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Hi moms! I’m so glad you are here and seeking growth and community. You deserve it!

Resiliency is key when faced with challenges. Moms of autistics are faced with many challenges as their child continues to grow. I get that there will be mountains in my journey, but those mountains are no match for me! I believe it and achieve it! That’s what I want for you too!

In this episode, I talk about ways to use those challenges for growth opportunities and use your mind as one of your greatest tools in your mom toolbox.

Find the full transcript for this episode at https://thrivingmomsofautistics.com/17

Please share the podcast with other moms. Help others find the podcast and feel connected while creating a community of moms supporting one another.

The Importance of Positivity for Moms of Autistics

Researchers have found that moms of autistics, who exhibit a positive affect or positive emotions promote more flexible thinking, creative problem-solving, and effectively counteract stressors. This means that when you incorporate positivity into your daily routine it becomes a healthy habit and can buffer against the effects of stress that are associated with having an autistic. 

Does this mean you have to be positive all day every day? Of course not! That isn’t possible. We are human and must give ourselves permission to be imperfect. If not, we will only increase our stress. You don’t want that!

However, you are a work in progress, and you can strive to be your best with practice! Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes you at your best. That is what we strive for while giving ourselves grace when there are inevitable bumps along the way. 

What is a resilient autism mom?

Resilience is a well-researched concept in positive psychology. Resilience is our ability to bounce back and get back up when we have been knocked down. 

You might recall that I was told by a couple of doctors that I would not have children. I knew that at the age of 40, I was given a gift. And that he was a child like all children, who have a purpose. My miracle! I couldn’t wait to see his life unfold.

I remember when we were concerned that our son might be autistic and waiting for testing.  I felt like the breath was knocked out of me. I had to collect myself while we waited. Once we got the diagnosis, there was no time to wallow, yet we had to experience the grieving process. Everyone does! 

I had a new reality. I had to let go of what I thought my son’s life might be like and accept that things would be quite different. I was strengthening my resilience muscles. 

Resilience is a characteristic that can be developed. Along the way, there have been ups and downs. There have been many opportunities to learn. 

How Moms of Autistics Can Build their Resilience and Grow

Here are 5 things to consider that will help you exercise your resiliency muscles:

1. It starts with fostering awareness. This involves reflection. Ask yourself where things went wrong and accept your part in it. This allows you to learn from it. 

Make a decision to accept it, learn from it, and move forward. 

1. Consider how you might do things differently in the future. Embrace what went well even if the outcome was unexpected or not what you wanted. Sometimes that is hard to do, but this is something!
2. Find others who get it. It might be time to develop your supportive community if you do not have one already. It’s helpful to have someone in your corner who listens and doesn’t judge. Better yet, if it is someone who has been in your shoes. 

In my Thrive VIP Program, I work 1:1 with moms to help them develop community and grow their mindsets and personal resources. 

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