Speech-language pathologists
• Occupational therapists
• Behavioral therapists
• Mental health services adapted for autistic individuals

Access may be through public health services, private insurance, or out-of-pocket payment depending on your location and circumstances. Early intervention programs specifically for young children with autism are available in many countries.

Educational Support

Many countries have legal frameworks requiring schools to provide appropriate education for children with disabilities, including autism. This may include:

• Individualized education plans
• Classroom accommodations and modifications
• Special education services
• Specialized schools for autistic students
• Transition planning for post-secondary education or employment

Parents and students typically have rights to request evaluations, participate in planning meetings, and appeal decisions about services. Understanding your local educational rights is important for advocating for appropriate support.

Financial and Government Support

Depending on your location and circumstances, various forms of financial and practical support may be available:

• Disability benefits or supplemental income for autistic individuals
• Caregiver support payments for family members providing care
• Funding for therapy services and supports
• Respite care for families
• Housing assistance and supported living arrangements
• Vocational rehabilitation and employment services

Social services agencies, disability rights organizations, and autism-specific organizations in your area can help you understand what support you're entitled to and how to access it.

Community Resources

Beyond formal services, community resources can provide valuable support:

• Support groups: Groups for autistic adults, parents, or families provide peer support and shared experience.
• Autism organizations: National and local autism organizations offer information, advocacy, and connection to resources.
• Recreation programs: Many communities offer adapted recreational activities for autistic individuals.
• Online communities: Forums, social media groups, and websites connect autistic individuals worldwide.

What Can Parents of Autistic Children Do?

Parents of autistic children can support their child by learning about autism, advocating for appropriate services, creating supportive home environments, connecting with other families, and taking care of their own well-being. The most important thing is to accept and love your child as they are while providing the support they need to develop and thrive.

Discovering that your child is autistic can bring a range of emotions, from relief at having an explanation for challenges to concern about the future. Whatever you're feeling, know that with understanding and support, autistic children can thrive. Your role as a parent is not to "fix" your child but to understand them, advocate for them, and help them navigate a world that isn't always designed for their needs.

Understanding Your Child

Every autistic child is unique. Taking time to really understand your specific child - their sensory preferences, communication style, interests, strengths, and challenges - is more valuable than any general advice about autism. Pay attention to:

• What sensory experiences they seek out or avoid
• What interests capture their attention and bring them joy
• How they communicate best, whether through speech, gestures, writing, or other means
• What situations cause stress or overwhelm
• What strategies help them calm down when upset
• What routines and structures help them feel secure

Creating a Supportive Environment

Simple modifications to the home environment and daily routines can make a big difference:

• Establish predictable routines and give advance notice of changes
• Create quiet spaces for sensory breaks
• Use visual schedules and supports as helpful
• Accept stimming as a healthy self-regulation tool
• Communicate clearly and directly
• Allow time for special interests
• Adjust expectations based on your child's needs, not arbitrary standards

Advocacy

Parents often become advocates for their children in educational, medical, and community settings. Effective advocacy involves:

• Learning your child's rights in educational and other settings
• Preparing for meetings with schools and service providers
• Documenting challenges and progress
• Building collaborative relationships with professionals
• Connecting with other parents and advocacy organizations
• Including your child in advocacy as they grow older

Self-Care for Parents

Parenting an autistic child can be rewarding but also demanding. Taking care of yourself is not selfish - it's essential for being able to support your child long-term:

• Seek respite care when available
• Connect with other parents who understand
• Address your own mental health needs
• Accept help when offered
• Celebrate successes, however small
• Give yourself grace - no parent is perfect