S2 Ep 51 - Navigating the Journey of Grandparenting an Autistic Child

Join host Rosabel Zohfeld on Life Unscripted as she sits down with Jennifer Kaufman—a seasoned school principal and devoted grandmother—to explore the unique rewards and challenges of grandparenting a child with autism. In this heartfelt conversation, Jennifer shares practical insights on building meaningful connections, navigating complex family dynamics, and honoring the voices of both grandchildren and their parents. Discover the power of rituals, the importance of self-care, and how celebrating small moments of progress can transform your family’s journey. Whether you’re a grandparent, parent, educator, or advocate, you’ll find actionable tips, community resources, and inspiration for creating a supportive, understanding environment.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Grandparenting an autistic child is a unique, evolving journey

• Building meaningful connections takes intentional listening

• Routines and rituals offer comfort and predictability

• Self-care isn’t optional—it fuels resilience

• Flexibility and understanding smooth family interactions

• Small wins deserve celebration

• Workshops and community support empower grandparents

• Open communication with adult children fosters collaboration

⏱ Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Grandparenting and Autism
02:44 Navigating Family Dynamics as a Grandparent
05:32 The Rewards of Grandparenting an Autistic Child
07:57 Building Meaningful Connections with Grandchildren
10:47 Creating Structure and Routine for Comfort
13:24 Self-Care for Grandparents
16:07 Workshops and Resources for Grandparents
19:00 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
20:58 Introduction to Resilience and Courage
21:25 The Journey of Chasing Dreams

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
Never miss an episode—hit Follow on Spotify and join our community of lifelong learners committed to education, support, and connection.

🔗 Connect with Jennifer Kaufman:

• Website & Resources: grandparentingonthespectrum.com

• Email: [e-mail]

• Social Media: @grandparentingonthespectrum on Instagram & Facebook

• Workshops & Consulting: Personalized guidance for grandparents, family workshops, and trainings for schools, police departments, and first responders—details on her website.

• Book: Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk (available on Amazon)

📖 More:
Show notes, and additional resources available at www.rosabelzohfeld.com.

🔖 Hashtags:
#Grandparenting #AutismAwareness #FamilyDynamics #SelfCare #CommunitySupport #LifeUnscripted #GrandparentingOnTheSpectrum