Today’s reset is simple: find one thing that is a treat JUST for you. Not for your child. Not for the house. Not something you need to get done. Something you choose simply because you would enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be expensive or take hours. ☕ Swing by your local coffee shop and order something you love. 📺 Find a TV show or movie you’ve been wanting to see. Even if you can’t watch it today, add it to your list and make a plan to watch it. 🧴 Pick up a face mask or another little self-care treat from Sephora, CVS or wherever you happen to be. 📚 Buy or download a book you’ve wanted to read. 🍰 Get the dessert. 🌸 Pick up flowers for yourself. When you’re caring for someone else, it can become very easy for every purchase, plan and free minute to revolve around another person. Today, I want you to choose one thing that is yours. Your Sunday Parent Reset challenge: What is your personal reward today? Share it below — and yes, small treats absolutely count.

We’re getting closer to the first day of school, and this week is all about helping your child’s school team get ready, too. Rather than waiting until the first day to explain what works, start gathering the most important information now — how your child communicates, what helps with transitions, bathroom or hygiene needs, sensory considerations, calming strategies and the supports that help them be successful. For many children with autism or other developmental disabilities, a prepared school team can make those first few weeks feel much more predictable and supported. This week’s checklist will help you decide what your child’s team needs to know, what information to share and what questions to ask before school begins. Remember: You don’t need to tell them everything. Focus on the information that will help your child feel understood, supported and ready to learn. For the full breakdown and printable guide, go into your classroom!

Good morning! Today, I want to challenge you to do something that can be surprisingly difficult: Give your child the opportunity to surprise you. As parents and caregivers, we often step in because we've done it hundreds—sometimes thousands—of times before. We know what's coming. We want to prevent frustration, avoid a mess, or simply keep the day moving. But sometimes, by helping too quickly, we accidentally take away a chance for learning. Today, pick one everyday task and pause before you help. Maybe it's: - Waiting to see if they can turn on the faucet. - Letting them pull up their own pants. - Giving them time to reach for the shampoo. - Seeing if they remember the next step on their visual schedule. - Waiting for them to answer before speaking for them. If they need help after a few moments, that's okay. Offer just enough support for them to be successful. Independence isn't built by never needing help. It's built by having opportunities to try. Today's goal isn't perfection—it's creating one opportunity for your child to practice. 🌱 Today's Affirmation I can step back without stepping away. Every opportunity to try helps my child build confidence and independence. ✅ Today's Action Choose one task today where you'll intentionally pause for five seconds before helping. At the end of the day, ask yourself: "Did my child do anything today that I almost didn't give them the chance to do?" You may be surprised by what they can accomplish when they're simply given the time to try.

When families ask me what they're most worried about after toileting and showering, one topic comes up over and over again: "What happens when my daughter starts her period?" For many girls with autism, intellectual disabilities, or sensory processing differences, menstruation isn't just about learning a new hygiene routine. It can bring anxiety around new sensations, unfamiliar products, changes in routine, and communication challenges. The reality is that there still aren't enough practical, adaptive supports designed specifically for these girls and their families. That's a gap we're committed to helping close. One of the projects we've been quietly working on is a new line of sensory-friendly reusable period training pads. The goal isn't just menstrual care—it's giving girls a chance to practice before their first period so wearing a pad isn't a completely new experience on an already overwhelming day. It's one small piece of a much bigger conversation. Over the coming weeks, we'll also be sharing: - Practical strategies for preparing girls for puberty - Visual supports for menstrual hygiene - Teaching routines step by step - Sensory-friendly product ideas - Real-life experiences from parents and caregivers I'd love to hear from this community. 👉 What has been your biggest challenge when preparing your daughter for puberty or her first period? Or, if you haven't reached that stage yet… 👉 What questions or worries are already on your mind? Let's build resources that families actually need—not just the ones that already exist. 💜

When you're caring for a child who needs extra support, taking time for yourself isn't always as simple as saying, “I need a break.” Sometimes the harder question is: Who can I trust to step in? For many families, finding a babysitter or respite caregiver can feel overwhelming. Your child may communicate differently, need help with personal care, have specific routines, or simply need more time to become comfortable with someone new. That can make it tempting to decide it's easier to just do everything yourself. But you deserve to have people in your child's life who you can call on — and those relationships don't have to be built overnight. Start before you need the help. Instead of waiting until you desperately need a night out, an appointment, or a few hours to yourself, begin building that relationship in small steps. Invite someone you trust to spend time with you and your child. Let them observe your routines. Show them how your child communicates, what helps when they're overwhelmed, what they enjoy, and the little things you've learned that make your days run more smoothly. Then gradually step away. Maybe the first time you stay in the house. The next time, you run a 20-minute errand. Eventually, you may reach the point where you can leave for a few hours knowing that your child is with someone who genuinely knows them. And remember: asking for help is a skill, too. You don't have to wait until you're exhausted to say: “Could you stay with them for an hour while I get a few things done?” “Would you be willing to learn their routine so I have someone I can call when I need help?” “Could we start having you spend some regular time together so they can get comfortable with you?” This Week's Sunday Challenge: Think about one person who could become part of your support circle. - Who does your child already know or seem comfortable around? - Is there someone you'd like to teach more about your child's routines? - What's one small opportunity you could create for them to spend time together? - What's one thing you would do for yourself if you had two hours of reliable help?