Autism Life Hacks

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For Parents At Home and School

At Home

Seek professional support early and maintain a consistent routine to reduce stress.
Support well-being with hydration, exercise, breathing, and a calming sensory space.
Teach G.R.A.C.E.—Give Respect, Admiration, Courtesy, and Empathy—and celebrate your child’s strengths.
Provide structure, transition time, reassurance, and encourage the T.R.A.U.M.A. strategy to manage triggers.
Focus on possibility over perfection, and lead with your child’s strengths rather than their challenges.

At School

Partner with teachers early and establish an IEP or 504 as soon as possible.
Encourage your child to ask for help, self-advocate, and follow a consistent school routine.
Create a go-to plan for triggers, including preferred seating and a quiet lunch space if needed.
Practice social skills through role-playing, focusing on eye contact and shared conversations.
Review each school day together to identify triggers, celebrate successes, and plan ahead.

For Kids At Home and School

At Home

Follow the J.O.Y. approach: Journey Forward, Organize for Optimism, Yield to Wellness.
Support your well-being with healthy meals, hydration, exercise, and time outdoors.
Create a calm, electronics-free space to relax, breathe, and recharge each day.
Work with trusted professionals, avoid unnecessary triggers, and practice G.R.A.C.E.—Give Respect, Admiration, Courtesy, and Empathy.
Focus on gratitude, surround yourself with positive reminders, and do something kind for someone every day.

At School

Focus on your strengths, use your accommodations, and advocate for your needs.
Know your triggers, create a go-to plan, and use it when challenges arise.
Build a support team with trusted teachers, friends, and family.
Identify a safe place at school where you can regroup when needed.
Stay positive, prepare for new situations through role-play, and turn challenges into growth.

For Teens At Home and School

At Home

Follow J.O.Y.: Journey Forward, Organize for Optimism, Yield to Wellness.
Support your well-being with healthy meals, hydration, exercise, and time outdoors.
Create a calm, electronics-free space to relax, breathe, and recharge each day.
Work through triggers with a trusted professional and practice G.R.A.C.E.—Give Respect, Admiration, Courtesy, and Empathy.
Do something kind every day, focus on what is good, and give yourself grace.

At School/Work

Arrive early, follow your schedule, and use the accommodations that support your success.
Focus on your strengths, advocate for yourself, and ask for help when needed.
Know your triggers, create a go-to plan, and build a support team of trusted adults and friends.
Prepare for new situations through role-playing and identify a safe place to regroup at school.
Use R.E.S.P.O.N.D.—Respect, Express optimism, Safety First, Positive outlook, Outcome in mind, No negativity, Deliberate eye contact.

For Adults At Home and School

At Home

Focus on what is good, true, and joyful, and follow the D.R.E.A.M. approach each day.
Stay healthy with hydration, movement, time outdoors, and daily mindfulness.
Create a calm, electronics-free space to relax, breathe, and recharge.
Work through triggers with a trusted professional using the T.R.A.U.M.A. strategy, and practice role-playing for new situations.
Show gratitude, give yourself grace, and do something kind for your biggest supporter every day.

At School/Work

Play to your strengths, share your life hacks, and ask for support when needed.
Use accommodations, the R.E.S.P.O.N.D. strategy, and a plan to manage triggers at work.
Build a support system by partnering with a trusted coworker.
Stay active, journal your progress, and identify patterns that help you succeed.
Help others, celebrate your growth, and recognize your progress.

Navigate The Way

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Discover strategies to help you thrive at home.

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Better Relationships

Autism Spectrum Disorder can affect communication, social interactions, and flexibility with change. Clear expectations and routines often provide comfort. Preparing for unexpected situations can help build confidence and resilience.

The Respond strategy can help build stronger communication and relationships.

Learn More

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Plan To Respond: Respect, Express optimism, Safety first, Positive outlook, Outcome in mind, No negativity, and Deliberate eye contact.

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Ask for Support: Practice new social situations with trusted family or friends through role-playing to build confidence.

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Lead with Your Strengths: Share your talents and serve others. Focusing on your strengths helps build meaningful relationships.

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Education

School can be challenging for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the right support can make all the difference. Early identification, appropriate accommodations, and effective strategies can help reduce stress and build confidence.

Know the Way at School provides strategies to help students thrive.

Learn More

Diet: Eat well, food is fuel

Rest: Offer your mind rest, try to sleep 6-8 hours a day

Exercise: Move, feel, stretch, enjoy

Activity Outdoors: The earth is beautiful

Mindfulness: Focus on your body at the moment and practice gratitude

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Find Support Near You

The right support can make a difference. Explore Autism specialists, and educational therapists available in your area.