CAREGIVER PLAYBOOKS
General caregiving advice is not enough. These starting principles help families ask better questions and avoid common patterns that can unintentionally make things harder.
Reduce unnecessary demands during overload; learn the person's communication and sensory profile; make transitions predictable; distinguish harmless autistic traits from needs that affect safety or quality of life; build community and respite around the whole person.
Externalize memory and time rather than repeating verbal reminders; reduce shame; make tasks smaller and visible; treat sleep, co-occurring anxiety/depression and learning needs seriously; use collaborative routines instead of escalating parent/caregiver conflict.
Learn how reassurance, ritual participation and avoidance can become family accommodation. Support evidence-based OCD care such as ERP, and work with an OCD specialist on reducing accommodation without abruptly withdrawing support in a way the treatment team has not planned.
Tics are involuntary. Do not punish or shame them. Learn what situations worsen tics, educate schools/workplaces, and ask about CBIT when tics cause impairment or distress. Co-occurring ADHD, OCD and anxiety may need their own treatment.
Prioritize safety, relationship and specialized treatment. Learn early warning signs with the treatment team; ask about Coordinated Specialty Care for early psychosis and ACT/other community supports where appropriate; avoid turning every interaction into an argument about beliefs; preserve meaningful activity and connection where possible.
Know the treatment and crisis plan, watch for meaningful changes, support sleep/routine and connection, encourage professional care, and preserve the person's autonomy where safety allows. Caregivers need their own support too.
These are educational starting points, not individualized treatment instructions. For OCD/ERP, CBIT, psychosis, medication changes or crisis planning, work with appropriately trained professionals.