First Educators: Supporting Children With Autism and Caregiver Mental Health
Albertina Mella of the Open Up Foundation shares strategies for supporting children with autism while helping caregivers prioritize mental health and wellness.
First Educators, parents, guardians, and caregivers play a vital role in promoting the well-being and growth of children. It’s a demanding role, but one with immense rewards, as children develop life skills and soar in their learning journeys. Albertina Mella, Executive Director of Open Up Foundation and Mandela Washington Fellow, shares practical advice on balancing caregiving with health and wellness, particularly for families of children with autism.
Q: Your work focuses on raising awareness about autism and supporting families. How do you define autism, and what is the connection to mental health?
A: “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts socially. The term ‘spectrum’ reflects the wide variation in symptoms, behaviors, and severity among individuals. Children with ASD may behave, communicate, and learn differently from their peers.
Mental health is crucial for everyone. Children with autism are at higher risk for conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, or depression. This increased risk can stem from social isolation, bullying, and challenges with emotional regulation and communication.”
Q: What should parents know about ASD?
A: “Parenting can be rewarding, but it comes with stress. Parents of children with ASD often experience higher levels of anxiety and depression.
A helpful example comes from the Netflix series “Atypical:” Elsa, a mother of a teenager with autism, devoted all her energy to caregiving and neglected her own needs. She reached a breaking point, then realized that to help her child thrive, she first needed to care for herself.
Parents who prioritize their mental health are better equipped to support their children. They can recognize early signs of anxiety, overwhelm, or sensory distress before these escalate into meltdowns. When caregivers model emotional regulation and self-care, children with ASD feel safer, more grounded, and better able to learn.”
Q: How does mental health affect a child with ASD?
A: “ASD is not a mental health disorder. Children with ASD, like all children, can experience good and poor mental health. Many do face challenges such as anxiety or depression, which can intensify social tension and limit relationship-building. Sensory overload from sound, light, or touch can also disrupt learning.
When a child’s mental health is supported, learning outcomes improve. Emotionally regulated children pay better attention, engage more consistently, and experience fewer meltdowns. Strong emotional tools help children communicate needs, strengthen social interactions, and build confidence, which reinforces overall learning.”
Q: What strategies can First Educators use to support children with ASD?
A: “1. Keep routines predictable. Use simple schedules and maintain consistent daily rhythms.
2. Help them name their feelings. Use visuals or simple phrases. Model calm behavior and offer breaks when needed.
3. Create a calm sensory corner. A quiet space with sensory tools and soft lighting helps regulate emotions.
4. Take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Rest, seek support, and join caregiver groups. Just like Elsa in “Atypical,” when caregivers prioritize their well-being, children have a stronger foundation to thrive.”
As First Educators, we can build communities that nurture, engage, and uplift every child.
For more information about autism and ways to support children, visit: CDC Information for Educators.