Broken Resolutions
YIKES! We’ve not even reached the end of January, and every single new year’s resolution has evaporated. We really did have good intentions. Teachers and therapists had resolved to read up on the latest research and strategies so they could increase their abilities to provide top-notch services to their students and clients with autism and other challenges. Parents really meant to help their youngster with potty-training or with daily exercise and they were truly committed to taking time to read to their child every night. But all of the resolutions have already been moved to the back burner.
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The very nature of autism makes it difficult to map a course as a new year begins and to stay on a straight path with no side trips. Complex neurological, emotional, physical, behavioral, communication, dietary, sensory, and social issues ebb and flow in the lives of individuals with autism, making it almost impossible to develop a firm plan of action for one day, much less for a whole year.
Other factors can also stand in the way of keeping new year’s resolutions. New challenges can arise that require us to focus on unexpected issues. It is possible that we were too ambitious and a bit unrealistic about the time and energy required to accomplish our resolutions. Maybe we have gotten distracted by new pastimes or we just can’t find the energy to get started. People around us might not be cooperative or we may have gotten frustrated and unable to take the next step.
When we realize our new year’s resolutions have gone by the wayside, we really need to take some time to decide we have failed or if we have, out of necessity, changed paths. That is not to say that we should just give up unnecessarily or that we should lay all the blame on circumstances. Most of us do, indeed, lead more productive lives when we make plans and take specific, determined steps to accomplish those plans. So, if it is realistic to do so, and if we anticipate our friends with autism would benefit, we might want to renew our efforts to reach the goals defined in those resolutions. It may be necessary to chart a new path or to modify our expectations, but now is the time to turn to plan B and move forward!
Sometimes it is helpful to have outside pointers and ideas, so feel free to send us an e-mail if you are stuck. Just send a message to talk@FAQautism.com.
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. Feel free to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solution. Send email to talk@FAQautism.com And don’t forget to check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. http://FAQautism.com
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