How Moms of Autistics Shift Their Mindsets and Reset When Change Occurs in Their Supportive Community

Thriving Moms of Autistics

Hi Moms! You know the saying, “It’s always something?” Well, it kind of is always something because that is how life works, right?

But it’s a journey. There will be ups and downs.

I promise you that if you think, but others don’t go through what I do, you’re right. Many don’t, but they do go through their own set of difficulties. We just aren’t aware of it. No one is unscathed in this life.

We can walk past many people in a day and have no idea what they are going through at the time.

It is important to enjoy what you can when you can, but always remember that the bad times won’t last forever.

I have an interesting mindset that I’ve developed when it comes to negativity in life. I have chronic immune issues and see an immunologist and rheumatologist.

When I start getting sick, my first thought isn’t, “oh crap this is going to be the worst. I will never get over this. I’m going to miss x, y, and z over the next couple of weeks!” Instead, I think, “Okay, this is day one. I am about one day closer to when I will be over this. Not much longer!”

Imagine if we had that mindset about everything negative that comes our way in life. You know bad things are going to happen. Why not look at it through a different lens?

When I talk about gaining a positive, supportive community, I am not talking about a perfect circle of friends that will help us get through the challenges in our autism journey.

I am talking about an imperfect group of friends that will support one another the best they can. It might change over time, but the good will outweigh the bad.

In this episode, I explore the importance of not giving up when someone in our supportive community lets you down, and that it is okay when your community changes and grows.

Find the full transcript for this episode at http://thrivingmomsofautistics.com/49

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!

Assessing Your Supportive Community as an Autism Mom

None of us are perfect. We all make mistakes. I talk often about meeting others where they are at. With that comes awareness of how their behavior impacts them and those around them.

The same goes for you! How does your behavior and decisions impact you, your child, and others?

Is it something that is continually getting worse? Are their decisions impacting others negatively and potentially a safety issue?

If so, you might need to make some hard choices.

What do you want your supportive community to look like?

Many moms might say that they would like people around them, who are accepting, non-judgmental, supportive, patient, uplifting, helpful, resourceful, just to name a few.

It is nice when you have others who have the shared experience of raising a child with different needs.

Will we always understand what one another is going through? Will we always agree with the decisions others make? Not always, but we are always open to listen and meet one another where we are at. That is worth gold!

What Happens When Your Supportive Community Changes?

You might find your supportive community shifting a bit. That is normal and happens. People change or move on. It’s not the end of the world.

You might find that your needs have changed, and it’s time for you to move on to a different group with a common goal like yours. That is okay!

You might find that someone in your group has changed course and has a negative impact on you and the others in the group. This is hard. It can be sad.

Not everyone shares the same beliefs and goals. It is healthier for them to find others who can support their needs. Ultimately, change is hard for