Learning to Communicate with My Sweet Girl

Being a grandparent to a teen on the autism spectrum has been a journey of love, learning, and adaptation. My granddaughter is bright, funny, and full of personality—but she communicates in ways that are different from what I once expected.

Early on, I realized that verbal conversations weren’t always her preferred way to connect. While I love chatting in person, she feels much more comfortable texting. At first, this was an adjustment for me—I wanted to hear her voice, to have those long, heart-to-heart talks. But I learned that if I truly wanted to reach her, I needed to meet her where she is.

Now, we text often. It’s in those messages that she shares her thoughts, humor, and even emotions in ways that feel natural to her. And occasionally, she surprises me—sometimes she’ll start a verbal conversation, and I cherish those moments without pressuring her for more.

This experience has taught me that communication isn’t about my preferences; it’s about making sure my granddaughter feels safe and heard. By being flexible and open, I’ve deepened my relationship with her in ways I never imagined.

To all grandparents of autistic teens—be willing to adjust, to learn, and to embrace new ways of connecting. It’s not about how we communicate, but that we do.