07/02/2025
The struggle to stand. What comes naturally to others requires intention. The same is true for launching young adults with ADHD and Autism.
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The struggle to stand—As a Parent and as a Person
After recent spinal surgery, I found myself in physical therapy facing a surprisingly difficult task: standing at a desk for 30 minutes while working on a puzzle. That’s it—just standing.
For years, I’ve stood at a desk in my home office to stay focused and productive. It’s part of how I do my best work. I never thought twice about it—my body simply adapted while my mind engaged with purpose.
But this time, I had to think about every moment. I shifted, sweated, and fought to stay upright. What once came automatically now demanded conscious effort and determination.
And that’s when it hit me:
This is exactly what life can feel like for a young adult with ADHD or Autism.
What looks “simple” from the outside—getting out of bed, planning a day, managing anxiety, following through—may feel like standing on a summit they’re not sure they can climb. What used to be guided for them now has to be practiced by them. The mental shift is real. The work is intense.
For parents, this also marks a turning point. Your role is changing—from trainer to guide. And just like I had to rediscover how to stand, your young adult must rediscover how to function—but this time, on their own terms. With your support, not your control. With your encouragement, not your step-by-step direction.
The journey back to strength requires empathy. The kind that remembers how hard it can be to do something that used to come easy.
Whether you’re standing for 30 minutes or stepping back to let your child take their next step—you’re doing courageous, sacred work.
One shift at a time. One conversation at a time. One launch at a time.
