Supporting a Family Navigating Autism & Overwhelmed

Background

A child on the autism spectrum was referred through PerformCare to receive specialized care, along with weekly Intensive In-Community (IIC) therapy to address additional mental health challenges. While these services supported the child directly, the parents were struggling with external and family stress due to overwhelming responsibilities.

The Challenge

The parents deeply wanted to remain mindful and present for their child, but:

  • Their own stress and exhaustion made patience difficult.
  • Work demands left little room for self-care.
  • Feelings of isolation and overwhelm began to spill into their parenting.

They realized they needed their own outlet to process emotions and rebuild balance — not just to cope, but to show up as the parents and professionals they aspired to be.

The Modra Approach

In addition to their child’s IIC services, the parents chose to enroll in virtual individual therapy through Modra. Together, we focused on:

  • Time and stress management strategies to reduce burnout.
  • Improved communication skills and strengthened interactions with each other and everyone in their circle.
  • Prioritization tools to help them stay aligned with their values while navigating daily demands.

Outcomes

Over the course of therapy, the parents reported:

  • Greater emotional regulation and the ability to process stress without unproductive stress reactions.
  • More intentional quality time with their child.
  • Renewed energy and focus at work.
  • A stronger sense of teamwork in their relationship.

Most importantly, they felt supported — not just as caregivers, but as humans. By caring for themselves, they could better care for their child.

Why It Matters

This case illustrates a core Modra principle: healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Supporting a child means supporting the system around them — parents, relationships, and workplaces. By investing in both individual well-being and family dynamics, families can sustain long-term growth and resilience.