Chapter 1: Life Changes and Personal Growth

As an autistic adult, I find myself reflecting on my past and present while navigating the complexities of reparenting and healing from childhood trauma. Recently, my family and I have been in the midst of packing up our apartment for a move. Although we’re staying within the same neighborhood, we’re transitioning to a house, marking a significant shift in our lives.

This past month has been quite hectic as we prepare for this change. I’ve never managed an entire house on my own before! Many of my social media followers know that I spent the first 16 years of my life living with abusive, divorced parents and a stepparent. I left home at 16 while pregnant, seeking refuge with relatives. Later, I lived independently during college as a single mother before moving in with my now-husband's family for six years while we worked to establish ourselves.

In 2022, my family of five experienced living in a secure apartment for the first time. This year has been filled with new experiences—many of which are considered standard but were privileges I had never known.

Despite my gratitude for these opportunities, I carry the weight of C-PTSD from my upbringing. I spent years in isolation, first sleeping on a mattress in a cellar, then confined to a small bedroom. My childhood was marked by the abuses of my grandparents, parents, and stepparent. While it’s true many children face hardships, and I am thankful for what I had, it doesn't negate the trauma I experienced.

I continue to share my story through blogging and content creation, providing validation and support for those who resonate with my experiences. Many of us maintain no contact with our abusive families and grapple with chronic health issues, late diagnoses of neurodivergence, and emotional challenges.

As I prepare for this new chapter in my life, I reflect on the significance of this move. It’s the first time I’m transitioning to a new space without discarding most of my belongings. We live minimally, having only what we brought with us a year ago.

Throughout this journey, I’ve been focusing on what’s truly important in life and how to reparent myself while teaching my children. Growing up, I lacked basic life skills—cleaning, budgeting, and understanding healthy eating. My mother’s obsessive tendencies and paranoia over her stash of drugs and alcohol limited my freedom and learning.

I’ve come to recognize that my struggles stem not only from trauma but also from my identity as an autistic individual with ADHD and anxiety. For the past 15 years, I have been reconstructing my identity after leaving my childhood home. The isolation I experienced this past year has provided me with the strength to heal and empower myself.

As I step into this new home, I plan to focus on various aspects of life, including:

• Home organization and time management basics
• Establishing daily routines
• Self-care practices for wellness
• Creating accommodations for a neurodivergent household
• Emotional regulation and anger management
• Mindful reparenting while parenting
• Homeschooling my teenager
• Ensuring safety and security to manage anxiety and CPTSD
• Finally obtaining my driver’s permit

This transition is both exhilarating and daunting, as it signifies a move from mere survival to stability. I’m eager to document this journey, whether as a personal record or as support for those who relate to my experiences.

Reflecting on My Past | Turning Negative Thoughts Into Positive Mindset - This video discusses the importance of transforming past negative experiences into a positive outlook for the future.

Reflecting Right: How to Use the Past to Redefine Your Future - This video explores strategies for leveraging past experiences to create a more fulfilling future.

Chapter 2: Embracing Change

As I navigate these changes, I remain committed to learning and growing, both for myself and for my family. The journey ahead is one of discovery and resilience, and I’m excited to share it with you all.