In this heartfelt episode of Thriving with Autism, Jay Hoad sits down with the beautiful soul that is Erena from Abloom Care Services, a woman whose entire life is shaped by service, lived experience, and deep compassion. Erena shares how growing up with a brother who lives with long-term mental health challenges completely changed the direction of her life, and how that family journey inspired her and her sister to create Abloom Care Services, providing high-intensity supports and truly dignified care for people with disabilities, many of whom are on the spectrum. She opens up about grief, confusion, and fear about “what happens when we are gone”, and how her family created a safe, forever home for her brother, then built Abloom to offer that same peace of mind to other families. Together, Jay and Erena explore what real connection looks like for parents and carers who are exhausted, overwhelmed, and often running on empty. They talk about: Simple daily grounding practices for parents who feel they have no time at all Why slowing down, breathing, and simply being with your child can be more powerful than any script or tool How to move away from a “deficit model” and start seeing strengths, personality and possibilities The huge misconception that “they cannot do anything for themselves”, and why that is simply not true Powerful stories of independence, from complex behaviour shifts to a young person taking 13 years to master toileting, and why that is still a massive success How to use support coordinators and local area coordinators, and why “use it or lose it” matters with NDIS funding The importance of joining communities of parents who truly understand your world, so you never feel alone in the 3 am worry spiral about your child’s future They also touch on the roles of music, emotion, and small wins, and on how children's confidence and independence can give parents the space they desperately need to rest, reset, and reconnect with themselves. Suppose you are a parent, carer, or educator walking this path. In that case, this conversation is a warm reminder that you are not alone, that you are doing an incredible job, and that there is real, heart-based support available for you and your child. 🎧 Listen in, subscribe to Thriving with Autism for more uplifting conversations, and you can connect with Jay from Autism Music Australia or Erena and her team at Abloom Care Services via the links below. Autismmusicaustralia.com abloomcareservices.com Jayhoad.org Tribalmooncacao.org
