Celebrate your child's talents without overwhelming them

Every child has unique talents that make them shine, and highlighting these can do wonders for their confidence. For autistic children, celebrating strengths in a way that suits their needs and personality is especially important.

Take a budding footballer, for instance. While you might be tempted to replay their winning goal for every visitor, this could quickly lead to overwhelm.

Instead, a more subtle approach might be better. You could encourage them to showcase their skills by teaching a younger sibling how to kick a ball or playing a fun game of fetch with the family dog. These quieter moments of praise can make all the difference without adding pressure.

Unfortunately, the UK SEND system doesn’t always help us focus on strengths. To secure support, parents often have to emphasize deficits, which can make it easy to lose sight of the positives. But even in the midst of these challenges, shifting the spotlight to your child’s talents—whether that’s their creative artwork, impressive memory, or knack for problem-solving—can remind them of their worth.

When children feel valued for their abilities, it builds their confidence and gives them the courage to try new things. It’s not just about making them feel good in the moment; it’s about nurturing resilience and a positive self-image that will serve them well throughout their lives.

By celebrating your child’s strengths in ways that align with their comfort level, you’re setting the foundation for a happy, confident future. After all, every child deserves to feel proud of who they are.