Parenting an Autistic Child: Why I Created AutismPlusMe
Updated: Aug 17
When my son was diagnosed with autism, developmental delays, and an eating disorder, my world changed overnight.
Like many parents, I left the appointment carrying more questions than answers.
Where do I start?
How can I help my son communicate?
Will he ever speak?
How do I understand his behaviors?
What therapies should I choose?
I searched everywhere for answers.
I read articles, watched videos, joined support groups, and spoke with professionals. But parenting an autistic child taught me that information alone wasn't always enough. While I found valuable advice, I often felt overwhelmed. Every website seemed to say something different, and I wasn't always sure what would actually help my son.
That's when I realized something important.
Parents don't just need information.
We need practical guidance, real-life experiences, and hope from families who have walked this journey before us.
That is why I created AutismPlusMe.
What Has Parenting an Autistic Child Taught Me?
As the parent of an autistic child, I discovered something that changed the way I viewed therapy.
Occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, doctors, and teachers all play an incredibly important role.
But I slowly realized that I was the person spending the most time with my son.
I was there during breakfast.
I was there during bedtime.
I was there during every meltdown, every smile, every new word, and every small success.
I wasn't replacing therapy.
I was becoming part of it.
The everyday moments at home became some of our greatest opportunities for learning.
How Everyday Moments Helped My Autistic Child Learn and Communicate
One thing I learned very quickly was that progress rarely happened in big leaps.
Instead, it happened through hundreds of small moments.
When my son held my hand and guided me to the kitchen because he wanted food, I gently named the item.
"Apple."
"Water."
"Cracker."
When he became upset, I stopped asking,
"How do I stop this behavior?"
Instead, I asked,
"What is my son trying to tell me?"
When we played together, we sang songs, counted toys, named colors, and turned everyday routines into learning opportunities.
Little by little, communication grew.
Not because we found one magical therapy.
But because learning became part of our everyday life.
Why I Created AutismPlusMe
When I first started this journey, I wished there was one place where parents of autistic children could find trustworthy information written in simple, understandable language.
Not complicated medical terms.
Not endless research papers.
Just practical ideas that real families could use at home.
That is exactly what AutismPlusMe is becoming.
This website is built by a parent, for parents.
Everything I share comes from our family's journey, combined with trusted information from reputable autism organizations and the incredible professionals who dedicate their lives to supporting autistic children.
Practical Resources for Parents of Autistic Children
At AutismPlusMe, you'll find practical resources based on our family's experiences, alongside information from trusted sources, to help you navigate everyday life with your autistic child.:
Personal stories from our autism journey
Practical communication strategies
Sensory-friendly ideas for everyday life
School and education guidance
Free autism printables and visual supports
Product recommendations based on our experiences
Ideas for routines and everyday skills at home
Honest conversations about the challenges and victories of parenting an autistic child
No two autistic children are the same.
What worked for our family may not work for yours.
My hope is that every article gives you ideas, encouragement, and confidence to discover what works best for your child.
Parenting an Autistic Child Can Feel Overwhelming
If you've recently received a diagnosis, you're probably feeling many of the emotions I once felt.
Confused.
Overwhelmed.
Scared.
Hopeful.
All at the same time.
Please know this.
You don't have to figure everything out today.
Take one small step at a time.
Celebrate every little achievement.
Trust your instincts.
Keep learning.
Most importantly, remember that your child is far more than a diagnosis.
They have their own personality, strengths, interests, dreams, and unique way of experiencing the world. And that is something truly worth celebrating.
Thank You for Being Here
Thank you for visiting AutismPlusMe.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, therapist, or simply someone who wants to better understand autism, I'm grateful you're here.
I hope this website becomes a place where you feel supported, encouraged, and reminded that you are never alone on this journey.
Welcome to our community.
With love,
Alicia Hussein
Founder of AutismPlusMe
Continue Your Autism Journey
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