What Grandparents Need to Understand About Autism | Jennifer Kaufman (Part 1)

Part 1 of this conversation with Jennifer Kaufman explores autism, family dynamics, and the grandparent perspective through both professional and deeply personal experiences. Jennifer is the author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk and a longtime school principal who worked extensively with autistic students and their families before autism became part of her own family structure. In this episode, topics include: The emotional shift from educator to grandmother after her grandson’s autism diagnosis  How grandparents can support families without overwhelming parents with advice  Communication delays, sensory behaviors, and repetitive patterns in autistic children  The connection between communication development and behavioral regulation  Why routines, predictability, and patience matter in autism support  Socialization challenges and helping siblings and cousins understand autism  The evolving relationship between grandparents and autistic grandchildren  Wandering/elopement behaviors and the dangers associated with water safety  The importance of swimming lessons specifically designed for autistic children  How Jennifer’s personal experience changed the way she approached students, families, and IEP meetings as a school administrator  Autism, pattern recognition, creativity, structure, and intense focus on objects and systems  Shifting expectations as a grandparent and learning how to lead with support instead of control The conversation also explores broader questions surrounding leadership roles within families, emotional restraint, advocacy, and what it means to truly understand and support neurodivergent children in both educational and home environments. RESOURCES & SUPPORT: Your Wish Is Your Command (Free)Your Wish Is Your Command (Physical Copy)Shared Humanity SubstackShared Humanity BookThe Gentle Year FB GroupTurning The Tide TutoringActing With PippiI'm a fan and would love to support the work you're doing.Private Success Club#affiliateSome of the links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products, programs, and resources that I personally use, believe in, and genuinely feel have had a meaningful impact on my own life and work. Thank you for supporting The Gentle Year and helping make these conversations possible.Send us Fan MailTurning The Tide TutoringSponsored by Turning The Tide Tutoring — empowering students and parents to grow and thrive.Acting With PippiActing with Pippi is acting program that helps youths build courage & presence through performance.Your Wish Is Your CommandA resource for deepening awareness around thought patterns, perception, and intentional response.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show