Description

Hi moms! As we continue to explore community, I want to take a minute to let all you listeners know how much I appreciate you. I recently realized that the Thriving Moms of Autistics listening community has reached places all around the world beyond the United States. 

My heart could not be happier that you all are a part of it. This is my why! You are not alone. Thank you for listening!

As moms of autistics, gaining community is a process. It might start with finding a podcast or blog and develop from there. Knowing that there are people out there, who get it is so meaningful. Finding people to be directly a part of your group is powerful. 

In episode 19, I helped you assess what your current community looks like. In this episode, I look at barriers and help you establish characteristics that are important for you to have in others who join your community. 

Find the full transcript for this episode at https://thrivingmomsofautistics.com/20

Please share the podcast with other moms to help them grow their supportive community. You can also do this by leaving  a review on Apple Podcasts.

What keeps an autism mom from discovering their supportive community?

We recently explored how it can feel almost impossible to develop a solid support system. Remember, there is no perfect calculation for this. It is solely based on individual needs.

There are many hurdles for moms, who wish to surround themselves with others for support. It can be hard to find the right people. 

1. Time -One barrier to achieving this is time. You might work and care for your family. You might stay home and care for your family. 

Either way, your time is limited and filled with daily endeavors that must be accomplished. Your plate is quite full. When something is important, you make time for it, right? This is no different.

1. Age -The second is age. You might be a very young mother. Your peers haven’t quite settled down yet, but you are ahead of the game. Your interests are different from those your age. 

On the other side of the spectrum, you might be an older mom. I had my son at 41. My friend’s kids were having kids. I had very little in common with most moms in their 20’s. 

Now that my supportive community is in place, I have support from a variety of age groups. Age is just a number. When you have something in common, that is key. One of my best friends has an autistic son the same age as my own, but there is an 18 year difference between us. Yet, we are two peas in a pod.

1. Location -The more populated your area, the more likely you will find others with similar needs like you. However, you can find this in more rural areas too. I have seen it happen. 

You might have to get creative, but moms of autistics are good at thinking outside of the box. Part of your community might include service provides, which are limited in more rural areas too. With the rise of autism, services are evolving in a variety of areas. 

1. Access – Access to transportation might be an issue. This might impact your ability to travel to services, clinics, or events. 

However, the pandemic has brought additional online options and changed the landscape of bringing people together for both community and services. 

With that said, you must have availability to a computer, phone, and internet. Most towns have libraries with free internet access, which helps alleviate this need. 

1. Values -Differing values might impact your developing community. We are all different individuals, which is what makes us interesting and unique. I have many friends that are very different from me. We vary by back grounds, socioeconomic status