5 Strategies to Boost Resiliency in Moms of Autistics

Thriving Moms of Autistics

Hi Moms! I am excited you are here as we celebrate season 2 of the Thriving Moms of Autistics Podcast.

In Episode 17, I introduced the role of resiliency when tackling challenges. When I think of resiliency, I think of flexibility in hard times. This includes mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility.

It is tied to how we adapt to life’s challenges. It’s a process. One doesn’t magically become resilient. It is part of growth and experience.

In this episode, I explore why it’s so important and what hinders and what grows resiliency.

Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/53

Please share the podcast with other moms to help them grow in their autism journey. You can also do this by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. I love our group of moms and am excited for the moms to come. Autism moms are a force!

Why Resiliency is Important for Moms of Autistics

Resiliency and flexibility go hand in hand. The reason my VIP program focuses on positive affect and emotions is because incorporating daily positive habits buffer against the effects of stress that are associated with raising an autistic child.

People often refer to resiliency as bouncing back. When we experience resiliency after a challenging event, we don’t go back. We move forward. We aren’t the same as we were before the event. We grow.

This is a newer and more accurate way of looking at resiliency.

What Might Hinder Autism Mom’s Resiliency?

There are two areas to consider, our mind, and our experiences.

All moms experience stress. Our view of stress and how we manage stress can have a negative impact on resiliency.

When one experiences trauma, their brain changes. This impacts how one views the world and deals with challenges. These individuals must make cognitive and behavioral changes to overcome trauma.

Moms with chronic health conditions might experience resiliency differently as they have additional stressors and experiences that impact stress management.

Does that mean that moms with chronic health issues are doomed to be less resilient? Absolutely not. As someone with a host of autoimmune disorders, I know too well the challenges that present as a result. I might have to stretch a little further to achieve resiliency, but it’s not impossible. In fact, I have proven it can happen.

What Contributes to Resiliency in Moms of Autistics?

There are many options for boosting resiliency.

1) Consider how you view stress and struggles. Optimism is a strong predictor of happiness. Even some of the most optimistic individuals aren’t optimistic 24/7. Optimism often takes practice and awareness.

2) Mind and Body Exercises Build Resiliency. Practicing mindfulness in times of struggle helps us gain momentum over troubled times. Even guided imagery and breathing techniques help clear our minds when we are less centered and experiencing difficulties.

Our bodies and minds respond to stress in negative ways, regardless of who you are. These exercises help us gain clarity to move forward. Superhumans do not exist.

3) Surrounding yourself with people who understand autism. We are more resilient when we experience a supportive environment.

4) Self-efficacy and self-compassion lead to resiliency. Our belief that we can achieve something makes all the difference as well as our capacity to forgive ourselves when we make mistakes.

5) Increased faith has led to increased resiliency. Studies have shown that individual