Season 3 Spotlight Embracing Your Power: A Strength-Based Assessment for Moms of Autistics

Welcome moms! I'm passionate about supporting fellow moms in becoming their best selves. As I wrap up the final lesson for the upcoming Thrive course—focused on using our strengths to navigate the unique challenges of raising an autistic child—I'm reminded of the power inherent in our strengths.

I truly believe that our strengths hold the key to problem-solving. In this episode, we’ll delve into how we can elevate and harness these strengths to thrive and tackle the challenges we encounter on this journey.

Find the full transcript for this episode on your favorite podcast app. 

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Do All Autism Moms Have Strengths? Do All Strengths Have the Same Outcome?

Yes, all individuals are born with strengths even though some do not believe they have them. These are talents we are born with. We can grow our abilities over time when we are aware of them. How cool is that?

In fact, you want to grow them because strengths are the greatest resources you have. And they are free! 

As moms of autistics, we experience a lot of challenges. This is when you want to use those strengths and why it is so important to identify and strengthen them. 

Strengths serve as the foundation for building skills, gaining experience, and navigating challenges to grow as a mom. 

All strengths have the same outcome in terms of helping you through a struggle. Here are some examples of strengths, but first, remember that one person might have different strengths than another person. So we don’t all have the same exact ones. 

Curiosity is a desire to learn and explore new ideas or ways of doing things.

Optimism is seeing the bright side of things and expecting positive outcomes. 

Adaptability is adjusting to change with comfort and ease. 

Empathy is an ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is imagining what it might be like to be in their shoes and respecting their experiences.

How Can Moms Identify Their Strengths and Gain Powerful Resources?

In my course, I use evidenced based tools to help you learn more about your innate strengths. Let’s get you started today with some powerful questions to guide you in learning your strengths.

You can write these down or check out the transcript for this episode if you missed any of the questions. 

What activities make you feel most energized and fulfilled?

When faced with a challenge, what qualities do you rely on?

What compliments do you often receive from family and friends?

In what areas do others come to you for help or advice?

Can you recall a moment when you overcame an obstacle successfully? 

What skills or traits did you use?

What are some things you do effortlessly that others find challenging?

How do you handle stress, and what does that reveal about your capabilities?

What past achievements are you most proud of, and what strengths contributed to those successes?

What hobbies or tasks do you naturally excel in and enjoy?

How do you inspire and motivate your children?

One of my strengths is empowering others to be their best and cheering them on while giving them tools and resources. Everytime we explore this in an episode, I feel so much excitement. That is a sign that you are using one of your strengths. When it lights you up!

What’s Next O