Navigating the Spectrum: Juggling Life, Career, and an Autistic Child

Hey there, mamas! It's Neighborhood Mama and I want to talk about something that's really close to my heart. My 11-year-old son was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when he was 8 years old. It's been a wild ride, but with the right mindset, tools, and support, managing an autistic child can be less stressful than you think.

As a mompreneur juggling life and career, managing an autistic child can add an extra layer of complexity to your daily routine. But first, let's talk about what autism really is.

Autism is a neurological condition that affects communication, behavior, and social interactions. It's a spectrum disorder, meaning that each child can have varying levels of difficulty with communication, social interactions, and repetitive behaviors. In my son's case, he has difficulty with super hyper activeness and behavior. He also struggles with some social interactions and often prefers to be alone.

As a parent, it can be frustrating and overwhelming to navigate the world of autism. You want to help your child thrive, but you may not always know how. One of the best things you can do is to become an expert in your child's unique needs. This means working closely with your child's therapists, educators, and doctors to create a comprehensive plan that addresses your child's individual needs.

Another important tool in managing an autistic child is to create a structured routine. Children with autism thrive on predictability and routine, so it's important to create a schedule that is consistent and easy to follow. This may mean creating a visual schedule that your child can easily understand, with pictures or symbols that represent each activity in their day if needed.

It's also important to find ways to engage with your child and to create opportunities for them to connect with others. In my son's case, he loves electronics and playing strategic games, so we encourage him to look into becoming a professional gamer. This has given him a creative outlet and a way to connect with other kids who share his love for gaming and problem-solving. This also allows him to get an introduction to entrepreneurship and become independent.

As a mompreneur, it can be especially challenging to juggle the demands of running a business with the needs of your child. But don't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's hiring a caregiver or enlisting the support of friends and family, it's important to have a support system in place so that you can take care of yourself and your child. It is normal to feel overwhelmed from time to time. Lord knows I do have my days where screaming into a pillow is what I need to be able to keep things pushing.

Above all, managing an autistic child requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn. It can be a difficult journey, but with the right tools and support, your child can thrive and reach their full potential.

So if you're a mompreneur like me, juggling life and career with a high-functioning autistic child, know that you're not alone. We're in this together, and we've got this!

And as always, stay hustling, my friends.

Neighborhood Mama