💜 Sometimes Plans Change
💜 LESSON OF THE MORNING:
This wasn’t part of the plan.
When Bella realized the day wasn’t going the way she expected, her frustration became bigger than most people would have understood from the outside.
For years, I focused on stopping the behavior.
Now I spend more time trying to understand the reason behind it.
Sometimes what looks like a meltdown is disappointment.
Sometimes it’s frustration.
Sometimes it’s difficulty adjusting when a plan suddenly changes.
The behavior is easy to see.
The reason behind it takes a little more understanding.
💜 Week 3: The Little Things Matter Too
This Afternoon:
💜 What helped her find her way back?
#autismmom #autismawareness #autismacceptance #nonverbalautism #autismparent
From my experiences caring for someone with autism, I've found that when a plan changes suddenly, the visible behavior often masks a deeper emotional response. What looks like a tantrum or meltdown might actually be rooted in feelings of disappointment, frustration, or difficulty adapting to new circumstances. This can be especially true for nonverbal individuals who may struggle to express their emotions in traditional ways. Over time, I realized that trying to stop these behaviors outright was less effective than taking the time to understand the reasons behind them. By observing subtle clues and contextualizing the situation, I started to see these moments as communication—a way of expressing that something is not right or comfortable. In one particular afternoon, just like Bella's story, a sudden change disrupted our planned activities, leading to an intense reaction. Instead of responding with frustration, I shifted my approach to patience and empathy. Offering reassuring support and helping to re-establish a sense of safety and predictability made a significant difference. This experience taught me how essential it is to pay attention to the little things—small changes, facial expressions, or body language that hint at the underlying cause. Recognizing these signs early allows caregivers and parents to respond more thoughtfully and help their loved ones regain calm and trust. Acceptance of these moments as part of the journey, rather than obstacles to overcome, fosters stronger connections and encourages an environment where autistic individuals feel understood and supported. Sharing stories within communities like #autismmom and #autismparent can also provide invaluable insights and emotional solidarity for others navigating similar challenges.
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