Family & wellbeing

Socialising and relationships

The UK National Autistic Society's hub on socialising, friendships, and family relationships — written for autistic people and their families. Covers school years, adolescence, and adult relationships, with input from autistic adults.

National Autistic Society (UK)

Siblings of autistic children — what they carry, what helps

Siblings of autistic children often do beautifully, and also quietly carry more than they show. This piece covers what the research suggests about sibling experience, what helps, and the warning signs that a sibling needs more direct support.

Caregiver burnout

The exhaustion that builds up from the constant emotional, physical, and mental load of caregiving — especially without support. Burnout is not a failure; it is a sign the system around the caregiver needs more padding. Rest, peer support, and asking for help are protective.

Sibling support

The brothers and sisters of autistic children often quietly absorb a lot. Simple, named time with each sibling, age-appropriate explanations, and the message "your feelings are okay too" go a long way. Peer groups for siblings exist in some communities.

Parent coaching

A therapy model where the clinician works mainly with the parent — teaching strategies, watching short interactions, and giving feedback — rather than directly with the child. Parent coaching can be a powerful, sustainable form of early support, especially when therapy hours with a child are limited.

Peer support

Connection with other parents who have walked similar paths. Peer support can be a local group, an online community, or a one-to-one mentor. The point is shared understanding without having to explain — peer support reduces isolation and often surfaces practical tips that professionals do not have.

Grandparents and autism

Grandparents often bring decades of warmth and worry. Some grandparents take a while to come around to the diagnosis; some are the first to spot signs. Sharing what you have learned in small, concrete pieces, and giving them ways to help, usually lands better than a big sit-down.

Neurodiversity-affirming care

A stance among many therapists, educators, and clinicians: the goal of support is not to make an autistic child appear less autistic, but to help them thrive as themselves. Neurodiversity-affirming care prioritises self-advocacy, sensory comfort, and respect for autistic communication styles.