When it comes to getting support for your autistic child, there are tons of options out there. But when you as the parent of an autistic kid need some help, things get a little trickier...
You may have considered hiring an autism parent coach, and that's a great option! But before you agree to work with a coach, there are a few questions you should ask to ensure they'll be a good fit…and that they won't do more harm than good for your family.
Read on to discover the 5 questions you should ask before hiring an Autism Parent Coach...
How do you view and understand neurodiversity?
This question will help gauge the coach's perspective on autism and neurodiversity. Look for a coach who values and respects neurodiversity, seeing it as a natural and valuable variation of human diversity rather than a deficit or disorder.//you want to make sure the autism parent coach you work with sees your child's differences in a positive light.
How will you help me set boundaries and manage my responsibilities?
Autism parents often face overwhelming responsibilities and demands that can leave them feeling depleted and stretched thin. Self-care coaching helps parents establish healthy boundaries and learn effective time management strategies.
Coaches can assist in prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and saying no when necessary. By finding a balance between caregiving and personal needs, parents can avoid burnout and better manage the chaos that comes with raising their autistic child.
Can you provide examples of strategies or techniques you use to support neurodiverse families?
Ask the coach to provide specific examples of how they’ve supported neurodiverse families in the past. Look for approaches that prioritize individual needs, foster self-advocacy, and promote holistic well-being. The coach should demonstrate an understanding of the challenges faced by neurodiverse families and offer strategies that empower parents while respecting their child's neurology.
How do you address and affirm the emotions and experiences of autism parents?
It's important to find a coach who acknowledges and validates the emotions and experiences of autism parents. Ask how they create a safe and supportive environment for parents to express themselves. A neurodiverse-positive coach should offer empathy, understanding, and guidance without judgment. They should allow parents to navigate their unique challenges while nurturing their emotional well-being.
How do you promote self-care and self-compassion for autism parents?
Self-care and self-compassion are crucial for autism parents, and a neurodiverse-positive coach should prioritize these goals. Ask how they help parents develop self-care strategies that align with their individual needs. Look for approaches that foster self-compassion, encourage self-advocacy, and promote self-care practices that are nurturing and sustainable in the context of parenting an autistic child.
A self-care coach can work closely with autism parents to develop personalized self-care strategies tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. They can assist parents in identifying their stress triggers, exploring coping mechanisms, and finding practical ways to incorporate self-care activities into their daily routines. By having a customized plan in place, parents can navigate challenging situations with greater resilience as they maintain their overall well-being.
Conclusion
The best autism parenting coach isn’t one that has a ton of experience, or one that is expensive. It’s the one that will be the most invested in helping you and your family overcome your challenges…someone who truly understands your family and your struggles, and is willing to be there for you throughout the journey.
Remember, these questions are meant to help you gauge the coach's understanding, approach, and values regarding neurodiversity and autism parenting. Choose a coach who not only aligns with your values but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to supporting and empowering neurodiverse families.
Lucky for you, I know of just such a coach! With almost 14 years of experience raising my own neurodiverse kids, I’ve developed a full understanding of the support needs parents like you have! And, being a neurospicy lady myself, I’m all about celebrating our different neurological makeups and working to make life great, no matter how spicy things get.
Contact me here to chat about how self-care coaching with me could be the missing piece in your journey to becoming an Empowered and Engaged Autism Parent.
Meet your self-care coach!
