Grandparenting Looks Different When Autism is Part of the Story

In this episode, we sit down with school principal and autism grandma, Jennifer Kaufman, to talk about what it’s really like when your grandchild is diagnosed — and how that shifts expectations, roles, and relationships overnight.

We talk about:

• The emotional pivot from “traditional grandparent” to active support system



• How to give (and receive) advice without blowing up family dynamics



• The awkward-but-necessary financial conversations



• Why empathy matters so much in schools — and what educators need to understand



• Water safety and why it cannot be an afterthought



• The pressure grandparents sometimes feel to “fix” things



• And the reminder that parenting (and grandparenting) is not a competition

This conversation is honest about the tension that can show up in families — especially when everyone loves the child but doesn’t always agree on how to help.

Whether you’re a grandparent trying to support your family, or a parent trying to figure out how to include extended family in your child’s autism journey, this episode gives practical insight and a whole lot of grace.

Because it truly takes a village — but villages need communication.

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