When people hear the word “autism,” they might picture a certain stereotype—a child who doesn’t speak or avoids eye contact.
But here’s the truth:
Autism looks different in every child.
Morning Routines Might Feel… Unpredictable
- One morning your child happily eats cereal, the next they cry because the bowl “feels wrong.”
- Getting dressed can take 30 minutes—not because they’re stubborn, but because the shirt “feels itchy,” or socks just don’t sit right.
This is sensory sensitivity—not defiance.
They Might Repeat Things Over and Over
You might hear the same phrase 10 times in a row—something from a show, a commercial, or a favorite book.
This is called echolalia—it can be a way to self-soothe or process language.
It’s not random. It’s communication.
You Might Think They’re Not Listening—But They Are
Maybe you call their name five times and get no response. But later, they’ll repeat something you said under your breath.
That’s because some children diagnosed with autism filter sounds differently. They are listening—just not always in the way you expect.
They Show Love Differently
Maybe they don’t say “I love you” back. But they bring you a toy they love. Or giggle when they sit near you. Or let you sing their bedtime song, even if they prefer quiet.
That’s love. In their own language.
Some Days Are Smooth. Others Aren’t.
Some days, everything clicks.
Other days, a tag on a T-shirt or a loud toilet flush in a restaurant might be too much.
Autism isn’t a constant “state”—it can ebb and flow based on energy, environment, and emotional safety.
So What Can You Do as a Parent?
- Observe. Notice what helps and what triggers stress.
- Learn their language. It might not be words—but it’s communication.
- Build routines. Predictability is powerful.
- Celebrate the wins. Every “first” is worth noticing.
And most importantly:
You’re not alone.
There are communities, services, and support teams (like us!) who are here to help.
