Calmer days for your autistic child
Predictability and the right supports make hard moments easier — for your child and for you. Start with what's toughest right now.
Reviewed 1 June 2026
Behaviour & emotions
Meltdowns
What an autism meltdown is, how it differs from a tantrum, what to do during one, and how to prevent meltdowns — practical, calm advice for parents.
Aggression: hitting and biting
Why autistic children may hit, bite, kick or lash out, how to respond safely in the moment, and how to reduce aggression by meeting the underlying need.
Self-injurious behaviour
Why some autistic children head bang, bite or hit themselves, how to respond safely, how it differs from stimming, and ways to reduce it.
Anxiety
Why anxiety is so common in autistic children, how it shows up (often as behaviour), and calming strategies to help — plus when to seek extra support.
Depression
Autistic children and teens are more likely to experience depression, and it can look different. The signs, how to help, and when to get urgent support.
OCD
OCD often occurs alongside autism, but can be hard to tell apart from autistic routines. The difference, the signs of OCD, and how to support your child.
Coping with change
Why change and disrupted routines are so hard for autistic children, and practical ways to prepare for transitions, holidays and the unexpected.
Sensory, sleep & self-care
Sensory overload
What sensory overload is, how to spot it early, what to do in the moment, and how to reduce it — plus the 8 senses and building a calm-down space.
Sleep
Why many autistic children struggle to sleep, plus practical help: bedtime routines, sensory fixes, night waking, and when to ask about melatonin.
Clothing & getting dressed
Why clothes feel unbearable to some autistic children — tags, seams, textures — and practical ways to make getting dressed calmer.
Haircuts
Why haircuts are so hard for many autistic children, and practical, sensory-friendly ways to make them calmer — at the salon or at home.
Teeth, bathing & personal care
Why teeth brushing, hair washing, bathing and hygiene can be so hard for autistic children, and practical sensory-friendly ways to make daily care easier.
Health & body
Eating and fussy eating
Why many autistic children eat a very limited diet, gentle ways to expand food acceptance, picky eating vs ARFID, and when to seek help.
Constipation
Constipation is very common in autistic children. Why it happens, practical things that help, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor.
Toilet training
A patient, practical guide to toilet training autistic children: readiness signs, a step-by-step plan, poo withholding, and help for older children.
Epilepsy & seizures
Epilepsy is more common in autistic children. What seizures can look like, simple seizure first aid, and when to get urgent medical help.
Pica (eating non-food)
Pica — eating things that aren't food — is more common in autistic children. Why it happens, the risks, and practical ways to keep your child safe.
Puberty
How to prepare an autistic child for puberty: body changes, hygiene, periods, emotions and privacy — with visual supports and concrete strategies.
Everyday situations
Visual schedules
What a visual schedule is, why it helps autistic children, and how to make and use one at home — including first-then boards. Free printable maker.
Travel & holidays
How to plan holidays, flights and days out with an autistic child — preparation, packing for sensory needs, and keeping things predictable.
Dentist & doctor
How to prepare an autistic child for dentist and doctor appointments, reduce sensory and anxiety triggers, and work with health staff for a calmer visit.
Screen time
Why screens are so appealing to autistic children, signs screen time is becoming a problem, and calm ways to manage transitions off screens.
Growing up & family
Teenagers
How autism can change in the teenage years — communication and conflict, independence and life skills, mental health, identity, and online safety.
Siblings
How brothers and sisters of an autistic child may feel, how to explain autism to a sibling, handle conflict, and find sibling support.
Financial support
A plain-language overview of the financial and practical support available to families of autistic children — and how to find what applies where you live.
Free tools
Frequently asked questions
Why does my child melt down after school?
Many children hold it together all day, masking stress, then release it once they're home and finally feel safe. Building in quiet recovery time straight after school often helps.
How do visual schedules help with daily life?
They make the day predictable, ease transitions, and reduce the anxiety that drives many meltdowns — your child can see what's happening and what comes next.
Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a substitute for professional assessment. Every child is different — always talk to a qualified professional about your individual child.