Information for grandparents

There are an estimated 14 million grandparents in the UK, with many being more and more involved in caring for their grandchildren. One in five children under 16 years is looked after in the day time by their grandparents and more than one-third of grandparents spend the equivalent of three days a week caring for their grandchildren.

But what if your grandchild has an autism spectrum disorder? What is an autism spectrum disorder? Will you need to raise them differently to your own children or other grandchildren? How can you help them? How will you support your own children and what if you are first to notice the difference in your grandchild's development? What about support for yourself? Here, we aim to answer these questions.

Grandchildren: what is autism and why does my grandchild have it?

Grandparents are often responsible for looking after their grandchildren or like to play an active part in their lives. But what if your grandchild has autism? This page gives you information about autism.

Broaching the subject of autism with the family

You may be the first person in your grandchild's life to notice they do not have a typical development pattern. Knowing if, when and how to broach the subject with your own child can be tricky.

Caring for your grandchild

Looking after a child with autism may, at times, be challenging. However, there are some strategies you can put into place to help your grandchild's understanding.

Supporting your son or daughter

You can support your son or daughter in many ways, for example by helping them with benefits forms, accessing services, or securing the most appropriate education for your grandchild.

Support for siblings

Siblings will need time away from their brother or sister, time away from the home and one-to-one time with their parents. It could be that you are able to help with this.

Support for grandparents

Family support groups in your local area.

Useful books and resources, along with contact details of support groups and respite services.