Her HeartSpace

Empowering Autism Moms to Thrive, Not Just Survive

BY TANYA MALIK, MOT, OTR PEDIATRIC OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST , AUTISM MOM AND TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH

Motherhood is often described as a journey of love, sacrifice, and resilience. But for mothers of children with autism, that journey is filled with unique challenges—ones that test our strength in ways we never imagined. I know this firsthand.

Seventeen years ago, when my son was diagnosed with autism, my world shifted. Suddenly, my life was filled with therapy sessions, meltdowns, sleepless nights, and endless advocacy. I poured everything into my child, determined to help him make progress. But in the process, something unexpected happened—I lost myself.

Like so many autism moms, I ran on empty. I told myself, I’ll rest later. I’ll take care of myself when things settle down. But things never truly settled. The years passed, and I realized I had been surviving, not living.

Then came a turning point. Burnout hit me hard, and I realized that in order to be the mother my children needed, I had to start caring for myself too. I had to reclaim myself—not just as a mother, but as a woman, a person, a soul deserving of rest, love, and joy.

The Birth of Her HeartSpace

This awakening led me to create Her HeartSpace: Holding Moms Close on the Autism Journey. A movement dedicated to supporting mothers like me. It’s a space where autism moms can feel seen, understood, and empowered. Through coaching, self-care strategies, and a strong sense of community, Her HeartSpace helps moms fill their own cups so they can continue pouring love into their children.

Why Self-Care is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

For autism moms, self-care often takes a backseat. We convince ourselves that our child’s needs must always come first. But here’s the truth: when we neglect ourselves, we can’t show up fully for our children.

Self-care isn’t about expensive spa days or grand getaways. It’s about small, intentional acts like stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, savoring a warm cup of

tea, or allowing ourselves to rest without guilt.It’s about reminding ourselves that we are not just caregivers; we are human beings who need care, too.

You Are Not Alone

Mothers of children with autism are some of the strongest women in the world. We advocate, we love fiercely, we endure. But we are also human. We need support. We need connection. We need to know that we are not alone.

Her HeartSpace is more than just a resource; it’s a lifeline. It’s a space where autism moms can gather, share their struggles and victories, and learn how to care for themselves while caring for their children.

To every mother reading this: You are enough. You are worthy. You are not alone.

If you’re an autism mom longing for support, community, and self-care, I invite you to join Her HeartSpace. Together, we can create a world where autism moms don’t just survive – they thrive.

TANYA MALIK

Tanya Malik is an occupational therapist, autism advocate, and founder of Her HeartSpace: Holding Moms Close on the Autism Journey. As a mother to a 19 year-old son with autism, Tanya deeply understands the challenges autism moms face—because she has lived them. Through coaching, self-care programs, and a supportive community, she empowers mothers to prioritize their well-being while navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism.

Tanya’s mission is simple: to help autism moms thrive, not just survive.

Tanya Malik ,MOT, OTR Founder OTSEVA LLCFounder Her Heart SpaceCarmel , Indiana Tanyamalikotr@gmail.com