Are you ready for updated family photos, but are concerned about finding a photographer who will help your Autistic child shine during the session? I’m lucky to be the parent of one of the coolest kiddos you will ever meet; who happens to be nonspeaking Autistic as well. I understand the concerns about having your child misunderstood. I’m passionate about helping Autistic (and other disabled people) feel celebrated just as they are. Let’s dive into some tips on helping your Autistic child have a comfortable photography experience.
The Planning Process:
Let your photographer know ahead of time what your child’s particular needs are. Are they a sensory seeker who loves to wiggle, or do they get startled and overwhelmed by big motions? Perhaps a bit of both? Let your photographer know what to embrace and avoid, so they are prepared in meeting those needs and eliminating stressors. Talk with your photographer about location options, to ensure that your child feels safe and comfortable at the location you choose. If you feel your child will be most comfortable at home, perhaps a lifestyle session is the right fit for your family.
On the flip side, don’t forget to also give your child the information they need to be mentally prepared. Many Autistic people get overwhelmed when they don’t know what’s coming. Let your child know what you will be doing, where you will be going, and even show them a photo of your photographer if possible. I would be happy to have a pre-session chat with your child, if it helps them feel more at ease!
Leading up to the Session:
I always suggest families try on their outfits a minimum of a few days before the session, to ensure everything fits, and is comfortable. If your Autistic child has sensory aversions to certain clothing, this is especially important. It’s hard to relax and have fun, if you’ve got uncomfortable seams, tags and scratchy fabric rubbing against your body.
Figure out what comfort item(s) your child wants to bring to the session. Also, make sure there is a low mess favorite snack and drink available as well. If your child has concerns about overwhelming noises; bring along headphones or ear defenders, just in case.
Go over the plan with your photographer and your child, in case there are any last minute changes. Try to avoid placing demands on your child as to their expected behavior at the session. A great family photographer will understand that children sometimes have hard days, or get overwhelmed, and won’t judge you when your child is having a hard moment.
Manage your expectations. Every parent, including myself, loves big smiles in photos of their kids. But, all kids, including Autistic kids, have a range of emotions and expectations themselves. The biggest key to helping your child have a successful session, is keeping the stress level down. An important part of that will be not placing demands of ‘sit still, look at the camera and smile’. Trust your photographer to guide you and your family to bring out natural moments. Eye contact and forced smiles shouldn’t be required. Focus on the relationship with your child, and let your photographer do what they do best!
The Day of the Session:
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to prepare for your session, and get there on time. Try not to overschedule your day. If possible, make the photo session the primary event of the day, so your child doesn’t get overstimulated or overly tired.
Let your photographer be the guide. Show your child that you are putting your trust in your photographer, and they can trust them as well. Give your child time to warm up, and let the photographer use the info you gave them during planning to build a relationship with your child. Have fun and focus on the moment. Let your child take breaks as needed. Don’t forget to take breaks for yourself if you need a breather.
When it’s all said and done, be sure to give your child affirmations, even if they had a hard time. If all the planning still resulted in a hard time, that’s okay. It happens, including to neurotypical people. So, if your child had a hard time, give them empathy and understanding; and work on identifying what caused the challenges to try and make it easier in the future. For the rare session where we get very few usable photos, I do have free or reduced cost repeat sessions available. Because, hard days happen for all of us, and I understand that.
While these tips have focused on Autistic children, they can apply to Autistic adults and other people as well. If you, or your child, have other disabilities that need support, I am happy to talk with you about accommodations to ensure you have a great photography session. I’m always available for questions at brandi@brandithomponphotography.com or you can reach me through my spam free contact form.
Check out some of these great Autism organizations as well:
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
Communication First – Supporting Nonspeaking Autistic People