The Best Parts of Having an Autistic Child: Finding Joy in the Journey
Having an Autistic child is a unique and beautiful experience.
But let us be honest – having an Autistic child is not always easy.
There are challenges, meltdowns, and moments where you are not sure if you are doing things right.
But there is so many best parts of having an autistic child, such as much beauty, humor, and love in the journey that deserves to be celebrated.
It is these best parts of having an Autistic child that I want to share today. They are the things that make me laugh, fill my heart, and remind me just how special my child truly is.
Finding Joy in the Chaos of Having an Autistic Child
The tough moments are real, but they make the best parts of having an autistic child shine even brighter.
One if the things that I have learned is to find humor and joy wherever I can. And it is worth it because laughter truly changes the game.
It lifts moods, releases stress, and bonds us as a family. Even when life gets overwhelming, those little moments of laughter are everything.
So here is to the best parts of having an autistic child, the parts that bring us joy every single day.
1. The Pure Joy of Honesty
One of the absolute best parts of having an Autistic child is their honesty. Autistic kids do not sugarcoat, and let me tell you, it is refreshing.
If you are looking for unfiltered truth, they are your go to source:
- “Do I look nice in this shirt?”
“No.” - “How was dinner?”
“Too salty.” - “Who broke the glass?”
“It was your other child.”
It might not always be what you want to hear, but it is always honest.
That honesty creates a deep sense of trust. You never have to guess where you stand or what they are thinking – it is right there.
But sometimes, the best parts of having an autistic child is that their observations are as hilarious as they are blunt. Like when your child enthusiastically congratulates someone on a pregnancy… who is not pregnant. Awkward? Yes. Funny? Definitely.
Some of the best parts of having an autistic child for me is that my autistic child is honest. They do not lie.
If you want the truth or if you want them to snitch on their sibling or tell you what happened. They are your go to person. Much to the dismay of their siblings.
2. The Unfiltered Humor – They are Incredibly Funny
Autistic children have a knack for being unintentionally hilarious. My autistic child once walked up to a stranger at the age of 2 and a half and pinched her on the behind. What did I do? Initially I was horrified, but then I laughed right alongside my kid and so did the stranger.
My child once walked off with another family at the park. As soon as they realized, they ran back and blurted, “I thought they were you, but they’re boring!” – We couldn’t stop laughing.
Their routines, habits, or even funny tics can also bring unexpected joy. My child and I often giggle together over things like repeating a silly sound or pretending to mimic each other.
These moments are not just funny – they are bonding experiences that make my heart full. It shows them that their uniqueness is something to embrace, not hide.
3. Their Incredible Sense of Time and Routine – ALWAYS!
One of the best parts of having an Autistic child is their ability to keep everyone on schedule.
My child is like a walking calendar with an alarm clock built in.
- “It’s 6:45, Mom. Time to wake up.”
- “You said we’d leave in five minutes. It’s been exactly five minutes.”
“We are leaving Saturday at 11 o’clock”
“Tuesday we have an appointment”
“Wednesday, we are going to …. “
Also every time we travel in a large group for a holiday and we choose to stay at a hotel my autistic child keeps tabs on all the room numbers and reminds us which rooms are which and who is staying in what room.
I gave birth to my own personal calendar with a notification button.
And I love it!
Oh and if you ever forget the date!. NO PROBLEM.
Our little date keeper is always around to lend out a helping number.
It does not bother me in the slightest and it is actually quite helpful. I find a lot of joys in it because it helps me.
Their routines may feel rigid at first, but they can actually make life easier.
Bedtime, meals, and daily tasks flow smoothly because they thrive on structure.
Sure, it can take some adjustment, but once you embrace it, you will realise, just as I did, that it one of the best parts of having an autistic child – their love of predictability, it is a lifesaver.
4. Clear Preferences Actually Make Parenting Easier
Knowing your child’s likes and dislikes is another one of the best parts of having an Autistic child.
There is no guessing game – they make their preferences crystal clear.
If they love something, they will let you know. If they hate it, they are gone faster than you can blink.
This clarity means you know:
- Which activities they will enjoy
- What foods to cook (and what to avoid)
- How to create routines that keep them happy
While typical kids might change their minds constantly, some of the best parts of having an autistic child is that my Autistic kid is wonderfully consistent. It is like having a parenting cheat sheet for their likes and dislikes, and it makes planning so much easier.
Yes, of course we try to provide them with the best and also try to push them to do things that will help them develop and build up stronger, braver and less reluctant to try new things!
But we know for a fact that they will be hesitant to try it out. And we know if they like it or not after they have tried it out.
We know what kind of clothes they prefer and how they like to have their routines.
AND if they are used to something very rarely, do they change their minds like non autistic children do.
It is very clear cut, Black and White!
5. My Autistic Child Teaches Me to See the World Differently
One of the most unexpected joys and definitely one of the best parts of having an Autistic child is how they open your eyes to details you would never notice.
My child loves sharing random facts about their favorite topics, like the exact size of every dinosaur or the best way to fold paper for origami.
Their focus and passion are contagious, and I have learned so much just by listening.
Their attention to detail extends to the world around them, too. Things I used to overlook such as an unique cloud pattern, or the way a leaf falls are now moments of wonder because my child pointed them out.
It is very interesting to know what they know.
Their attention to detail.
Attention to facts and what is true and what is false.
Some of the best parts of having an autistic child is that I have experienced too many joys listening to facts about topics I usually would not think about.
Things that did not occur to me, occurs to my Autistic child and they point it out.
It is amazing. Really.
6. Rules and Discipline Are Easier – Really!
Believe it or not, one of the best parts of having an Autistic child is how much they appreciate clear rules and boundaries.
For my autistic child, the world is black and white.
‘Yes’ means ‘Yes’, and
‘No’ means ‘No’.
As a parent, this makes discipline much simpler. The best parts of having an autistic child is that they thrive when expectations are clear and consistent, and they are less likely to test the limits than my typical child.
Of course, it is not always perfect, but their love of structure often works in your favor.
It actually makes things easier. Much more easier.
Hear me out.
I can plan and get schedules and timetables and everything.
AND get their routines included.
Which means less tantrums, less stress, less unpredictability. Basically less of everything.
Bedtime is clear and easy to do as long as the rituals are followed.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is the same.
Days out are so much more smoothly done when certain criteria has been hit for our Autistic child.
I KNOW that the world does not cater to autistic people in this way and I know this will not happen for them outside the home.
But before you slowly, slowly break away from their normal routines.
You have to make little tweaks to their routine SLOWLY. This will make it easier than changing the whole thing all of a sudden.
The thing is you fully know their routine. And it makes the little tweaks easier to make. And as long as you keep their routine 99% the same and tweak 1% of it. In time, it will be fine.
Further Reading,
I have written a post on how to discipline an autistic child also, and if you are interested in reading it, you can – here
A very good book to read on how to manage routines of autistic children, is called, ‘Understanding and Managing Autism in Children: The Ultimate Guide to Autism in Girls and Boys – Early Signs, Creating Routines, Managing Sensory … Meltdowns, Breathing Practices and Much More.’
This book is really packed with practical advice, ranging from identifying early signs of Autism to helping parents of autistic children in creating predictable routines while still addressing sensory challenges.
8. Their Pure and Unwavering Loyalty
One of the most beautiful best parts of having an Autistic child is their deep, unwavering loyalty.
They form strong bonds with the people they love and care for, and their love is authentic and unconditional.
My child is fiercely protective of their family and friends.
They remember who has been kind to them, and they cherish those connections. There is something deeply touching about knowing your child’s loyalty and love will never waver.
9. Their Unique Way of Expressing Love
Autistic children may not always express love in the way we expect, but when they do, it is truly magical. Whether it is a tight hug, a handmade drawing, or an unexpected “I love you,”. The best parts of having an autistic child is that their love feels incredibly pure and heartfelt.
My child once quietly handed me a piece of paper with a scribbled heart and said, “You are my best friend.” I still have it tucked away as one of my most cherished memories.
10. Their Amazing Focus and Passions
One of the best parts of having an Autistic child is witnessing their intense focus and passion for the things they love. When they dive into a subject, they go all in, soaking up every fact and detail.
For my autistic child, it is trains, at some point it was also about space and their enthusiasm is infectious. Their deep knowledge often surprises me, and I find myself learning right alongside them.
Their passion gives them and us a sense of purpose and joy.
They’re Truly One of a Kind
At the end of the day, the best parts of having an Autistic child are the things that make them unique. Their honesty, humor, routines, and deep loyalty make them a joy to raise. Even when they test your patience or challenge your thinking, their love is pure and unconditional.
Yes, parenting an Autistic child comes with its challenges, but the rewards are infinite. They teach us to slow down, appreciate the little things, and celebrate every win – big or small.
If you are raising an Autistic child, remember this: they are amazing, you are amazing, and together you can find joy in even the toughest moments.
Let us celebrate our incredible kids and all the things that are the best parts of having an autistic child.