There are many types of specialist foster care in Wales, including foster care for children with autism. No two children with autism are the same and their needs may be very different. Although often challenging, it can be very rewarding to foster a child with autism. Let’s take a closer look.

What is ASD?

Autism spectrum disorder recognises that autistic children are all unique. They may share certain characteristics, but the severity of ASD differs. Symptoms also look different depending on whether the child is male or female, or their age.

What to know about fostering a child with ASD

Fostering a child with autism is a fantastic opportunity and can be incredibly rewarding, although challenging. Agencies supporting foster care Wales, such as https://saferfostering.org.uk/foster-care-wales, always need experienced foster carers to welcome children with autism into their home.

The main challenge is that change and upheaval tend to be triggering for children with ASD, and they can feel resentment, anger, and distress towards being removed from their birth family. Fostered children with autism may feel scared and confused when they are moved into foster care, and display behaviours that require understanding and patience.

For foster parents, resilience, calm, empathy and a great support network are all essential to providing a rewarding, safe and happy foster placement for cared-for children with ASD. The right fostering agency can set you up for success with the training, network, and support that everyone needs for a beneficial placement, so that you never feel as though you are working alone and without help.