032 Grandparenting on the Spectrum: How to Show Up for Autistic Grandkids with Heart with Jennifer Kaufman

The Grandpa Channel: Grandparent Stories, Family Legacy & Life Lessons

What does it really mean to show up as a grandparent to an autistic grandchild? In this deeply thoughtful and practical episode, Steve Harris (aka “Rivers”) talks with Jennifer Kaufman, author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum and longtime principal of an autism-focused school.

Jennifer shares insights from both her professional life and her personal experience as the grandmother of a child on the spectrum. This conversation is full of heart, wisdom, and practical tips for any grandparent—or anyone—wanting to love better.

In this episode:

• How autism shaped Jennifer’s personal and professional world

• The importance of adjusting expectations as a grandparent

• How Jennifer’s husband built connection by simply showing up and staying present

• Common pitfalls (like going in “guns blazing”) and how to avoid them

• Why asking the parent is your best starting point

• Long-distance grandparenting ideas: Zoom, books, and just being available

• The #1 gift every autistic child should receive (you may be surprised!)

• What to do when traditions don’t match neurodivergent needs

• Why autism is not something to fix—but something we can grow to understand

Bonus Mentions:

• Jennifer’s Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum – available on Amazon

• Her website: grandparentingonthespectrum.com

• PSA: 93% of accidental deaths in children with autism involve water — consider giving autism-friendly swimming lessons.