Autistic children are rigid – the adults must be flexible
Everyone doesn’t have to agree on everything – you will see things differently than your spouse, family, friends and school
Let others do what they can to help you – ask for what you need from the person who can give it
Preserve your emotional energy
If you are at a low point – let things be
Abandon the idea of the "perfect family" and the "perfect child"
Chronic sleep deprivation is bad – do what it takes to get some sleep
Find another parent with an autistic child to talk to regularly
Look to your child – see what he/she likes and can do – start from there
Think ahead before you go out – autistic children have trouble waiting – be willing to go late or leave early; consider taking two cars – prepare your child using pictures, words, visual cues
Routines are your friends
Music, video tapes, DVDs, Sesame Street and other PBS shows can be good teaching tools, as well as pleasurable to the child and can also give you a few minutes to yourself
Consider buying a trampoline and swing
Read to your child and make books and cards available to them
Choose your battles – it’s easier to "shape" a behaviour than to eliminate it
Talk to your other kids on their level about their sibling’s strengths and needs
Give your other kids some time away from autism
Give your other kids some time alone with each parent individually, and with both parents together
Spend time alone with your spouse, without the kids
Accept your own limitations
Don’t let anyone take away your hope
Read and get information – join your local autism organization for information, resources and support
GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT – everything you do is a deal!