How can I help? Supporting Families Raising Autistic Child

Supporting Families Raising Autistic Child!

In our communities, family is everything. Friends, neighbors, aunties, uncles—we all play a role in raising children together. When a child grows or behaves differently, especially one living with autism, it’s more important than ever to show love, support, and understanding—not judgment.

At the Raphaella Lewis Foundation, we believe that supporting one child means supporting their whole family. Whether you’re a grandparent, church member, friend, or neighbor—you can make a difference.

Choose Understanding Over Judgment

Some children don’t speak, act, or learn the way others do. They may avoid eye contact, make repetitive movements, or have meltdowns in unfamiliar places.

What to do:

• Don’t say the child is “spoiled” or “possessed.”
• Understand that these behaviors are not bad—they are just different.
• Ask respectful questions if you want to understand more. Most parents will be happy to share.

Your words can either break a parent down—or lift them up. Choose kindness.

Offer Emotional Support to the Parents

Parenting a child with special needs can be tiring, lonely, and emotional. Your support can give that parent strength to keep going.

How you can help:

• Listen without judgment.
• Check in with them: “How are you really doing?”
• Let them talk. Just being heard makes a big difference.
• Remind them that they are doing a good job.

Even a simple “You’re strong, God is with you” can bring healing.

Be Inclusive

Children with autism often feel left out of school, church, or community events. You can help make them feel welcomed and valued.

You can:

• Invite the family to gatherings—even if you’re unsure what the child needs.
• Avoid staring or whispering if the child behaves differently.
• Encourage other children to play and include them.
• Ask how you can make the environment calmer or more comfortable (quiet space, fewer loud sounds, etc.)

Inclusion starts with one person willing to say, “You belong here.”

Give Practical Support

Raising a child with extra needs is a full-time job. You can lighten the load in small, powerful ways.

Offer to:

• Watch the child for 30 minutes while the parent rests.
• Run an errand or cook a meal.
• Help get the child to appointments.
• Walk with them to school or church.
• Provide school supplies or educational toys.

It doesn’t take much to show love. Even small acts are big blessings.

Speak Up Against Stigma

In many communities, families of autistic children face gossip, shame, or spiritual blame. This must stop.

You can be a voice for truth by saying:

• “This child is not cursed.”
• “This parent did not cause this.”
• “Every child deserves love, patience, and support.”

Educate others. Supporting Families Raising Autistic Child. Encourage empathy. Help shift the culture from blame to understanding.

Learn More

You don’t need to be an expert—but learning a little more about autism helps you become a better friend, relative, or ally.

RLF can help you learn:

• How to recognize signs and support early intervention.
• How to support communication in non-verbal children
• How to create inclusive spaces for kids with special needs

Ask us about training sessions or community talks.

Final Thoughts

In Liberia and Africa,  we believe in community. When one child struggles, we all feel it. But when one child is uplifted—when one family is supported—we all rise.

So how can you help?

By being present.
By being patient.
By choosing love over judgment.
By standing with families, not apart from them.

At Raphaella Lewis Foundation, we’re breaking stigmas and building futures—with your help.

Join us. Support a family. Supporting Families Raising Autistic Child.  Help a child thrive.