Understanding Autism: A Guide for Foster Parents

Caring for a child or young adult with autism can be an incredibly rewarding journey — full of discovery, patience, and growth. For foster parents, it can also bring unique challenges, especially if autism is newly diagnosed or not yet fully understood.

In this first blog of our Autism Awareness Month series, we want to offer a simple, supportive introduction to what autism is — and how understanding it better can help foster parents build stronger, more trusting relationships with the children in their care.

What is Autism?

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world around them — including how they communicate, interact, and process sensory information. The word “spectrum” is important, because no two people with autism are the same. Every child is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and ways of connecting.

Autism isn’t something that needs to be “fixed.” It’s simply a different way of thinking and experiencing life. With the right support, autistic children and young people can thrive — and foster carers play a key role in helping make that happen.

Common Traits and Behaviors You May Notice

Children and young people with autism might:

Prefer routines and feel anxious with unexpected changes
Find eye contact or physical touch uncomfortable
Struggle to understand facial expressions or social cues
Use few words, repeat phrases, or communicate in alternative ways
Have intense interests or focus on particular topics
Experience sensory sensitivities (e.g., to noise, textures, lights)
Find busy environments overwhelming

Some children might be very verbal and independent, while others may be non-speaking and need more support — all are valid and deserving of understanding.

Autism and Foster Care: What Makes it Different?

For children in foster care, autism may come alongside a history of trauma, instability, or delayed diagnosis. Behaviors that appear to be “defiant” or “withdrawn” may actually be signs of sensory overload, anxiety, or difficulty understanding expectations.

Foster carers are in a unique position to offer something incredibly powerful: stability, compassion, and a safe place to be themselves.

What Helps?

Patience and predictability: Let the child know what to expect. Use visual timetables or daily routines.
Respect their way of communicating: Whether that’s with words, gestures, pictures, or silence.
Create a low-pressure environment: Avoid pushing social interaction. Let the child lead.
Notice their strengths: Many children with autism have incredible attention to detail, creativity, or memory. Celebrate those gifts!
Be curious, not critical: Every behavior is a form of communication. Ask yourself what the child might be trying to express.

You’re Not Alone

If you’re fostering a child or young adult with autism, know that it’s okay to ask questions, learn as you go, and make mistakes. What matters most is your willingness to understand, adapt, and show up with kindness.

This month, we’ll be sharing more practical ideas to help you on this journey — from creating a sensory-friendly home to building social confidence through play. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to care — and you already do.

Coming Next:

Fostering with Care: Creating a Sensory-Friendly Home Environment – stay tuned for part two of our blog series coming soon!