If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a teacher working with autistic children, it’s this..: “no one does this alone.” A child does best when the people around them are working together, this is especially teachers and parents.
Often, parents interact with their child in the comfort of home, while teachers engage with them in a structured classroom environment. These two worlds can look very different, but when they connect, something powerful happens.
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Seeing the Same Child, in Different Spaces
A child with autism may behave one certain way at home and a different way at school. Parents usually might say, “But they don’t do that at home,” while teachers notice challenges with communication, emotional regulation or
transitions in class. None of these experiences are labelled “wrong”, they are just different pieces to the same puzzle.
When parents and teachers share different observations and behaviours openly and without judgement, it helps us understand the child more holistically. That understanding allows us to respond with empathy instead of frustration.
Communication Is More Than Just Updates
In my experience, I learned that ‘true communication’ goes beyond daily reports or quick Whatsapp messages. It’s about listening, asking questions, and trusting one another. Parents know their child’s history, triggers, comforts, and strengths. Teachers understand learning environments,
routines, and peer interactions.
When parents feel heard and teachers feel supported, in most cases, consistency becomes possible and consistency is incredibly important for autistic children.
Working Together on Strategies
Simple alignment can make a big difference. For example:
Using the same visual supports/aids at home and school. Reinforcing the same emotional language.
Applying similar behaviour support strategies.
When a child receives the same messages in different environments, they feel safer, calmer, and more confident because it all becomes familiar to them.
Building Trust Takes Time and Grace
I don’t mean that collaborations means perfection, no. There will be various
misunderstandings, moments of uncertainty and difficult conversations. What matters most is approaching each other with patience, grace and most
importantly the shared goal of supporting the child.
When parents and teachers remember that they are on the same team, the child benefits the most.
A Shared Responsibility, A Shared Hope
Supporting an autistic child is not just a teacher’s responsibility or a parent’s responsibility, it’s a shared journey. By working together, we create environments where autistic children are not just accommodated, but understood, valued, and empowered.
And that is where real inclusion begins.