Who’s Checking in on You?

Back in my corporate days, I had regular check-ins with my manager. They weren’t about micromanaging—they were supportive touchpoints. How are you going? What do you need? Are you okay? Some managers were incredible. Others, not so much. But at least someone was checking in.

Then I became a mum—and all of that stopped.

When I made the choice to stay at home with my babies, the check-ins vanished. No one asked how I was coping. No one stopped to see if I was okay or needed support.

My husband was doing his best, working long hours, juggling the pressure on his shoulders. And while I love him dearly, there were moments I didn’t want to add my worries to his. And other times when I did share, he just… didn’t quite get it.

Fast forward a few years. I was now navigating life with big emotions—raising an autistic child and a neurotypical one.

And if I’m honest?

No one was checking in on me.
Not because they didn’t care—because I didn’t let them in.

I was ashamed.
I was filled with guilt.
I didn’t tell anyone about my son’s diagnosis. I kept it close, hidden under layers of fear and stigma. And yet, that was the time I needed support the most.

Do you remember those early newborn days?
The fog, the questions, the tears?
What do I do with this baby?
When will the crying stop?
Will I ever sleep again?

At least then, the maternal health nurse came. Your mum popped in. Friends dropped by. Cousins called. People checked in.

But when you receive an autism diagnosis for your child?

No one pops in.

No one checks in on your mindset.
Your grief.
Your exhaustion.
Your mental load at 2am.

I’m not writing this to make it all doom and gloom. I’m writing this so you see how critical it is to have someone check in on you. Weekly, fortnightly, monthly—whatever you can manage.

A space to lay it all down.
A space to breathe.
A space to speak the fears you haven’t even admitted to yourself yet.

Yes, we lean on other mums raising autistic children. We gravitate to those who “get it.” And while they mean well, they’re also deep in the trenches with you. They are crying, surviving, coping—just like you.

They will laugh with you, cry with you, hold your hand and cheer you on—but they are also doing their best just to make it through the day.

This is where coaching comes in.

Not as a luxury.
Not as a “nice to have.”
But as a lifeline.

Coaching gives you a space without judgement.
A space where you don’t have to carry it all alone.
A space to finally exhale.

If you need someone in your corner—someone just for you—I’m here. Send me an email at natalie@youareseen.com.au.

Because you don’t have to walk this road alone.
And sometimes, all we really need…
is for someone to ask:

“How are you doing?”

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Podcast Episode #39: Teenage Girls and Autism with Deirdre Diamante

In this week’s episode I spoke with Deirdre Diamante, the Mayor of Manningham Council and Mum to three children, one of which is autistic. Deirdre shares her lessons, her up’s and down’s and what she’d do differently if she had the chance. In our conversation we spoke about:

▶️ What strategies helped Deirdre’s daughter to stay in control at school and home?
▶️ How hormones and periods affect Deirdre’s daughter’s emotions and sensory needs?
▶️ How Deirdre’s daughter manages ‘girl talk’ and the unspoken social rules?
▶️ What has helped Deirdre’s daughter feel more connected when friendships are tough?
▶️ How has AFL (Australian Football League) supported Deirdre’s daughter’s confidence, regulation and identity?

To listen to the podcast episode, click here.

💻 If you’re needing some extra support whilst navigating the journey of autism, please book in your free call today.
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