Embracing the Chaos: A Mom’s Take on Life with Autism

Oh, chaos, my old friend! There are days I swear I’m living in a sitcom, and sometimes those days turn into weeks that feel like never-ending episodes of “What Could Possibly Go Wrong?” Like this week, for example. It’s only Wednesday, and I’m already praying for a reset button!

Let’s rewind a bit. We kicked off the weekend with my daughter’s birthday on Saturday. Think balloons, cake, and enough sugar to power a rocket. Then came Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, which I was graciously (read: crazily) hosting. Cue the all-day cooking extravaganza! Just when I thought I could relax, my poor dog decided to turn our living room into a biohazard zone with explosive diarrhea. For the past three days, I’ve been balancing work with caring for my poor pup, all while managing my son’s behaviours as we navigate the challenges of his new seizure medication. It’s been a whirlwind of cleaning, caregiving, and trying to stay sane through it all! 



As if that weren’t enough, throw in the joys of puberty (yay, pre-teen and teen!) and a memorable moment at the pool where my 14-year-old autistic son stripped down faster than I could say “swimming lesson.” I don’t know who was more shocked: me or the innocent bystanders who got an unexpected show! Let’s just say my son was all about that “first one ready” life.

And here we are, still in the middle of the week, with a full moon adding extra spice to the mix.



Honestly, I’ve come to the conclusion that I either live for chaos or it finds me like a moth to a flame. It’s like the universe says, “You look a little bored, let me sprinkle some excitement on your day!” And while I absolutely love the surprises life throws my way, sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming.

You’d think I’d take this as a sign to step back and recharge. But let’s be real—sometimes taking a break isn’t in the cards. Sure, I might steal a quiet moment walk in nature or sneak in a nap, but on those chaotic days, I just want to throw my hands up and shout, “I QUIT!” Trust me, I have my fair share of tears from feeling overwhelmed, and you know what? That’s totally OK.

It’s unrealistic to think life is always rainbows and sunshine, especially when you throw autism and all its delightful quirks into the mix. It can be tough to see the silver linings amid the chaos, but here’s the kicker: there are always little wins to celebrate.

As parents—whether you have a child with special needs or not—chaos is a given. There will always be a fire to put out or an unexpected curveball waiting to knock you off your feet. So why not laugh at the madness? And if you need to cry first, go for it! I’m a huge fan of the “laugh-‘til-you-cry” moment, where everything is so absurd, you just have to roll with it.

And yes, I can now chuckle at my son’s naked escapade, maybe even feel a bit sorry for the unsuspecting folks who witnessed it. But let me tell you, the sheer joy on his face was priceless! In his mind, he was just super excited about being ready for the pool before anyone else, and that, my friends, is a win in itself—not the nudity but his pride in his independence.



So there you have it—a sneak peek into my life as a mom of two incredible boys on the autism spectrum and a feisty daughter who could probably out-sass a firecracker. This chaos isn’t just my personal circus; it’s a universal experience! If you’re ever feeling like you’re in over your head, just know you’re definitely not alone. We’re all out here juggling tantrums, parties, and unexpected nudity like pros. So grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), embrace the madness, and remember to laugh at the wild ride.