Coffee & Connection: Finding Friendship in the Journey

Friendships don’t always end with conflict. Often, they simply fade. Not because we want them to, but because life looks different for families like ours. Schedules, flexibility, and energy don’t always match what others expect, and somewhere along the way people assume we’re unavailable.

But here’s the truth: we still long for connection. We still need texts, invites, and those simple “how are you doing?” check-ins.

As the mom of a 22-year-old autistic adult, I’ve learned that inclusion isn’t just about schools or community programs. It’s personal, too. It’s in the friendships, the phone calls, the messages, and the people who remember that even if I can’t always say yes, the invitation still matters.

If you have a friend raising a child with autism or any intellectual disability, please don’t step back. Don’t assume. Just reach out. We may not always show up the way you expect, but the love and gratitude we feel for being remembered lasts forever.

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A New Invitation: Coffee Connection at Autismo Café

Once a month at Autismo Café, I’m carving out intentional space for us to connect. I’m calling it:

Autismo Moms Have Fun 🧩💥😱

Two meet-up times, one in the morning and one in the evening, will give as many moms as possible a chance to join. And yes, regular coffee is on me. Because sometimes what we need most is not a grand gesture, but simply a table, a laugh, and a reminder that we’re not alone.

Let’s show up. Let’s connect. Let’s heal together. 🌹

📍 Location: Autismo Café