As the holidays approach, one thing becomes especially clear for many parents of neurodivergent children: childcare isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline.
If you’ve been skimming my newsletters, you may know this is a topic I’ve written about before—and one I have strong feelings about. Between school breaks, disrupted routines, and the added mental load of the season, having reliable, supportive care can make the difference between staying regulated… or feeling completely depleted.
And if you know me, you know I’m usually quick to share a good resource once I find one—despite my very real (and slightly Grinchy) instinct to keep the best gems to myself. 😉
Accessibility Matters—In Every Sense of the Word
Earlier this week, my colleague Leslie and I went on one of our favorite things: a walk-and-talk. With 51 degrees in the forecast, it felt downright balmy compared to the single digits we’ve already seen this month.
As we walked, we found ourselves returning—again—to a value we are deeply aligned on: accessibility.
And not just accessibility for our kids, but financial accessibility for families, especially those raising children with higher support needs. I say that not to elicit sympathy, but simply as a statement of lived reality.
Many of us are juggling therapy appointments, social skills groups, OT, specialized learning environments or programming—you name it. All of it adds up, both in time and in cost.
So when we find a place that:
- Is financially accessible
- Offers a wide range of programming
- Includes sensory-friendly spaces
- And actually simplifies our lives
…it feels like a rare and meaningful win.
A Community Resource Worth Sharing
Recently, a mom friend asked if my son plays video games.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Of course he does.
One of the many things he loves about The Old Firehouse? Video games galore—a compelling selling point, if you ask him.
But what truly makes this place stand out is something even more important: they were willing to meet our family’s specific needs when I asked.
Two things weren’t advertised on their website:
- Whether they could add my son’s bus stop to their pickup route
- Whether they could administer his medication
I asked anyway. The answer? Yes—and yes.
No extra shuttling. No added logistics. Just one less thing on my plate—and that matters.
Supporting Our Kids Starts with Supporting Ourselves
I firmly believe this: You won’t know what’s possible—and you won’t get it—unless you ask.
Finding childcare, (and honestly, solutions in general) that truly work isn’t only about what’s best for our kids. It’s also about meeting our needs as parents, so we can show up with more patience, clarity, and sustainability—especially during a demanding season like this one.
So I’ll leave you with these questions as we head into the holidays:
👉 How are you getting your needs met right now?
👉Where might you ask for a bit more support this season?
If you’ve discovered a resource in our community that’s been a game changer for your family, I’d love to hear about it. And if you’re feeling stretched thin, please know—you’re not alone.
