While raising a child who is on the autism spectrum can be wonderful, it can also be challenging. In your more difficult moments, you may wonder what you can do to best help your child. Positive parenting offers tools to help you feel calmer, more confident, and stronger in your relationship with your child. Here are a few helpful, practical tips:
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Play and connect. Spend time doing what your child loves to grow your bond and increase interaction.
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Use routines. Daily plans (visual schedules, step charts) help your child feel secure and more independent.
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Encourage with praise. Notice and celebrate small wins to boost learning and confidence.
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Stay calm and consistent. Gentle, steady responses make big feelings easier to manage.
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Break tasks into steps. Teaching new skills bit by bit helps your child succeed.
Small, positive changes help your child grow and make everyday life more manageable. Learn how to support you and your child's unique needs (Español).
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Be ready when waters rise, and temperatures fall
 Winter weather is here. Are you ready for heavy rain, flooding, and extreme cold temperatures? Follow these simple steps:
Learn more and sign up for Pierce County weather alerts at tpchd.org/emergency.
Center spotlight
Children who experience positive relationships become healthy and strong youth.
 For more than 30 years, Family Support Partnership (FSP) has helped families across Pierce County grow stronger. FSP supports 9 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) that offer welcoming, local help for families. We strive to support healthy child development and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.
FSP’s work is guided by 5 protective factors that help families thrive:
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Parental resilience. Manage stress and build inner strength.
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Social connections. Opportunities for families to connect and support one another.
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Concrete support. Links to food, diapers, benefits, and other needed services.
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Parenting knowledge. Info about child development and parenting skills.
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Children’s social and emotional skills. Support kids as they learn to express feelings and build positive relationships.
Each FRC is unique and responds to the needs of its community. Some offer food pantries, community gardens, parenting programs, benefit help, and family events. All FRCs provide diaper support, help families navigate services, promote positive parenting, and follow national quality standards for family support.
FRCs also rely on community support. People donate supplies, volunteer time, and share skills to help families in need.
Together, we are building a Pierce County where families feel supported, connected, and able to thrive.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us at fspartnership@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1011.
Thanksgiving meals for local families
 A big thank you to Pacific Lutheran University Delta Iota Chi (PLU Delta)! Their annual turkey drive helps local families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Nursing students, campus departments, community members, and local donors worked together to create meal baskets with a turkey and all the fixings. With help from Family Resource Centers and other community partners, 280 families received Thanksgiving dinners—made possible by donations from more than 150 people and organizations.
PLU Delta supports nursing students through leadership, service, and advocacy, while giving back to the community. Their efforts helped ensure families didn’t have to go without a meal this Thanksgiving!
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Learn more about PLU Delta.
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