Three months into her sobriety journey, a mother faces one of her most profound challenges: learning to support her 11-year-old autistic son while rebuilding her own life. This heartfelt account reveals the intersection of recovery and neurodiverse parenting.
The Sober Awakening
"When the fog of alcohol lifted, I saw everything with painful clarity," she shares. "My son's needs, which I'd been numbing myself to, suddenly demanded my full attention. The coping mechanism I'd relied on was gone, and I had to learn parenting all over again - this time sober."
Understanding Neurodiversity in Recovery
Her son, diagnosed with autism, experiences the world differently. The sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and need for routine that characterize his experience require a level of patience and presence that sobriety both enables and demands.
The Daily Balancing Act
Each day presents new hurdles:
- Managing sensory overload while maintaining emotional stability
- Establishing routines that support both their needs
- Finding sober coping strategies for stressful parenting moments
- Building communication bridges without emotional crutches
Finding Support Systems
"I quickly realised I couldn't do this alone," she explains. "Connecting with other parents of neurodiverse children became crucial, as did maintaining my recovery network. The overlap between these support systems has been my saving grace."
Practical Strategies That Work
Through trial and error, she's discovered approaches that benefit them both:
- Visual schedules that provide structure and reduce anxiety
- Sensory-friendly spaces where both can decompress
- Open communication about emotions and needs
- Self-care rituals that don't involve substances
The Gift of Presence
"Sobriety has given me the greatest gift: being truly present for my son. I notice the subtle cues I used to miss, celebrate the small victories, and have the emotional capacity to meet him where he is."
While the journey remains challenging, she's discovering that parenting sober - even with its additional complexities - brings rewards she never anticipated. The connection they're building, free from the haze of alcohol, is becoming their strongest foundation.
