If you are a parent with a child with autism and special needs, you totally get this. Each day can be completely different. You never know when the next meltdown or challenging situation will come up. You can anticipate all you want, but your child might have something that triggers a sensitivity, an emotion that shuts them down, something that makes them physically react. It can be challenging to try to handle a situation that might come out of nowhere. 

It's like being on a rollercoaster every day. Some days are a smoother ride than others, but other days, the ride is pretty intense. You may be pulled right or left, or have an incredibly big dip or multiple loop-de-loops. As much as you might be able to predict them, you never know when your roller coaster might go from a smooth ride to a treacherous one. 

Not only are you in need to take care of your child, to help, support and figure out a solution to work through the challenge, but you also have to deal with your own emotions. It can be incredibly exhausting and overwhelming emotionally, mentally and even physically. 

How do you help your child and yourself off of the rollercoaster? How do you make sure this dip, however big or small, doesn't affect the rest of your day? 

I have let meltdowns and these challenging rollercoaster rides affect my entire day, the rest of my day. It has taken over me and I have gone into a dark place. How do you prevent that? Figuring out your personal toolbox and what you can do to work through these emotions and your own dynamics becomes really important. Being aware and intentional in this is so critical to stay positive. 

I hope this episode helps you and at least helps you know you are not alone. 

Follow me @susanfink.rise and DM me. I'd love to hear if this helps you, if you can relate and what you do to get off the rollercoaster, or at least make it a less bumpy ride. 

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