Articles

August 2026 Thrive Together Community Journal Autism & Neurodiversity Tip of the Month: Understanding Meltdowns

August 2026 Thrive Together Community Journal Devotional and Caregiver Prayer

Martha Rice explores the hidden weight caregivers carry behind their strength. While others admire their patience and devotion, few see the exhaustion, decision fatigue, and constant mental load underneath. She reminds caregivers that asking for help isn't weakness, it's human. True strength sometimes means resting, saying no, or admitting "I'm tired." A gentle reminder that caregivers are more than their role, and that self-care creates space to keep loving others well.

LaToya Scott reflects on the lessons her son Julian has taught her as a mother of a child with autism, that progress matters more than perfection, and that autism is simply one part of who he is, not something to fear. She shares how parenting deepened her faith, taught her to slow down, and shaped her into an advocate. Her hope is that communities grow in inclusion and understanding, so every family knows they're not alone and every person feels they truly belong.

Arlene Chandler shares her journey from years of fertility struggles to finally becoming a mother, only to face a new set of unknowns when her son was diagnosed with Down syndrome. As an African American mother, she found few families who reflected her own experience, and most conversations focused on limitations rather than possibility. Drawing on her background in Organizational Behavior, she began applying those same skills, advocacy, relationship-building, problem-solving