Finding the Right Sitter for Your Child with Autism

Do you find yourself needing a babysitter? Finding just the right sitter for your family can be challenging enough, but it’s even more complicated when you have a child with special needs such as those that autism often requires. 

However, it’s important to have a person, or people, who you can trust to look after your child when the need arises for specific occasions, and even on a regular basis. This will give you somewhat of a reprieve from the constant demands of parenting a child with autism—the importance of this type of self-care cannot be overstated. 

What to Look for in a Sitter

It is imperative to find the right person when looking for your child’s babysitter. Considering the nature of children with autism, here are a few traits you may want to look for.

• Knowledge of autism - A working knowledge of autism—its complexities, its manifestations, and strategies for working with those who have it—is one of the best things a potential sitter can possess. Of course previous experience working with a child with autism is also highly desirable if possible.
• Calm demeanor - Useful when diffusing a heightened situation, a level head and calm presence will likely help both your child and sitter have a more pleasant experience.
• Empathy - When a babysitter can extend to your child compassion and show understanding, this is the foundation of a meaningful relationship between the two. 
• Patience - A strong supply of patience is a prerequisite for working with most children—even more so for children with autism.
• Quick thinker - The ability to think on one’s feet definitely comes in handy when working with a child with autism.

Where to Look for a Sitter

While there are services and websites that help match families to sitters, perhaps the best place to start is with your family’s circle. Children with autism often have a hard time accepting change and newness, so if it is possible to find a relative or family friend who knows and has experience with your child, that is often preferable. 

A second good option may be to work with another family who has a child with autism and work out a type of trade where you each provide child care for the other at needed times or on a regular, rotating basis. This has the added benefit of ensuring your child care provider will have autism experience.

Finally, your child’s ABA therapist or other support team members may have additional ideas or connections where you can find highly qualified babysitters, such as local college programs. Always feel free to speak to the professionals in your child’s corner to get the help they need and the help you need. Offer in home Aba Services in Richmond Virginia, Somerset Kentucky and surrounding areas.