A Day in Our Life: Autism Mom Edition
Ever wonder what a real day looks like for an autism mom? It’s not picture-perfect — it’s a mix of routines, playtime, meltdowns, laughter, and coffee. ☕💙
In this post, I’m sharing a glimpse into our world — the calm moments, the chaos, and the small victories that make it all worth it.
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🌅 Mornings: Controlled Chaos (Kind Of)
Our day usually starts between 8-9. J (my neurodivergent 4-year-old) thrives on predictability , so we try to keep mornings structured — same order, same expectations. I have had both the boys on a schedule since they were born - I’m a little bit excessive with some things, okay maybe it’s more psychotic - but it has worked for us.
Breakfast? Well… let’s just say “variety” isn’t our strong suit. J’s comfort zone right now is Pringles and pretzels. If I can get him to eat something else, it’s a small miracle. R (my neurotypical 2-year-old) is becoming fairly particular about what he eats, as long as he eats something that isn’t a snack first - I’m usually happy.
By the time both boys are up and moving, I have already started my workday. I work full time and it’s a hybrid schedule- so I am working from home 3 days a week, and in the office 2 days a week. It’s a great balance. The days I am home, I am juggling my professional workload, and still being “Mama” which can be tricky and very overwhelming but - I am very fortunate to be able to have my Mom able to help watch the boys. She is my full-time babysitter, and we are so grateful for that!
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☀️ Midday: Snacks, School, and Surviving
I usually just let the boys free play. J does best when we stick to familiar things — Play-Doh, his favorite shows, or driving his toy trains/toy cars around. R usually joins in… or steals the toys.
Lunch isn’t really a thing in our house. J’s diet is very limited so he is usually eating snacks of some sort. I’m all about picking my battles. If R wants yogurt for lunch, guess that’s what he is having! Same with J - if he wants his third cup of Pringles, that’s what we do!
J will go to school in the afternoons Monday thru Thursday and then R will take a nap. At that point, my Mom will go home, and I will get a little bit of peace of quiet during work. Sometimes I don’t even know what to do with myself when it’s quiet!
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🌇 Evenings: Finding Calm (or Trying To)
Evenings are unpredictable — sometimes calm, sometimes it’s pure chaos and my husband and I are asking each other, “is it bedtime yet?!”
Dinner is hit or miss depending on moods. Sometimes I will pick up one of the very few things I know the boys will eat - trust me, it’s not much - and sometimes (most nights) it’s “whatever they’ll eat” night — and that’s okay.
After baths and pajamas, we wind down with stories and cuddles. It doesn’t always go smoothly, but we end the day together — and that matters most.
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🌙 The Real Calm in the Chaos
When the house finally gets quiet, I look around — the snack crumbs, the toys, the signs of a full, loud day — and I remind myself that it’s all part of our story.
Our days might not look like anyone else’s, but they’re ours. There’s love in every little moment — even the messy ones. 💙
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🌸 Mom Takeaway: Finding Calm in Your Chaos
Some days feel like survival mode. Some days feel like you barely got through lunch without a meltdown. And some days? They feel like small victories — a hug, a laugh, or a quiet moment when everyone’s finally calm.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
💕It’s okay if meals aren’t perfect. Pringles, pretzels, or pasta at Grandma’s — it’s still love on the plate.
💕Small routines matter more than perfection. Even a visual schedule, a familiar snack, or a favorite toy can make a big difference.
💕Mom wins aren’t always obvious. Sometimes just getting through the day with everyone (and yourself) intact is enough.
💕You’re not alone. Every autism mom has her own version of chaos, and it’s okay to share it, laugh about it, and feel proud anyway.
So, if your day feels messy, loud, or unpredictable, remember: there’s calm in the chaos — and there’s beauty too. 💙
💙I’d love to hear from you!
What does a typical day look like in your world? Drop a comment below or share one “mom win” from your week — big or small, they all count.
