An Autism Mom's New Year's Resolutions

Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions about losing weight or getting organized or making more money. Not me - I follow Casey and Rob's advice for what I want in the coming year. Autism has a way of showing you what's really important!

Casey wants to go to see Aunt Donna and Uncle Chuck in Minnesota. She wants to go back to the Tennessee Sock Store. She wants to go swimming, go to the zoo, go shopping with Julie and eat ice cream with Crimzen. She also wants to eat at Rooster's and buy coloring books and socks.

Rob wants to see a waterfall in Tennessee and sit in the hot tub at a cabin. He wants to go to Burger King with Bob and buy cards and construction paper. He wants to take a shower at Grandpa Mack's house and eat at Long John Silver. He wants to go to Lake Erie and Hobby Lobby.

I love the way they think. They aren't trying to change themselves to make anyone else happy. Autism doesn't define them - their personalities do. They are dreaming their own dreams and I'll do everything I can to make sure those dreams come true.

When we were in Tennessee last fall, I saw a sign that said, "Create a life you don't need a vacation from." And that hit me hard. That's what I've been doing since we got back - trying to change what I can to make my life easier and happier. Some are just small changes, but I feel myself being more relaxed and happy.

That's my biggest resolution for 2026 - a happier me. That makes happier Casey and Rob!

I realized that Casey and Rob don't care what we have for meals. They are as happy with tacos or fish sticks as they are with big meals. So, that's one thing I let go. Meals are simpler and autism-friendly (I always have a choice that Rob is ok eating.) I don't stress about meals anymore.

I am letting my body tell me what it needs. Some days, I'm just too tired. I have no energy. But, I feel guilty if I'm not marking things off my "to-do" list. No more of that. If I'm tired, I'm grabbing a book and blanket and taking it easy. Living with autism is exhausting, at times, both emotionally and from lack of sleep. Take a breather when your body tells you it needs it.

Unfortunately, this resolution is one I make every year - and it's always the first one to get broken. To ask for help when I need it. I just don't do that easily. The crazy thing is, if I need help with moving something or fixing something, I have no problem asking. But, if I need help with Casey and Rob..... I struggle.

I've gotten better, but it's still hard for me. I don't know why - part of me thinks people have told me I'm strong for so long that asking for help will make them realize I'm not always strong. Or it could be as simple as I'm stubborn. Who knows? But every year, I try harder. Maybe 2026 will be the year I finally do it!

Autism is hard. Why not make your resolution be one that makes your life easier? Sign up to have groceries delivered (yep, I do that!) or hire someone to do the odd jobs around the house that are piling up. Resolve to make 5 minutes a day your time (of course, grab more if you can!) and just breathe. I've said it hundreds of times - if you burn out, you can't take care of your child. Take care of you!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!