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Living Well Mom

I help moms with simple, natural ways to look after their families. Find recipes, fun stuff for kids, and simple DIY ideas. Plus natural solutions made easy peasy!

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What It’s Really Like to Be an Autism Mom

By Erika in Autism

As Mother’s Day approaches, this is the time when we celebrate mothers and our families celebrate us.

But there’s a group of moms many people aren’t aware of. Autism moms.

With 1 in 45 children diagnosed with autism now (from a CDC survey in 2015, it may be even higher now), there’s a very good chance you know someone who is an autism mom. Maybe it’s an acquaintance or a coworker. It could even be a family member who’s child is not diagnosed.

You may not even realize it.

Autism moms are good at hiding their world. She might not want to tell everyone her child has a “label” or maybe she’s too exhausted to explain once again.

People associate autism with “rain man” with extreme symptoms. That’s true.

But Autism Has Many Faces…

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference. this idea now...

Autism is often invisible to the outside world. People see odd or sometimes “inappropriate” behavior – maybe a tantrum in the grocery store from a child who’s far “too old” – and are quick to label as “bratty” or “poor parenting.”

Believe me, that mom is painfully aware of how her child is acting. She’s probably exhausted, desperate for some hope, and just wishing someone – anyone – would tell her everything will be okay. She would be so grateful for a kind hand to help her instead of stares and judgmental looks.

And if an autism mom does share that her child has autism, she is often faced with well-meaning, but painful comments.

Comments like:
“Are you sure it’s autism? He doesn’t act like it” or “He doesn’t look autistic.”
“She just needs more discipline and a good spanking.”
“She’s just spoiled.”
“He’ll outgrow it. Don’t worry.”
“I’m sorry.”

Yes, she is sure her child has autism.

It’s not easy to get an autism diagnosis; it often requires months on a waiting list, hours of testing and questioning, and multiple specialists.

Some people seem to think moms are carelessly throwing around a “label” as an excuse for their child’s behavior.

This is simply not true. An autism diagnosis is often the result of months or even years of that mom struggling to help her child and finally coming to the conclusion that something is different, even “wrong” with her child. It’s very difficult for a mother.

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference.

More discipline or “spoiled?”

Kids with autism are different. Not in everything, but in some ways they are. Many don’t respond to the usual parenting that “typical” kids do. That’s why they’re diagnosed with autism by experts.

He’ll outgrow it.

Autism is not something you can outgrow. It’s not a “phase” that will pass with time. It’s a medical diagnosis.

It doesn’t mean there is no future, but it does mean that life will be more challenging. Some kids with autism will never be capable of living on their own. Others will, but may require more support and accountability.

Beyond that, do you think any autism mom would not want her child to “outgrow” autism? Every mother wants her child to grow up and be a happy, independent adult who can function as a responsible member of society.But for autism moms, that’s not always the reality of their future.

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference.

An Autism Mom’s Reality:

All mothers have hopes and dreams for their children. We think about our kids’ futures and imagine them as happy, independent adults, maybe married with children of their own.

All moms worry about their children. But for autism moms that worry takes on a whole new level because they know the odds are stacked against their child already.

For an autism mom, tiny things that “typical” moms wouldn’t even blink an eye at are cause for huge celebration.

Here are a few examples of things autism moms celebrate:

  • watching her child make a new friend
  • hitting a baseball at practice
  • seeing her child eat pizza (he hasn’t for years because of sensory issues)
  • making it through a game without a meltdown
  • “behaving” all day at school and remembering to bring his lunchbox and homework home
  • getting to school on time
  • eating
  • showing empathy
  • making it through an entire meal at a restaurant without needing a “break” at the car
  • expressing feelings of hurt or frustration instead of a meltdown
  • allowing a hug or someone holding his hand
  • following simple instructions
  • earning “citizen of the month” at school

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference.

Real-life Sacrifices Autism Moms Make:

I gave up working full-time. I opened my own business and a lot of that money goes to pay for ABA therapy. – CC

I’m a single mother and I’ve given up finding a partner. – CS

The biggest sacrifice has been my marriage. My spouse has not accepted our son’s disability and refuses to see past our sons “superpower”( that’s what I call it). – EC

I have degrees, I love to work, but raising my kids is a 24-hour job. I don’t get days off, I don’t get breaks, I don’t get vacation time…My rewards are far greater than any sacrifice I’ve ever made though. – CS


I’ve given up most friends because they don’t understand and can’t relate to what we are going through. It’s a lonely road.

Here are a few things that Autism Moms would like you to know:

I wish I could tell people I need help… JL

Don’t be sorry for my son’s diagnosis, help me celebrate him. – JL

Support us, ask questions, don’t feel sorry for us…EB

Children on the spectrum are gifted! – EB

I’m actually just trying to survive and be a good mom! I wish they only knew just how hard that is sometimes! – JC

I am stressed a lot. No one really understands how challenging it can be. – JG

Many autism kids don’t like hugs and kisses, but it doesn’t mean we don’t show them affection. – RR

Some days are winners, some days are fighters, and others are days of reflection of just how hard motherhood can be.

I wish you would just give my son a chance. If you take some time to get to know him and listen to him, you’ll get a glimpse of just how amazing he is. – EB

I wish people wouldn’t be so quick to judge. – EB

Please don’t talk about my child in front of him. Just because he doesn’t act like he’s listening doesn’t mean he isn’t. – MD

Life as an autism mom is challenging, but there are many amazing rewards too. Our kids are incredible and we love them so much. Just give them a chance…

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference.

Autism moms are incredible women who willingly make huge sacrifices because their children are worth it.

The next time you see a parent struggling, don’t turn away and ignore her or worse, stare and judge; instead, offer support. A smile, a helping hand, a simple “you’re doing a good job” will make more of a difference than you could ever know.

Do you know someone who has a child with autism? Find out what it's really like to have an autistic child, plus how you can make a real difference.

Help us celebrate autism moms and spread awareness for all they do. Please pin this post, share on Facebook, and spread the word. These amazing moms deserve it. Thank you.

Dear Mom, Join the Living Well Mom Insiders

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    Filed Under: Autism, Autism Moms Corner Published on May 3, 2017

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    About Erika

    Erika Bragdon is a flower essence practitioner and a second-generation homeschooling mom with 3 kids at home and 1 in college. She enjoys her chickens, goats, and gardening on a small farm in New Hampshire, and is passionate about sharing flower essences and more ways to renew body, mind, and soul with moms.

    Comments

    1. Jessica Lee says

      May 8, 2017 at 12:21 am

      What a great inspiration. I work in the health care field and we have to have a heart for those with special needs

      Reply
    2. Alix @Special Learning House says

      June 28, 2017 at 10:56 am

      I am pinning this post because I think it is really valuable for all moms, especially autism moms! So many autism moms feel really alone and I appreciate that you are sharing this information. I own a center in Paris for children with autism and run a blog dedicated to supporting autism moms, with the hope that sharing information, resources and support will makes things a little easier and a lot more fun! Thanks again for this great post!

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth says

      February 6, 2019 at 6:37 am

      I say “hang in there”…it will all be worth it in the end. My son was high functioning autistic and suffered debilitating migraine headaches. He is now 23, working in Chicago and living independently. Never give up on these kids. Be firm, but compassionate to their struggles and support them…fully. It will pay off. Many nights we were scared for his future but now we are enjoying his unique dynamism I missed out as a Mom on a lot of things, yes, but I carry with me a deep satisfying secret: I had the privilege and honor of raising a HF Autistic man and I look forward to what his future holds!

      Reply
    4. Gretchen Ritchie says

      October 7, 2019 at 7:22 am

      My daughter is 21 now. She went from being mostly non-verbal at age 5, with the exception to 3 or 4 words to now she speaks and has high functioning autism. Its been a long painful road. I’ve went through a divorce 12 years ago. I also have 3 other young adult children. It took me all of 21 years to find someone, like you, who hit the nail on the head! I could not be more grateful. I am not alone now. I thank God for showing me your site. I again…am not alone! This is the answer to prayers. Thank you so so much.

      Reply
      • Erika says

        October 8, 2019 at 5:50 pm

        Big hugs!

        Reply
    5. Heather Noel Bailey says

      December 6, 2022 at 3:35 pm

      I have a 5 year old who was finally diagnosed with high symptom autism 4 months ago. And then 1 month ago, my just now 3 year old was diagnosed with the same except he barely speaks so he’s also non verbal. This post has brought tears to my eyes because even though they just were diagnosed I have been struggling for years. I lost anyone I called a friend. People don’t understand and I wish they would. I am a full time student in college going for my master’s so I can improve their lives to the best of my ability. No one understands the strength it takes to be able to raise 4 kids (2 are neurotypical). No one understands that everyday I struggle, but I do the best I can. Hearing the words ‘you are an amazing mother’ brings my mind relief. But more often I hear ‘keep your bratty kids at home’ I want to change the world because these comments hurt me to my core. Thank you for writing this amazing post.

      Reply

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