Autistic Kids and Homework: 10 Stress-Free Strategies That Help

Let’s be honest… homework is the absolute bane of most parents’ lives. Add autism into the mix and suddenly that “just 20 minutes of reading” turns into a two-hour standoff, tears (from both sides), and you questioning whether school secretly hates you.

If homework at your house feels like you’re negotiating with tiny, exhausted lawyers armed with crayons, you’re not alone. Autistic kids often find homework harder than their neurotypical classmates — not because they’re lazy, but because school already drains every drop of energy they have. By the time they get home, they’re running on fumes.



So if evenings in your house are more meltdown than maths worksheet, grab a brew — here are 10 stress-free(ish) strategies that really help.



Why autistic kids struggle with homework

  • After-school burnout – masking all day in school takes so much effort, so by 3pm your child is DONE.

  • Executive function overload – planning, organising, and switching tasks doesn’t come easy.

  • Sensory hangover – noisy classrooms, itchy uniforms, bright lights… then straight into “sit still and focus” at home? No thanks.

  • Unclear expectations – instructions are often too vague or too wordy, leading to frustration.

Sound familiar? Yep, same here. Now let’s get into the practical stuff.

10 Stress-Free Homework Strategies

1. Give a decompression break first

Don’t even mention homework the minute they walk through the door. Let them unwind — play, snack, swing, YouTube — whatever helps them reset. A mini trampoline or sensory swing can work wonders here (we have this one and it saves our evenings).



2. Create a sensory-friendly homework space

Not the noisy kitchen table. Set up a calm corner with softer lighting, a wobble cushion, or headphones so they can actually focus. In our house, these headphones have been a total sanity-saver — worth every penny for quiet evenings.



3. Break it into mini chunks

“Do all 20 sums now” is overwhelming. Try “let’s do 5, then a break.” Little wins feel achievable. A simple visual timer can make this easier because kids see the end in sight.

4. Use visual checklists

Autistic kids thrive on clarity. A simple checklist or visual schedule board helps them see progress and reduces that “never-ending” feeling. We love this magnetic one because it’s easy to swap tasks in and out.



5. Movement breaks are magic

Star jumps, trampolining, pacing in circles (yep, counts). Let them reset their body so their brain can reset too. A wobble cushion or chew necklace can also give sensory input while they’re working.

6. Negotiate with teachers

You’re allowed to! Explain that your child may need reduced homework, extra time, or alternative tasks. Schools can be flexible when parents push. Having a quick printable “homework notes” makes communication smoother.

7. Make it multisensory

Write spellings in sand, use LEGO for maths, record answers on a tablet instead of writing. Different pathways = less stress. A cheap pack of [kinetic sand] has been more useful than half the “official” school resources.

8. Keep it short and sweet

Set a timer and agree that after X minutes, they’re done. No child benefits from three hours of misery. 

9. Pair work with motivators

Homework with snacks, a favourite toy nearby, or a reward afterwards (“when you finish this, then we’ll do ___”). Works for adults too — hello chocolate bribes. A small reward chart can be motivating without being over the top.



10. Connection > completion

Sometimes the best thing you can do is close the workbook and protect your relationship. No worksheet is worth your child’s wellbeing (or yours).

Final Thoughts

Homework struggles don’t mean your child is failing — they mean the system wasn’t designed with neurodivergent kids in mind. By making homework sensory-friendly, flexible, and less overwhelming, you can transform evenings from battle zone to (almost) bearable.

And remember: you’re not alone. Thousands of autism parents are right there with you, probably hiding in the loo scrolling Pinterest while their child refuses to do maths. You’ve got this 💜

Check out more posts!

Transitioning from reception to year 1 & why its so hard

Masking at school: Why sensory kids hold it together all day then unleash at home

MUM GUILT! You're not alone 💜


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