Does Imagination ABA Therapy have a waitlist?

No. We provide in-home ABA therapy with no waitlist, so your child can start care quickly.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans and all NJ Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare).

What areas do you serve?

We serve families throughout New Jersey, from Atlantic City to Newark and everywhere in between.

Do you offer services in Spanish?

Yes. Our team provides ABA therapy and family support in both English and Spanish.

How Grandparents Can Support a Grandchild with Autism

Hans Nakdimen

May 11

2 min read

Updated: Aug 18

Grandparents often want to help a grandchild with autism but aren't always sure how, especially if the diagnosis is new or if parenting norms have shifted significantly since they raised their own children. A grandparent's support can make a real difference for both the child and for parents who are often stretched thin.

Learning the Child's Communication Style

One of the most valuable things a grandparent can do is learn how their grandchild actually communicates, whether that's spoken language, an AAC device, sign language, or gestures, rather than expecting the child to communicate the way other grandchildren might. Asking parents directly, “What's the best way for me to understand what they need?” goes a long way.

What Research Says About Extended Family Involvement

Family systems research on autism consistently shows that broader family support, not just parental involvement, is associated with lower caregiver stress and better outcomes for the child. A supportive grandparent relationship in particular has been linked in multiple studies to increased respite time for parents, which is directly tied to reduced caregiver burnout, one of the most significant predictors of family strain in households raising an autistic child.

Common Missteps and What Helps Instead

Family therapy literature on autism identifies a few recurring friction points between grandparents and parents: outdated assumptions about discipline, unsolicited advice rooted in older parenting norms, and difficulty understanding why a diagnosis changes daily routines. The research-backed remedy is straightforward but requires intention: grandparents who actively seek current, accurate information about autism, rather than relying on outdated assumptions, consistently report stronger relationships with both the grandchild and the parents.

Respecting Routines and Following the Family's Lead

Many autistic children rely on predictable routines, and well-meaning changes, like a surprise outing or a different bedtime, can be genuinely destabilizing rather than a fun treat. Grandparents can help most by asking parents about current routines and strategies rather than defaulting to their own instincts, and by treating a parent's guidance as expertise rather than overprotection. Small, consistent support, like learning a few key phrases in the child's AAC system or reading the same bedtime book every visit, often means more than a big gesture.