Episode 176: The Fear of What’s Next

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a personal update as my son turns 18 and we navigate the realities of conservatorship, independence, and what the future holds. It’s bittersweet, and it has me reflecting on the very real fears autism parents carry about what comes next for our children.

To support you in this, I’m replaying an earlier episode on anticipatory anxiety—the fear of what might happen in the future, and how it drains us without preparing us. You’ll hear a client story, practical tools for calming your nervous system, and why staying grounded matters more than trying to control the uncontrollable.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why anticipatory anxiety is so common for autism parents
• How fear of the future shows up in your body and your energy
• A real-life example of a mom preparing for her child’s blood work
• Practical tools for calming your nervous system before stressful events
• Why accepting “hard” as part of the journey can actually bring relief

If you’ve ever caught yourself bracing, white-knuckling, or walking on eggshells about what’s ahead—this episode is for you.