The Autism Community Is Hurting: Why We Have to Talk About Family Mental Health

Hey, What's Up! It's Tommy.

On today’s episode of Spectrum in Camouflage, my wife Kaylee joins me and we talk about two sides of this life at the same time. The wins that are giving us real hope right now, and the heavy current events that have shaken the autism community.

We start with what’s been going well. Wyatt has been more regulated lately, we’ve seen encouraging “soft signs” of progress, and our home has felt calmer. We also talk about what’s helped, including chiropractic-based nervous system care at Maximum Potential, paying attention to screen time, and pushing ourselves to get outside even when winter in Ohio is brutal.

Then we shift into the harder part. We talk about the real fear many autism parents carry, what happens when families feel isolated and unsupported, and why stories of caregiver despair and tragic outcomes should not be ignored or brushed aside. Kaylee shares the deep weight of “who will care for my child when I’m gone,” and we both talk about why community, support, and showing up for one another matters so much.

We also share what’s helped us stay grounded: staying in the moment, guarding the stories we tell ourselves, leaning on faith, and keeping our marriage strong. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we want you to hear this clearly, you are not alone.

Key Takeaways

• Small progress is still progress. The “soft signs” matter, like Wyatt signing more, shaking his head “no,” and negotiating in simple ways.
• Nervous system regulation is a real focus for our family. We share how scans and regular adjustments at Maximum Potential have been part of Wyatt’s routine.
• Screen time can change everything. Too much can push dysregulation, and a hard reset can lead to a calmer day.
• Winter affects mental health more than people admit. Getting outside, even for a short time, can break the cycle and help everyone.
• Date night doesn’t have to be fancy. A walk, yard work, or sitting together without interruptions still counts.
• Many autism families are carrying heavy fear and isolation. We need more awareness, more support, and more people willing to show up.
• Faith and mental strength matter. Peace, perspective, and staying present can keep you from spiraling into the future.
• Be relentless in love. If you want to support a special needs family, don’t wait for them to call, take the uncomfortable step and check in.

If this episode hit home for you, please share it with another parent, friend, church group, or anyone who needs hope and perspective. Sharing the show helps it reach the people who need it most. Visit spectrumincamouflage.com for more.

Email me anytime at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

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Together, we can create a community to support autistic kids and their families. If you have questions or ideas or want to share your journey, email me at tommy@spectrumincamouflage.com.

Let’s learn, grow, and make a difference, one step, one piece of the puzzle, one child at a time.