What Parenting Style Is Best for Autism? Dr. Daneshrad Explains

Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a journey filled with love, learning curves, and moments of both frustration and breakthrough. If you're seeking evidence-based guidance—and also compassionate support—you’ve come to the right place. At Century Psychology Group, Dr. Shannon Daneshrad combines warm expertise with clinical rigor to guide families toward growth.

About Dr. Shannon Daneshrad

Dr. Shannon Daneshrad is a Licensed Psychologist with dual licenses in California (PSY 34382) and Virginia (0810008355), and holds a Psy.D. in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, plus an M.A. in Clinical Psychology focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. She offers individual, couple, and family psychotherapy across areas like anxiety, trauma, attachment, fertility-related stress, high-conflict divorce, parental alienation, and neurodevelopmental disorders—including ASD. Fluent in English and Farsi, Dr. Daneshrad brings a culturally responsive, inclusive, and client-centered approach to care.

If you’d like to connect or schedule an appointment, you can contact Century Psychology Group here.

Understanding Autism and Parenting Challenges

Children with ASD often navigate the world differently—whether it’s interpreting social cues, managing sensory overload, or coping with changes in routine. Many parents report elevated stress levels compared to parents of neurotypical children, which can influence parenting style and a child’s emotional outcomes. Supporting the whole family is as important as supporting the child.

Parenting Styles and Their Impact

Psychologists distinguish four core parenting styles:

• Authoritative: High warmth, high structure—clear boundaries infused with empathy.
• Authoritarian: High control, low emotional responsiveness—strict but cold.
• Permissive: High warmth, low limits—kind but inconsistent.
• Neglectful: Low warmth, low structure—distant and disengaged.

Research supports that for autistic children, an authoritative style is most effective—offering emotional safety and consistent expectations.

Why Authoritative Parenting Works Best for Autism

Here’s why this parenting style aligns well with the needs of children with ASD:

Structure provides predictability. Many autistic children thrive when routines and expectations are clear. Warmth builds trust and self-esteem. Authoritative parenting combines both—gently reinforcing boundaries while validating emotions and individuality. According to a neuropsychiatry review published in 2025:

“Adopting an authoritative parenting approach may contribute to positive outcomes, even for children with ASD … yielding greater social competence compared to authoritarian parenting.”

Meanwhile, reviews of multiple studies show that authoritarian and permissive approaches are often associated with more behavioral problems and lower quality of life in autistic children.

Parent Stress and Its Consequences

Stress can erode even the most well-intentioned parenting. Overwhelmed caregivers may default to harsher or more inconsistent styles, which research links with increased externalizing behaviors in ASD. That’s why at Century Psychology Group, Dr. Daneshrad emphasizes parent support—through stress management, coaching, or therapy—to break this cycle.

Complementary Approaches for Children with PDA Traits

For children exhibiting Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) traits, blending authoritative parenting with low-demand, low-arousal techniques can be powerful:

Low-demand phrases—like, “Would you rather wear sneakers or boots today?”—offer collaboration instead of commands. Low-arousal methods—calm tone, predictable spaces, gentle transitions—help reduce sensory overwhelm.

Real-Life Illustrations

One family found huge success using visual schedules at home—creating a sense of security and easing transitions. Another reduction in resistance came simply by reframing routines as choices (“brush teeth before or after pajamas?”), keeping structure without pressure.

You can find further strategies and reflections from our team in blog articles like “designing your child’s summer routine” and “supporting emotional regulation in autism”, which explore visual aids and emotional coaching in depth.

FAQs

1. What is the best parenting style for autism?
Authoritative—high warmth paired with structure—is years ahead in terms of outcomes for emotional regulation, social skills, and behavioral consistency.

2. Could authoritarian parenting ever help?
No. Research consistently links strict, punitive parenting with increased behavioral difficulties and emotional distress.

3. Is permissive parenting harmful?
Inconsistency can be especially tough on autistic children who thrive on routine and clear expectations.

4. How can I adapt for sensory sensitivities?
Use visual supports, predictability in schedules, calm transitions, and soft communication, while still maintaining clear boundaries.

5. What if my child resists routines?
Begin gradually, offer choices, and remember to reinforce positive behavior consistently.

Conclusion

When it comes to raising a child with autism, authoritative parenting—warmth woven with structure—is consistently backed by research as the most effective path. By pairing this with stress-management tools, visual routines, and low-demand communication strategies, you build a space where your child—and your family—can thrive.

And remember, your support matters too. At Century Psychology Group, Dr. Daneshrad offers professional guidance tailored to your family’s needs. Whether it's navigating neurodevelopmental concerns like autism or managing stress and transitions, she’s there for you every step of the way.

Next Steps

If you're ready to explore further:

• Reach out to Century Psychology Group to schedule an appointment with Dr. Daneshrad.
• Explore therapeutic options such as Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) or the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P).
• Use visual aids and routines to support your child’s daily life.
• Try choice-based, low-demand language to encourage cooperation.
• Join autism parent support networks for connection, insight, and shared community.

Your journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, patience, and connection. With Dr. Daneshrad’s guidance, you don’t have to walk it alone.