How to Spot the Autism Mum in the Playground (Hint: She’s already spotted you)

 We all know the playground stereotypes — the yoga mums, the PTA warriors, the ones whose coffee cups have inspirational quotes and suspiciously hot steam.
But tucked between them, blending into the chaos, is a rarer creature: the Autism Mum.
And trust me, she clocked you the second you walked through the gate.

☕ 1. The coffee isn’t a drink — it’s a life support system.

She clutches it like a sacred relic. It’s not caffeine; it’s emotional armour. Each sip is one more second of composure before someone yells “Mum, he’s licking the fence again!”

📞 2. The phone never leaves her hand.

She isn’t scrolling TikTok. She’s waiting for that call.
You know, the one that starts with, “Hi, it’s the school… we just need to have a quick word about today.”
Her stomach drops faster than your Wi-Fi when she hears it.

🎒 3. Her bag is 60% snacks, 30% sensory tools, 10% pure hope.

There’s a fidget spinner, chewy tube, and three crisp flavours to prevent diplomatic incidents.
If world peace required Rice Krispies Squares, she’s the woman for the job.

👟 4. She laughs when you say “busy morning.”

Not because she’s rude — because you said it with both shoes on, no one screaming, and your coffee still hot. That’s luxury living.

🚪 5. She knows every exit.

It’s not paranoia; it’s planning.
She’s done the silent meltdown escape enough times to map the playground like a Navy Seal.

🤝 6. She can spot another Autism Mum instantly.

It’s the look. The nod. That micro-expression of empathy that says, “You too? Yeah, me too.”
No words needed. Just mutual understanding and caffeine.

😎 7. She looks strong — and she is.

But strength is often a performance.
Later, in the car, she’ll release the day’s tension, take a breath, and blast Lizzo because sometimes surviving until bedtime deserves a soundtrack.

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💜 The Truth Bit

You might not notice her, but she notices everything — the noise, the energy, the sideways looks. She’s scanning, predicting, protecting. Every sense on high alert.

So next time you see her at the school gates, give her a smile.
You’ll make her morning feel a little less like a battlefield — and she’ll remember it long after the coffee’s gone cold.

Because we see you, Autism Mum.
You’re doing incredible. 💜

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