We all know what it's like to have low self-esteem. We might not like to admit it, but we've all been there at some point in our lives. 

For people with autism, however, self-esteem can be a real and constant battle. It can be tough for them to feel confident and loved, especially when they often face so many challenges and setbacks. 

But there is hope! There are things we can do to help build our child’s confidence and self-love. So read on for some great tips!

Do autistic kids always have low self-esteem?

It's a common misconception that autistic people always have low self-esteem. In reality, autistic people can have a wide range of self-esteem, just like neurotypical people. Some autistic people have high self-esteem and are very confident, while others may have low self-esteem and be introverted. There is no "one size fits all" when it comes to self-esteem and autism. 

However, there are some factors that can contribute to low self-esteem in autistic people. For example, many autistic people experience bullying and social exclusion from their peers. This can lead to feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy. Additionally, many autistic people grow up feeling "different" from neurotypical people and may not feel like they fit in or belong anywhere. These feelings of isolation can also contribute to low self-esteem. 

As a result, it is important to create an accepting and supportive environment for autistic people of all ages. By doing so, we can help them to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.

Autism and self esteem: 7 Tips to build it

Parents of autistic children often worry about the relationship between autism and low self esteem. Will they be able to make friends? Will they be teased or excluded because of their differences? Will they grow up feeling confident and secure in themselves? 

The good news is that there are things parents can do to help autistic kids build self-esteem. Here are seven tips:

1. Encourage positive self-talk

Self-esteem is an important factor in overall well-being and mental health. People with high self-esteem tend to be more resilient, less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and more likely to succeed in various areas of life. 

For kids with autism, who often face challenges related to social skills, communication, and learning, encouraging positive self-talk can be especially beneficial. Self-talk is the inner dialogue that we have with ourselves, and it can be either positive or negative. Negative self-talk can lead to feelings of low self-worth and discouragement, whereas positive self-talk can boost confidence and motivation.

So, it can be helpful to repeat positive statements such as “I am smart” or “I am a good person.” By hearing these affirmations regularly, kids with autism can start to believe them and feel good about themselves.

2. Help them find their talents and interests

It is essential for kids with autism to find their talents and interests. When they do, it builds their self-esteem and allows them to feel good about themselves. It also helps them become more independent and reach their full potential. 

There are many ways to help a child with autism find his or her talents and interests. One way is to expose the child to a variety of activities and let him or her choose what he or she likes best. Another way is to encourage the child to try new things and give him or her the opportunity to explore different options. Whichever approach you take, it is important to be patient and supportive. 

3. Encourage coping skills

Building self-esteem in kids with autism partly means teaching them how to cope with anxiety and meltdowns, rather than trying to prevent them altogether. Of course, every child is different, so it’s important to tailor your approach to what works best for your child. 

However, there are some general things you can do to help encourage coping skills in your child with autism:

First, provide opportunities for your child to practice using coping skills in a safe and supportive environment. This could involve role-playing with dolls or puppets, or using motion and visual aids during therapy sessions. You can also use stories and films to teach coping strategies in a way that is fun and engaging for your child. This positive reinforcement will help encourage them to continue using these skills in the future.

4. Help them embrace their differences

Autistic kids often struggle with fitting in and feeling like they belong. Part of the reason for this is that they often look different from their peers. They may communicate differently, have different interests, and behave in ways that are outside the norm. As a result, autistic kids can feel isolated and alone. 

One way to help them build confidence is to embrace their differences. This means accepting them for who they are and valuing their unique perspectives. It also means providing them with opportunities to shine. 

When autistic kids feel accepted and valued, they are more likely to develop a strong sense of self-worth. This, in turn, can lead to increased confidence and improved social skills. 

5. Celebrate their accomplishments

Celebrating an autistic child's accomplishments can help them build their confidence and social skills. When an autistic child is applauded for their achievements, they learn that their efforts are valued. 

This can help them feel good about themselves and encourage them to keep working towards their goals. 

6. Teach them how to manage emotions

Autistic kids often have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions. As a result, they may become overwhelmed or upset more easily than other kids. Teaching them how to manage their emotions can help them feel more confident and in control. 

One way to do this is to help them identify their emotions. This can be done by providing examples of different emotions and helping them label how they're feeling. Once they're able to identify their emotions, you can teach them coping skills for dealing with them. 

7. Always seek professional help

Seeking professional help can be a great way to start building confidence in autistic children. Therapists can provide ASD-specific interventions that can help kids improve their communication and social skills. 

In addition, therapy can also provide a safe and supportive environment where children can learn to express themselves and build self-esteem.

Final thoughts

ASD kids are often misunderstood and face a lot of social challenges. Low self-esteem is one of the many issues they may deal with on a daily basis. 

Even though autism and low self esteem are not related, it’s crucial to find ways to make these children feel accepted and loved. When they feel supported by their family, friends, and community, they will be more likely to develop awesome mental health. 

If you want more tips on how to support your child or someone you know who has ASD, please visit our blog for more information!