Raising a child on the autism spectrum can be both deeply rewarding and profoundly challenging, and in that tension lies a truth that so many parents discover: you simply cannot raise this child in a vacuum. The rhythms of daily life—for therapy appointments, sensory-difficulties, school accommodations, and advocacy—demand not only resilience but connection. Community becomes not just helpful, but foundational.
Research confirms this. A 2017 study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that parents of children with autism consistently report higher parenting stress than parents of children without autism, and numerous other studies support this finding. The burdens are not abstract; they manifest in sleep loss, economic strain, emotional exhaustion, and the weight of daily vigilance.
Given these challenges, community matters in three distinct ways. First, it alleviates isolation. When a parent of an autistic child finds a group of other parents who “get it,” the sense of being the only one in the room lifts. Second, a sense of community helps lighten the load and eases the process of building strategies, as people share tips for sensory-friendly outings, therapies that work, or navigating IEP meetings. Third, community affirms identity: not only of the child, but of the family. The message becomes: you are not a lone advocate or lone caregiver. You are part of something larger.
Autistic self-advocates have been saying this for years. Dr. Temple Grandin, the famed autistic author and educator, has emphasized how much she needed people around her who opened doors instead of closing them. “The most important thing people did for me was to expose me to new things.” This observation captures the heart of community for autistic children: it’s not about fixing a child, it’s about surrounding them with people and opportunities that expand their world in ways that respect who they are.
So how do you build that community in real life? Local parent groups, speech-and-language therapy mixers, neurodivergent-friendly playgroups, online forums, and sibling-support meetups are just a few of the puzzle pieces. But geography, work schedules, sibling responsibilities, and intensive service demands often make in-person participation difficult. That’s where technology can help bridge the gap.
We’ve designed Qrkiez to help fill this gap for neurodivergent individuals, families, therapists, and allies. Our goal is to create a mobile space for connection and community. Families raising autistic children can use it to connect with others in similar circumstances, find vetted professionals, and participate in shared groups. In this way, the community shifts from “the one I’ll try to find when I have time” to “the one I can access when I have a moment,” which in this world of high-demand parenting can make a real difference.
Raising a child on the spectrum is not a solo expedition—it’s a community endeavour. Children thrive when their parents and the broader support system around them all have the tools they need. Community brings not only solace but practical strategies, shared wisdom, and a sense of belonging. Apps like Qrkiez won’t replace the face-to-face hugs or neighborhood connections, but they can help build the networks when the village isn’t physically around you today. If you’re feeling alone in this chapter, remember: you don’t have to be.