How do I help my child with autism explain how they feel? 

Parenting Perspective 

Honour Their Unique Communication Style 

Many autistic children find it difficult to name and share their feelings. They might feel big emotions inside but struggle to find the right words or feel too overwhelmed to speak. This can lead to meltdowns, withdrawal, or misunderstandings. Start by showing your child that their feelings are not wrong or something to hide. Use simple words: ‘It is okay if it is hard to say how you feel. We can find other ways that help.’ 

Offer Practical Tools 

Offer practical tools that suit your child’s style of communication. Some children find it helpful to point to feelings cards, use colour charts, or show you with gestures. Others may prefer to type or draw instead of speaking. Keep your language simple and clear: ‘I see you feel upset. Is it angry, sad, or tired?’ Give them enough time to respond without pressure. Praise any effort they make, even if it comes out differently than you expect. You can practise calm ‘check-ins’ during quiet times, so it does not always have to happen during a meltdown. Over time, these patient steps will help your child feel safe to express what is happening inside, in their own unique way, without the fear of getting it wrong. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that every heart and mind is created by Allah Almighty with perfect wisdom. Allah Almighty knows what is hidden inside every soul, even when words do not come easily. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Qaaf (50), Verse 16: 

‘And indeed, We have created mankind, and so We have full knowledge of all the (thoughts) he murmurs within himself; and We (Allah Almighty) are more closer to him than his jugular vein.‘

Share this Ayah with your child to remind them that Allah Almighty always knows what they feel, even when they cannot say it. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 3372, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Dua is worship. ‘

Encourage your child to say a gentle prayer when they feel overwhelmed: ‘Ya Allah, help me show how I feel.’ This small Dua teaches them that they are never alone with their big feelings. By welcoming their unique ways of communicating, you honour their heart as Allah Almighty made it, showing them that every feeling is safe with you and always understood by their Lord.