Advice for suspected autistic toddler about to get a baby sibling…

[SleepDeprived2018]

Hi

DD is nearly 3 - baby is due in a couple of weeks - DD doesnt really have much understanding (currently going through assesments but is suspected autistic by all professionals involved) so
I cant do the usual talking to her about it / reading books to prepare her. I do show her the books play with her dolls show her the babys things - as much as she doesn’t understand she has been cuddling my baby bump!

Any tips? Anything I can do to help her? Anybody been in the same situation?

I feel so worried about her feeling pushed out - about how she will react to baby - worried about how i will cope as she needs to be watched constantly

X

Check out ASD Social Stories (Google)
They are a very simple story with pictures that explains what’s going to happen, you read it to your child daily and it may help them understand. She may not depending on her situation but we use them at the school I work in for ASD kids

For a new baby it would something like

Mummy is having a baby
Baby is in mummy’s tummy
When baby comes out Mary will be a sister
Baby will live with mummy, daddy and Mary
Baby will sleep in (whichever room)
Mary will sleep in her bedroom
Mary will be a sister

That kid of thing, much better egs online

I would agree with social stories. Very simply put as PP has suggested.
My DD is autistic and had just turned three when DD2 was born.
At that age my DD also understood very little and although could speak very well her language was almost entirely echolaic and often out of context.
In all honesty the only thing that really worked was time and after largely being indifferent and ignoring her sister for a year she started to have more awareness and became quite loving towards her.
They are now 7 and 3 and wouldn't be without eachother although they do argue!
Congratulations on your baby OP and I hope all goes well for you.