Instagram story viewer> @autismsupermoms> Posts

Autism Supermoms • Anne G. Bragg

@autismsupermoms

125.3K

followers

15306

following

🩵 Supporting autism caregivers
Neurodiversity-affirming parent & educator
Helping you feel less alone & supported
📩 Writing• Speaking • Partnerships

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Download All

I used to sit in my car for some respite.
Actually, I still do.

I used to sit in my car for some respite. Actually, I still do from time to time. I’ve even sat and found somewhere quiet, gone for a walk, and have even completed a podcast interview or two while parked in my car.

Sometimes home doesn’t feel like you dreamed it to be. It very much can feel like non-stop work, and it has felt like non-stop chaos at times. I joke that my home is my office, in more ways than one, I guess. 😂 My car is like my means to a bit of an escape from that; my own sanctuary, in a way.

Years ago, I used to think that was sad. I guess I felt really lonely at times back then. Sometimes I would look around and see other adults sitting parked in their cars alone to have a drink or snack in peace, too.

I would wonder if they had similar lives to me. I would wonder if any of them were like me, and if they were lonely too. I would wonder if any of them were also autism parents and would understand my life. Having my tea or coffee in peace whilst still hot is my favourite thing to do! 😂

But the difference now is that I am alone without ever really feeling lonely these days. This is why I think many of us need our online connections too. Community and connection always help with this, I find. I hope this space helps you feel less lonely and isolated too.

Can you relate? 🩵 @autismsupermoms

#Respite
#AutismMom
#Car
#Coffee
#CarSanctuary by @autismsupermoms

3

4

15 days ago

AUTISM IS NOT A
BEHAVIOURAL DISORDER.

Hello,

Whenever I hear someone boldly claim that “autism is a behavioural diagnosis,” the hair on the back of my neck stands up.

It completely lacks context and, honestly, reduces autistic people to a set of compliance metrics.
We are all working hard to move beyond stigma and judgment and to see the person beyond their behaviour.

Behaviour can be an important part of understanding an autistic person, but it is not the entirety of autism.
So when autism is described inaccurately or without context, it does a great disservice to our efforts to better understand and support neurodivergent people.

Let’s change the narrative and advocate for true understanding.
What are your thoughts on this?
Please share. 👇🏼🩵 @autismsupermoms

#AutismAwareness
#AutismAcceptance
#Neurodiversity
#AutismAdvocacy
#AutismEducation by @autismsupermoms

3

4

6 days ago

Autism Mom Salute

Hello,

🫡🩵 When I spot another autism caregiver in public…
that quiet moment of,
“I see you.”

No explanations are needed.
Just a look that says,
you’re doing more than people realize.

Welcome to every new follower. You belong here.

👇🏼 Have you had this moment too?
@autismsupermoms

Follow @autismsupermoms for emotional support, education, advocacy & community.
•
•
•
•
•
#AutismSupermoms
#AutismMom
#AutismSupport
#CaregiverLife
#AutismParenting by @autismsupermoms

3

15

3 months ago

Just a Friendly Reminder:
It’s you. It’s the paperwork.

Families shouldn’t need a second job managing paperwork, endless emails and phone calls just to access the support their child needs. 🩵 @autismsupermoms

Please share if you agree.

#Autism
#DisabilityAdvocacy
#SpecialNeedsParenting
#CaregiverSupport
#AutismAcceptance by @autismsupermoms

3

2

2 days ago

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving! 🇨🇦

After 29 years of motherhood, almost 23 years of autism caregiving, and approximately 10 years of public advocacy, I am so excited to have the opportunity to travel for fun again. This is what I am grateful for today. To be honest, I feel quite emotional about it.

As a woman who has spent most of her adult life caring for others and is now finding her way back to herself, I am grateful for all of it.

I think it’s okay to want more, to want to do things for yourself, to push for more time for yourself in whatever way works for you and your loved ones; and yes, you may have to move mountains to find time for yourself, but you matter too. Never forget that’s the truth! 💞@autismsupermoms

P.S. Just like me, you may have to move mountains to find time for yourself. But even if that time is just a quiet cup of coffee today (like me, sitting peacefully in my parked car!), I hope you can find a little moment that is just for you.

#CaregiverWellness
#AutismAdvocate
#MotherhoodJourney
#GratefulHeart
#CanadianThanksgiving by @autismsupermoms

3

0

2 days ago

AUTISM AROUND THE GLOBE: JAPAN 🇯🇵

Did you know Japan has introduced a range of initiatives to help make everyday environments more accessible for neurodivergent people and their families?

From sensory guides, earmuffs, sunglasses,
fidgets, and “cool-down” spaces at certain attractions to its distinctive red Help Mark, Japan offers some interesting examples of inclusion in practice.

❤️ The Help Mark features a wearable white cross and heart. It signals that someone may need assistance because of a disability or a health condition that isn’t immediately visible. This can be incredibly helpful for some autistic people who might need a seat or extra consideration in busy public spaces.

Cultural differences can also shape how autistic people experience everyday life. Some Japanese social conventions, such as less emphasis on sustained eye contact and fewer expectations of physical greetings like hugs, may feel much more comfortable for some autistic people.

Quieter public transport and predictable routines can also be welcome, although experiences do vary from person to person.
It’s a reminder that inclusion means recognizing different communication styles, respecting personal space and making room for individual needs.

Of course, not every part of Japan is equally accessible or sensory-friendly yet, but these initiatives are worth recognizing because inclusion isn’t just about awareness.
It’s about making practical changes that help people participate in our world. 🌍 @autismsupermoms

❓QUESTION:

What accessibility measures would you love to see more widely available where you live?
🩵 @autismsupermoms

#AutismAroundTheGlobe
#AutismAcceptance
#Neurodiversity
#InvisibleDisability
#Japan
PS. Photo credit is as shown.
Shared for awareness purposes only. by @autismsupermoms

3

6

3 days ago

Just a Friendly Reminder:
It’s not you. It’s the lack of respite.

You cannot pour from an empty cup when nobody ever gives you a chance to refill it.

You don’t need to try harder. You need support, time to rest, and meaningful respite.
Caregiver burnout isn’t a personal failure. 💜 @autismsupermoms

Join us! 🔗 Learn in bio.

#AutismSupermoms
#CaregiverBurnout
#RespiteMatters
#AutismParenting
#CaregiverSupport by @autismsupermoms

3

2

4 days ago

Happy Saturday,

Today is World Mental Health Day. 💜

Sending love, support and positive thoughts to everyone affected. This touches and affects so many of us.

May we one day see a world that is more compassionate, empathetic and accepting. One where those who hold influence and power, including media outlets, remember that compassion changes lives and saves lives.

Just a friendly reminder:
seeking support is never a sign of weakness. In my humble opinion, it is quite the opposite. 💜 @autismsupermoms

PS As moms, we often put our own well-being last, but our mental health matters just as much.

#WorldMentalHealthDay
#MentalHealthMatters
#AutismMom
#MotherhoodUnplugged
#SelfCareForMoms by @autismsupermoms

3

0

4 days ago

Hello,

Please repeat after me…
Waiting is NOT a support plan.

The needs don’t disappear while families wait. @autismsupermoms

* Waiting for assessments
* Waiting for funding.
* Waiting for services.
* Waiting for respite.

Meanwhile, children grow, needs change, and families continue doing the best they can with the support available *c them.

Waiting is not a support plan!

Families deserve timely access to appropriate support,
and systems must be held accountable
where delays and gaps could be addressed.

Thank you for listening.
🔗 Learn more in bio.
🩵 @autismsupermoms

#WaitingIsNotASupportPlan
#AutismCanada
#AutismAdvocacy
#AutismMom
#Neurodiversity by @autismsupermoms

3

0

4 days ago

Just a Friendly Reminder:
It’s Not You. It’s the System. 🩵 @autismsupermoms

You weren’t meant to navigate an entire maze of services just to get your child the support they need.

You shouldn’t have to fight so hard to get your child the support they need.

The problem isn’t you. It’s a system that makes families work too hard for help.

P.S. Not every challenge is the system’s fault. But where gaps, delays and barriers prevent families from accessing support, accountability matters.
Advocacy means asking for better. 💛

#AutismSupport
#AutismParenting
#CaregiverAdvocacy
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismSupermoms by @autismsupermoms

3

0

5 days ago

Observing Behaviour: What Lies Beneath the Surface?

We can see what someone does. We cannot always see what they are experiencing.

Behaviour is complex, and it does not exist in a vacuum. Communication, sensory experiences, pain, fatigue, environmental demands and many other factors can influence how an autistic person responds to the world around them.

Not every behaviour has an obvious explanation, and we should be careful not to assume that we know what someone is communicating or experiencing.

Instead of immediately asking, “How do we stop this behaviour?”, perhaps we should also ask, “What might be contributing to it? What could this person be experiencing? Is there something we need to understand or change?”

This isn’t about dismissing safety concerns or suggesting that every behaviour has the same meaning. It’s about approaching autistic people with curiosity, dignity and a willingness to consider the bigger picture.

Understanding begins when we look beyond what we can see. 🩵 @autismsupermoms

PS. Join us!
🔗 Learn more in bio.

#AutismAcceptance
#AutismAwareness
#Neurodiversity
#AutismAdvocacy
#AutismSupermoms by @autismsupermoms

3

0

6 days ago