7 Simple Strategies for Parents to Support Their Child with Autism without Fancy Toys or Big Budget

“We don’t have money for all these special schools and imported toys. What can we even do at home?”

- A worried father at Nuture CDC

This concern and many more are very valid!

Many parents feel overwhelmed when they first learn their child has autism or developmental delays. The internet is full of advice, but most of it seems not to be practical enough and can't fully be trusted.

However, here’s the simple truth:

You can do a lot to support your child, right inside your home without fancy toys or big budgets.

Today, I will show you seven practical, and affordable ways to help nurture your child, even without expensive tools. Whether you live in a flat in Ikeja, a bungalow in Ibadan, or a face-me-I-face-you in Festac, these strategies will work for you.

First, why is home support so important?

Children with autism thrive more on routine, consistency, and repetition, which they spend the most time receiving at home.

You are your child’s first teacher, safe space and biggest advocate.

Hence, what you do at home can either boost the work done in therapy sessions or undo it. You don’t need to become a therapist, you just need to be a conscious and consistent parent.

7 simple ways parents can support their child with autism without fancy toys or big budgets;

 1. Create a simple, predictable routine

Children with autism feel safer when they know what to expect. Routines help reduce meltdowns, improve focus, and build independence.

You can use a daily chart or draw a picture board (even on cardboard) showing steps like: waking up, brushing teeth, bathing, eating breakfast, playing, sleeping, etc.

If your child can’t read yet, use pictures. If you don’t have a printer, cut out pictures from magazines or draw stick figures. You can also announce activities in advance like “Tolu, after we eat, we will bathe.”

2. Talk more, even if they don’t reply

Speech delay doesn’t mean your child isn’t listening. Children with autism are still learning language through hearing and repetition. Talking to them increases their word bank in bigger ways. For instance, you can;

·         Narrate everyday actions by saying “We are cooking rice”, “We are jumping”, etc.

• Label objects often like saying “This is a spoon.”

• Use short, clear sentences like "Give me the ball."

• Repeat new words often throughout the day.

Even if your child doesn't answer, they are learning passively. You are building language one word at a time.

3. Use everyday items to teach skills

You don’t need sensory swings or digital tablets. Regular household items can build fine motor skills, communication, and attention.

Examples include:

• Empty cartons or bowls: You can use them to teach sorting objects by size or colour

• Cloth pegs can be used for practising hand grip/ finger strength and eye-hand coordination.

• Buckets of water and cups can be used for scooping and pouring, which help build coordination

• Bottles with beans can make simple shakers for sensory play

The goal is to turn normal home time into intentional teaching time in a playful, low-pressure way.

4. Join their world, don’t force yours on them

Many children with autism have restricted interests (e.g., they love spinning plates or lining up cars). Instead of stopping them all the time, use it as a bridge. You can sit beside them and play alongside their interest. Join their play while modelling new actions. For instance, if they spin plates, say “Plate is round. Spin, spin, spin!”. If they line up toys, say: “Car… blue car… green car.”

The key is to enter their world first then gently guide them into ours. After all, shared interests are what friends have in common. So befriend them and guide them afterwards.

5. Use visuals for communication

Some children with autism often process visual information better than verbal words. That’s why using pictures, signs, or real objects can help them understand better. It's important to know that it is good to allow them to make a choice too. For instance,

• Show them a cup if you want them to drink water and verbalize "water" to pair with sounds.

• Use pictures to ask “Do you want bread or rice?”

• Point clearly when giving instructions like “Put it THERE.”

This reduces confusion and also calms frustration, especially for nonverbal children.

6. Say less! Do more with your body language

Over-talking confuses many children with autism. Instead, keep instructions short and use body language. You also don’t have to repeat instructions unnecessarily. They may have autism but they are not deaf.

Instead of- John, I’ve told you to take the toy and put it on the chair because we are going out.

Say- John, toy on the chair (while pointing and showing).

This improves clarity and helps your child focus on the task without language overload.

Also always pause and wait after giving instructions. Your child may need 5 to 10 seconds to process the instruction and allow her.

7. Celebrate small wins every day

Progress is slow, and sometimes it may feel like nothing is changing. However, you must remember that for a child with autism, eye contact for 2 seconds is progress, saying “mama” after months of silence is a big one, and sitting for 3 minutes without fidgeting is victory. All of which are worth celebrating.

What you can do:

• Keep a “brag book” of milestones, no matter how small or take note of progress reports.

• Praise your child verbally and with social praise and touch (high fives, hugs, claps)

• Share small wins with trusted friends or in our parent community at Nuture CDC.

These small wins build your child’s confidence and yours too.

Conclusion

Autism is not a spiritual failure. It’s a neurological difference and it responds to compassion, not cruelty. So as a parent, you have more power than you think. You really don’t need imported toys to change your child’s life. All you need is knowledge, consistency, and love. Which I know you already have.

Are you ready to get personalized support for your child at home?

Reach out to us at Nuture CDC for consultations, we specialize in autism intervention for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Book a parent coaching session with us today or click here.