If you ever want to practice flexibility, patience, and improv comedy all at once—parent an autistic five-year-old.
Every morning in our house feels a little like opening a mystery box. Who will she be today? Cheerful and chatty? Deeply philosophical before 8 a.m.? Emotionally devastated by the wrong spoon? Truly, no one knows. Not even her.
And honestly? That’s kind of the adventure.
The Mood Roulette
Some days she wakes up singing, asking thoughtful questions about life, space, or how feelings work. Other days she wakes up ready to negotiate every single step of the morning routine like a tiny lawyer who’s had too much coffee.
I’ve learned not to take it personally. Her nervous system is doing its thing, and I’m just along for the ride—coffee in hand, trying to keep it light.
The Picky Eater Olympics
Meal planning sounds adorable until you live with a child who may or may not eat the exact food she requested yesterday.
Will she eat the dinner I lovingly prepared?
✔️ Possibly
✔️ Possibly not
✔️ Possibly declare it “wrong” without explanation
Sometimes she survives on three safe foods and vibes. And that’s okay. We aim for nourishment, not perfection—and sometimes nourishment looks like a familiar snack and a win for everyone’s sanity.
Conversations That Go Deep—Fast
At five years old, her conversations often catch me completely off guard.
She asks questions that feel far beyond her years. Big thoughts. Big feelings. Long, detailed explanations that loop back around just when I think we’re done. Our talks can go from unicorns to emotions to why people feel sad sometimes… all before breakfast.
It’s exhausting and beautiful all at once.
The Clothing Wild Card
Every school morning includes a fashion gamble.
The outfit I send her in? There’s a strong chance it will not be the outfit she stays in all day.
Tags are suspicious. Fabrics might itch. Waistbands might feel “wrong.” Sleeves might suddenly be unacceptable. We keep backup clothes handy and remind ourselves that comfort comes first—even if that means yesterday’s favorite shirt again.
Going With the Flow (Because Resistance Is Futile)
Life with an autistic child has taught me one powerful lesson: the more I try to control everything, the harder the day becomes.
So we go with the flow.
We adjust expectations.
We choose our battles.
We keep her content where we can.
We support her growth where it matters.
And we laugh—often—because humor saves us.
Some days are long. Some days are loud. Some days are messy and unpredictable.
But some days are also incredibly funny.
And at the end of the day, if she feels safe, loved, and understood—and we’ve managed to smile through it—then I call that a good day.
Because life doesn’t have to be taken so seriously all the time.
Sometimes, you just ride the wave… and laugh when the outfit changes for the third time. 💛
Enjoy your day,
Julie