How to Handle Setbacks with Self-Compassion
Progress isn’t a straight line—and when you're parenting or supporting someone on the autism spectrum, setbacks can feel especially disheartening. Maybe you thought you’d finally figured out what worked, only for a meltdown, a regression, or a tough day to shake your confidence.
Here’s what we want you to know at Bridge & Blossom: Setbacks don’t mean failure. They mean you’re still growing.
What a Setback Might Look Like:
A return to behaviors you thought were behind you
Resistance to a tool or strategy that used to work
Emotional dysregulation—for your child or for you
Feeling overwhelmed when you thought you had it “under control”
Why Setbacks Happen:
Stressful life changes
Shifting environments (hello, school transitions!)
Developmental leaps
Illness, sleep loss, or just...life
What Helps More Than Blame:
Self-compassion. Speak to yourself like you would a dear friend.
Zooming out. Look at the bigger pattern, not just today.
Reconnecting, not restarting. Sometimes we don’t need a new plan—we just need to reset.
You Can Say to Yourself:
“This is hard, and I’m doing my best.”
“We’ve had wins before—we’ll find our way again.”
“My child isn’t broken. Neither am I.”
Coaching Through Setbacks We support families through the rough patches—not just the highlight reel. Together, we’ll look at what’s going on, adjust your supports, and help you reconnect with hope and direction.
Ready to Reset With Us? You don’t have to carry the hard days alone. Let’s find clarity and compassion together.
[Book Your Free Consultation Today]
With steadiness through every season,
Bridge & Blossom
