Understanding and supporting children with autism

Autism shapes the way children experience the world, from how they communicate to how they socialise and manage their senses. Supporting autistic children means understanding their unique needs, creating inclusive environments, and helping them thrive both socially and emotionally.

What is autism?

Autism influences how people experience and interact with the world. It is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability. While autistic people share some differences in how they think, feel and communicate compared to non-autistic people, each autistic person is unique.

More than one in 100 people are autistic, and in the UK alone, there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children. This figure is likely to be an underestimate, as not everyone has a diagnosis.

The spectrum

Autism is best understood as a spectrum. In the past, it was seen as a straight line ranging from “mild” to “severe”. This view is outdated. Today, we understand that the spectrum means each autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics, with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of interacting with the world.

Social interaction and communication

Autistic people often communicate and socialise differently to non-autistic people. For example:

Eye contact may be minimal, as it can help manage sensory input and focus on words.

Communication tends to be direct and factual, which means hints, implied meanings or small talk may not come naturally.

Special interests may take centre stage. Autistic people may share a lot of detail (sometimes called “info dumping”), and connect deeply with others over shared passions.

Conversation pace may need to be slower, as group settings or background noise can be overwhelming.

Social preferences may differ. Some children enjoy parallel play or online friendships, while others need solitude to regulate their senses.

These are not deficits, they are simply different ways of interacting. Forcing children to mimic non-autistic social behaviours can cause distress and masking, which is linked to long-term harm to mental health.

Autism and mental health

Autism is not a mental health condition, but many autistic people experience poor mental health. Anxiety and depression are particularly common, with a 2019 survey finding that 76% of autistic adults sought mental health support within five years. Contributing factors include loneliness, social challenges, and sensory overload, which can significantly affect wellbeing and life satisfaction.

Improving mental health support is one of the top priorities for the autistic community. Ensuring access to timely, understanding and appropriate care is vital.

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How can we support autistic children and young people?

Cultivate a supportive environment

Supporting autistic children begins with empathy and respect. Helpful approaches include:

1. Connecting families with resources such as support groups, educational programmes, and advocacy organisations.
2. Encouraging self-care for parents, who may face high levels of stress.
3. Offering practical help, like babysitting, errands or meals, which can ease everyday pressures.
4. Being flexible and patient, recognising that plans may change and some situations may be overwhelming.
5. Advocating for inclusion in schools, community activities and beyond.

Every child is different, so support must be adapted to individual needs, carefully monitored, and based on the best available evidence. Support should always:

1. Be person-centred and protect dignity.
2. Keep children safe, healthy and happy.
3. Enable autistic children to pursue their passions.
4. Never try to make a child “less autistic”.
5. Avoid punishment.

Access to services and professional knowledge

Autistic children should have full access to health and social care services, including mental health support, regardless of intellectual ability or additional diagnoses.

Professionals working with autistic children need training in:

• Autism awareness and behaviour that challenges.
• Common co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, epilepsy, sleep difficulties, or ADHD.
• Key life transitions, like moving schools or services.
• The impact of social and physical environments.
• Risk assessment and safeguarding.
• Supporting children through puberty and changes in relationships.
• Effective communication tailored to autistic children.

Good communication between professionals, children, and families is essential.

Transitions to adulthood

For young people with complex needs, structured planning for transition to adult services is crucial. Involving the young person, and where appropriate their family, helps ensure continuity of support and promotes independence.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing paediatric homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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