Spectrum Sisters: Building Bridges for Autism Moms

Thriving Moms of Autistics

Hi Moms! Everyday is a good day to celebrate and empower moms of autistics. The best way to achieve this is through community.

In this episode, I dive into the heart of community, why it’s important, and why moms tend to shy away from it.

Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/64

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 appreciate you!

What Are Many Moms of Autistics Missing?
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you consider the one thing you need most? Now ask yourself, why don’t you have it? The answer is likely that it isn’t something you can get on your own.

Think about what it might be like to have others cheering you on rather than judging or to have someone who remembers dealing with the very struggle that you are dealing with right now. Someone who gets it!

Someone who celebrates your child’s milestones with you. A network of other moms, who are there when you fall and love you through it.

Sound impossible? It’s not!

The Missing Gem Autism Moms Need
It might feel like trying to climb Mount Everest in flipflops doing it on your own. Why would you do that? No one enjoys feeling isolated, not fitting in, or having to explain autism repeatedly.

Benefits to having a supportive community:

1. Shared Understanding is essential. I always say autism moms are educators. It’s just part of it. Most often others aren’t being mean, they just don’t have experience with autism. They can’t help that.

It’s nice to just be your authentic self and not have to give a dissertation to help others understand all the time. I get it. It’s nice to be validated after a meltdown rather than being looked out like you have three heads.

1. Resources and Support- It’s one thing to research and dig around for what you’re looking for. But to have others at your fingertips, who have tested out that sensory toy, used the speech therapist, or found that new miracle gadget? Real-life tips from someone who's been there? Sign me up!
2. Recharging Your Batteries- People see us as superhuman, but we’re not. Supportive communities bring respite, laughter, and connection. Sharing a potluck or coffee with moms who understand what you’re going through is the best therapy.
3. Advocating Together: Moms of autistics stand together! Together, we have a voice and an advocacy platform. It truly does take a village.

What Keeps Autism Moms from Seeking Community?
Most women aren’t interested in going back to high school. Moms of autistics have full plates and zero time for drama.

I have been in mom groups that were incredibly cliquey. They made the start of my autism journey unnecessarily difficult because they knew very little about autism.

Autism moms need to be around others who get that we can’t drop everything to be with them or meet up. Others might not understand that we live our lives differently and have a system to adhere to.

You deserve a community that sees you, supports you, and celebrates your victories (big and small).

You are not alone! We're all navigating this journey together, and a supportive community can make the road smoother, lighter, and maybe even a little bit more joyful.

Be on the look out for the free mom virtual coffee chat I am hosting the first Wednesday of the month from 11am-12pm EST starting on February 7th. We’re talking muffins and meltdowns! So, mark your calendars!

In the meantime, let’s meet again next week.