Why Meeting Everyone’s Needs Matters Most

"My goal wasn’t to fix the child—it was to build the bond.”

That powerful quote from Susan, an autistic retired occupational therapist, cuts to the heart of this week’s conversation. But connection isn’t just about emotional bonding—it’s also about balance. And balance means that everyone’s needs in the relationship matter.

In this week’s video, we dive into something so many parents, especially those raising autistic children, quietly struggle with: how do you stay compassionate without losing yourself in the process?

I (Staci) open up about my own journey as a parent—how I tend to give and give until I’m drained, and how that lack of balance throws off the whole household. When I’m not grounded, my kids feel it. My boundaries get inconsistent, their confusion grows, and suddenly no one feels safe or settled.

Susan reflects on her childhood—on what it felt like to have parents who were either emotionally distant or overwhelmed themselves—and how that shaped her ability to self-regulate and connect. Her story is a powerful reminder that when adults around a child are out of balance, the child doesn’t just sense it… they carry it.

Together, we explore:

• Why parent-child connection is essential but not enough without balance

• How giving too much can lead to resentment and dysregulation—for both sides

• Simple shifts that help parents meet their own needs while supporting their child

• How therapists can empower both parents and children, not just “treat behaviors”

  
  

🧠💛 Whether you're a parent, professional, or just someone trying to show up better for the people you love, this episode invites you to rethink what support really looks like. It’s not about pushing through—it’s about pausing, noticing what each person needs, and building connection from a place of balance.

🎥 Watch the full video (we have an exciting announcement at the end) to hear how Susan’s story and strategies can help you shift from surviving to truly connecting.