In homes across San Diego, long before the school day begins, many parents of children with autism are already at work.
One morning in our home, a small change in routine threatened to derail the entire day. My daughter, who has autism, became overwhelmed before school by the kind of disruption many families barely notice: a shift in timing, a sensory discomfort, an unexpected change. What followed was not a quick fix. It took patience, reassurance and time to help her feel regulated enough to move forward. By the time the school day began, the caregiving work had already been underway for hours.
That kind of labor is rarely seen by the public, but it shapes daily life for many families across our county.
Caregiving is one of the most essential forms of work in our society, yet it is often the least visible. For families raising children with autism, it is not simply a role. It is a daily commitment that stretches across mornings, afternoons, evenings and sleepless nights. Parents and caregivers coordinate therapies, attend school meetings, navigate service systems and help their children manage communication differences, sensory sensitivities and environments that are not always designed with neurodiverse children in mind.
This is not a small issue affecting only a few families. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s 2025 report, about 1 in 31 8-year-old children in the United States had been identified with autism spectrum disorder, underscoring how many families in communities like San Diego are living this reality every day.
In San Diego and Imperial counties, the San Diego Regional Center supports tens of thousands of individuals and families, and autism makes up a significant share of the diagnoses it serves. Those numbers help explain what many of us already know from experience: Autism caregiving is woven into neighborhoods all over San Diego County, from South Bay to North County.
Yet much of the daily burden still falls on families.
Caregivers often serve as advocates, schedulers, interpreters and emotional anchors all at once. They communicate with schools about accommodations, monitor progress, coordinate appointments and prepare for transitions that may seem minor to others but can feel enormous to a child with autism. Some families also rely on programs such as In-Home Supportive Services, but even with formal support, much of the hands-on work remains with parents and relatives.
Public understanding has not kept pace with this reality.
Too often, autism caregivers must explain their children’s needs in public, justify supports at school or absorb the judgment that comes when a child reacts to noise, crowds or sudden change. Social outings require planning. Community participation requires emotional energy. Inclusion does not happen by accident; families work for it every day.
Recognizing autism caregivers is not only about gratitude. It is about acknowledging the role they play in strengthening our communities. When caregivers have access to supportive services, informed schools and public spaces that welcome neurodiversity, children with autism have a greater chance to learn, grow and belong.
Across San Diego County, that work is happening quietly every day.
It deserves more than passing awareness. It deserves recognition.
Bansal is a San Diego-based parent, caregiver and community advocate.