A divorce comes with many challenges, but they are truly magnified when the family has a child with special needs. There is so much to consider, not just pertaining to the home situation but also to school. The key is to have a plan in place before you begin the divorce process. The following tips are geared towards high-functioning autistic (HFA) children.
HOME
- Use a picture book about divorce to guide discussion.
- Monitor the child’s frustration level.
- Make transitions as smooth as possible from house to house.
- Keep household rules the same at each house.
- If working with incentives, keep them the same at each house.
- Work with a co-parenting coach who has experience with HFA children.
- Hire an attorney who has experience with special needs.
- If needed, have your child see a therapist trained in special needs.
- Be aware that the child’s anxiety will escalate.
- Work on the parenting plan with someone who understands HFA children.
- If needed, get a guardian ad litem to advocate for the child.
- Keep caregivers the same.
- Equip both homes with a set of books and school supplies.
- Encourage extracurricular activities.
- Have a visual visitation calendar in the child’s room that shows with pictures the days the child will be with Mom or Dad and activities.
- Use the tools of scripting and/or cartooning.
- Take care of your own needs.
RESOURCES
- autismspeaks.org
- myaspergerschild.com
- iidc.indiana.edu/irca
- sesamestreetincommunities.org/topics/divorce/
- aaml.org
- Search “best practices in handling family law cases involving children with special needs.”
SCHOOL
- Meet with the school counselor and teachers to notify them of the divorce and to go over possible resources.
- Monitor the child’s frustration level.
- Review classroom setup to ensure the child is sitting in the best possible place to feel secure.
- Discuss having a “social buddy” or aide.
- Have ongoing communication with the teacher about home and school behaviors.
- Brainstorm how transitions will be handled in the classroom.
Remember, consistency, support, reassurance and love will be the keys to help your child navigate this difficult time for him/her.






Deering Estate
Massage Envy South Miami
Calla Blow Dry
My Derma Clinic
Sports Grill
The Healthy Kitchen
Sushi Maki
Golden Rule Seafood
Malanga Cuban Café

Kathleen Ballard
Panter, Panter & Sampedro
Vintage Liquors
The Dog from Ipanema
Rubinstein Family Chiropractic
Your Pet’s Best
Indigo Republic


ATR Luxury Homes


2112 Design Studio
Hamilton Fox & Company
Creative Design Services
Best Pest Professionals
HD Tree Services
Trinity Air Conditioning Company
Cisca Construction & Development
Mosquito Joe
Cutler Bay Solar Solutions


Miami Royal Ballet & Dance
Christopher Columbus
Pineview Preschools
Westminster
Carrollton
Lil’ Jungle
Frost Science Museum
Palmer Trinity School
South Florida Music
Pinecrest Orthodontics
Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist
d.pediatrics


South Miami Women’s Health

The Spot Barbershop
My Derma Clinic




Miami Dance Project

Rubinstein Family Chiropractic
Indigo Republic

Safes Universe
Vintage Liquors
Evenings Delight





Atchana’s Homegrown Thai
Baptist Health South Florida

Laser Eye Center of Miami
Visiting Angels
OpusCare of South Florida



Your Pet’s Best

HD Tree Services
Hamilton Fox & Company

Creative Design Services


