Navigating Autism Together Through Social Emotional Learning
I want to tell you something that took me years to admit out loud.
Most of the meltdowns my kids had at family gatherings were not random. They weren’t “behavior.” They weren’t disrespect. They were a nervous system screaming, “I can’t handle this anymore.”
Our first Friends-Giving was a disaster.
We hosted. We thought we were “ready enough.”
We were not.
Within an hour, Adrián was hiding in his room with tears in his eyes, Guille had not been born yet, and Luis and I were exchanging those silent parent glances that say, Abort mission. This is not working.
I’ll never forget the day I truly understood what a meltdown felt like for Adrián.
We were at the grocery store, just a quick trip to grab dinner ingredients. Within minutes, my then-three-year-old son was on the floor, hands over his ears, tears streaming down his face. People stared. Someone whispered “tantrum.” An older woman shook her head disapprovingly.
Last month, my friend Zara texted me a photo that stopped me in my tracks.
It was her nine-year-old autistic daughter, Maria, clutching one of our books to her chest with tears streaming down her face. Before I could panic, Zara’s next message came through:
“She just finished reading Autism: Calming the Chaos and noticed Adrián stims like she does. She looked up at me and said, ‘Mama, he’s like me. I’m not the only one.'”
You know that feeling when you walk into a crowded mall during the holidays? The fluorescent lights buzzing overhead, a cacophony of voices bouncing off the walls, the overwhelming smell of cinnamon pretzels mixing with department store perfume?
Now imagine feeling that way in a regular grocery store. Or your own kitchen. Or sitting in a classroom.
I want to start with a moment I don’t usually talk about.
A few years ago, I was sitting on the floor of my son’s bedroom, surrounded by books that were supposed to “help” him, the kind with perfectly behaved cartoon kids and neat, tidy resolutions. You know the type: the stories that feel nothing like real life.
As I watch my son Adrián navigate daily conversations, I’m often transported back to my own childhood. The confused expressions, the moments of pause when someone says something that doesn’t quite make sense, the way he process language so carefully and thoroughly it all feels so familiar because I lived it too. Being an autistic […]
The start of the school year is an exciting time for everyone: new beginnings, brand new materials and endless new learning opportunities full of excitement. At the same time, for some children it can also be a period of anxiety, uncertainty, insecurity and confusion. I am a teacher and have been able to accompany, guide […]
Sensory-Friendly Airplane Toys & Creative Activities for my 5 year old Guillermo. Hello friends! It’s Dalisse here, and this time we’re gearing up for a big adventure: our whole family—Luis, me, and both kids—are flying overseas for a family trip! A 15-hour flight with all four of us means double the excitement, double the snacks, […]
Traveling as a family is a beautiful way to create memories, explore new places, and experience the world together. But when you have an autistic child, the idea of travel can feel overwhelming. Sensory challenges, routine changes, and crowded spaces can all add an extra layer of planning and preparation. As travel enthusiasts and parents […]
