Navigating Autism as a Parent

Navigating autism as a parent can be one of the most emotionally complex and demanding journeys a family may face. From navigating a diagnosis to finding the right therapies and support systems, the process often feels overwhelming, but you are not alone.

At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, we’ve supported thousands of families in North Carolina and Arizona through similar experiences. 

This guide provides actionable advice, emotional support, and expert insight to help parents navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising a child with autism.

Understanding What It Means to Parent a Child With Autism

When a child is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), parents often face a wave of new questions:

  • What does this diagnosis mean for my child’s future?
  • How do I support their learning, communication, and independence?
  • Where do I begin?

The first step in dealing with autism as a parent is building knowledge and accessing support. A diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is; it simply opens the door to targeted strategies that can help them thrive.

Step 1: Educate Yourself About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Understanding autism will help you make informed decisions for your child’s care. Here are a few fundamentals:

  • Autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.
  • It presents differently in every child—some may have language delays, others may be highly verbal but struggle with sensory processing or routines.
  • Early intervention, especially ABA therapy, is proven to improve outcomes.

We recommend sourcing information from trusted providers, such as:

Step 2: Build a Support System

One of the most important things to remember while dealing with autism as a parent is this: you don’t have to do it alone.

Build a support network that may include:

  • ABA Therapy Providers for behavior change and developmental support
  • Speech & Occupational Therapists
  • Parent Coaching Programs
  • Local and online autism parent support groups
  • School-based services through IEP or 504 plans

At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, we offer in-home and in-clinic ABA therapy, classroom readiness programs, and family coaching to support both children and caregivers throughout this journey.

Step 3: Create Structure and Routine at Home

Children with autism often thrive in structured environments. Routine provides predictability, which can reduce anxiety and challenging behaviors.

Tips for establishing structure:

  • Use visual schedules (pictures, charts, calendars)
  • Maintain consistent wake, mealtime, and bedtime routines.
  • Offer clear, simple instructions.
  • Use reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors

These practices can be introduced gradually and adjusted to suit your family’s lifestyle.

Step 4: Take Care of Yourself, Too

Navigating autism as a parent requires strength and resilience, but self-care is essential. Burnout is common and understandable.

Support your well-being by:

  • Seeking counseling or peer support if you’re feeling overwhelmed
  • Prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and regular movement
  • Taking breaks with the help of respite care or trusted family/friends
  • Connecting with other parents who understand your challenges

You are your child’s most prominent advocate, and staying healthy emotionally and physically helps you stay present and effective.

Step 5: Embrace Progress, Not Perfection

Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Whether it’s a new word spoken, a smoother transition between activities, or a more peaceful mealtime, these moments are potent signs of growth.

It’s easy to compare your journey to others but each child with autism develops at their own pace. Recognize your child’s strengths and your persistence as a parent.

How Cardinal Pediatric Therapies Supports Families

At Cardinal Pediatric Therapies, we understand what families need when navigating autism as a parent. We provide:

With locations across North Carolina and the Greater Phoenix area, our team is ready to meet you where you are and grow with your family.

Get Started With Cardinal Pediatric Therapy Today!

Navigating autism as a parent is challenging, but it’s also a journey full of opportunities for connection, resilience, and transformation.

The path may not look like what you expected, but with early support, the right resources, and ongoing care, your child can flourish, and so can you.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact Cardinal Pediatric Therapies today to learn how we can support your family.

About the Author

Picture of Alice Okamoto
Alice Okamoto

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way! Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.
Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way! Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.
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Cardinal Pediatric Therapies provides ABA therapy services for children with autism in North Carolina and the Greater Phoenix area, offering in-clinic and in-home therapy, parent training, and classroom readiness programs.

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©

2025

©

2025

Cardinal Pediatric Therapies

ABA Therapy Services

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.