Navigating the World.

Navigating life as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, and friend is a complex journey. When you add being autistic and having ADHD to the mix, it can often feel like walking a tightrope. Balancing personal needs, family responsibilities, and professional aspirations becomes an intricate dance. Yet, as someone who shares this journey and raises two children—one with autism and one with ADHD—I have discovered ways to find balance, calm, and fulfillment.

Embracing the Challenge

The journey begins with acceptance and self-compassion. Understanding and embracing my unique neurological makeup was a critical first step. It helped me identify my strengths and challenges, allowing me to seek out strategies and tools that cater to my specific needs.

Calming Techniques: Finding Your Peace

Staying emotionally grounded is essential for navigating the multifaceted roles I play. Here are some calming techniques that have significantly helped me and my children:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:

   • Practicing mindfulness helps center my thoughts and reduce anxiety. Even a few minutes of deep breathing exercises can reset my mind and improve focus.
   • Guided meditations designed for sensory sensitivities can be particularly soothing.

2. Sensory Breaks:

   • Incorporating sensory breaks throughout the day allows me and my children to manage sensory overload. Simple activities like squeezing a stress ball, listening to calming music, or taking a short walk can be incredibly rejuvenating.

3. Routine and Structure:

   • Establishing a daily routine provides predictability, reducing anxiety for both myself and my children. Visual schedules and timers help us stay on track and manage transitions smoothly.

4. Nature Therapy:

   • Spending time outdoors in nature has a calming effect. Whether it’s a walk in the park, gardening, or simply sitting under a tree, nature provides a tranquil escape from daily stresses.

5. Coffee and Car Therapy:

   • Sometimes, all I need is a good cup of coffee and a few minutes sitting in my car. To those of you who see me sitting outside work for five minutes, it’s not a breakdown—it’s a sensory reset!

Nutrition: Fueling the Mind and Body

While diet alone isn’t a cure-all, proper nutrition plays a crucial role in managing symptoms of autism and ADHD. Here are some dietary considerations that have helped us:

1. Balanced Meals:

   • Ensuring meals are balanced with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates helps maintain energy levels and supports brain function.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

   • Foods rich in omega-3s, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are beneficial for brain health and can help improve mood and focus.

3. Limiting Processed Foods:

   • Reducing the intake of processed foods and sugars helps prevent energy crashes and mood swings, promoting a more stable emotional state.

4. Hydration:

   • Staying hydrated is essential for cognitive function. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps the mind clear and the body energized.

Balancing Business and Family

Running a business while raising children with unique needs requires exceptional time management and flexibility. Here are some strategies that have worked for me:

1. Prioritization and Time Blocking:

   • Prioritizing tasks and using time-blocking techniques ensure that both business and family responsibilities receive the attention they need.

2. Delegation and Support Networks:

   • Building a support network of family, friends, and professionals who understand our unique challenges is invaluable. Delegating tasks and asking for help when needed lightens the load.

3. Flexible Work Hours:

   • Adopting flexible work hours allows me to be present for my children when they need me most while still dedicating focused time to my business.

4. Self-Care:

   • Regular self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or simply taking a quiet moment for myself, self-care replenishes my energy and resilience.

Conclusion: A Journey of Resilience and Growth

Being an autistic/ADHD mother, woman, and entrepreneur is a journey filled with unique challenges and profound growth. By embracing calming techniques, maintaining a balanced diet, and finding effective ways to balance work and family, I have discovered a path of resilience and fulfillment. Sharing these strategies with others on similar journeys can foster a supportive community where we learn and grow together.

Life may be a delicate balancing act, but with the right tools and support, we can navigate it with grace, strength, and unwavering determination. And sometimes, all it takes is a little coffee and some “car therapy” to keep everything running smoothly!