It's the beginning of the year, you're hearing much talk of goals and new year resolutions and maybe you feel a bit defeated and alone. As a family affected by autism, you may deal with a lot of situations that you feel others simply cannot relate to.

What can you do? Are there goals you can still set for your family? How can you find support?

The Solution: 

With so much talk of goals, it is important to first reflect on what stepping stones you have ALREADY been able to reach. Make a point to celebrate the small victories with your child. Then, remember to pick goals that are both reasonable and measurable. it may be beneficial to utilize resources available in your community or to connect with others that are in a similar place to brainstorm ideas. For example, speaking to a professional or attending a parent support group can unlock a wealth of information! If your child attends ABA, speak with their therapist to fine-tune goals for the new year. Once you've chosen some goals, keep your child involved by creating a visual and/or interactive representation of progress.