Creating A New Kind of Community for Special Needs Moms
Creating the supportive space I wish existed for navigating autism parenting while refusing to lose myself in the process
I spent a significant amount of time in thought before making a move to start this new project of mine. The idea has been mulling around in my head for months by now, but the real drive to begin at it now came at such a strange time.
Today happens to be the day that I received a payout from my highest-paying OBM (Online Business Management) Client yet, as I serve clients in my business Cheniece Patrick OBM regularly. I'm full of energy about our KickOff Call in two days and initializing this rather large implementation project for my newest signed Client. But I felt strongly that the vision for my personal life's passion project still had to come together in this way on today.
I'm severely multi-passionate, and I know that my parenting role is very unique compared to the majority of mothers. I don't resent my place in life; I love the family that I've created as my most precious possession.
But I sometimes wonder whether I'm attempting to see this thing through for myself or for another vague someone "out there" who badly needs to see these words...
What I do know for certain is that I have the intention for this passion project of mine to better me as a mother and as a whole woman in general. Because I want living with my particular set of circumstances to be an incredibly expansive and hopeful experience, I'm choosing to approach my self-examination in a very intentional and conscious way.
And I'm choosing to share this with the right group of people. My People.
Other than proving that the lifestyle of my desire can actually be accomplished by someone like me to "my audience" (that idea still feels so awkward to own), I also want to foster a safe space online for a community conversation with similar Mothers about our reality that is so misunderstood.
I intend to leverage my personal life experiences, resources, insights, and wisdom to create something entirely new and so needed. I want this to develop into what I wish I had access to all along my entire journey of special needs Motherhood... I'm committed to being generous with myself for the benefit of whoever all may gain something from this.
And in consideration of that, I deeply felt that this effort had to be made, even if I'm almost at capacity on a day like today.
So here's my notice for you to continually watch this space for what it is becoming. If you are a member of the select group of "My People" then know that there is a membership element to my project here. You can expect my regular writing of personal essays about real life, introspective Deep Dives, soulful reflections, audio diaries, chat threads, engagement prompts, resources, tools, and even more exclusive content that is currently in the works.
What's becoming clear to me is that this project isn't just another venture—it's where my soul has been trying to guide me all along. In the space between therapy appointments and IEP meetings, between client deadlines and midnight worries, there's been this persistent whisper: "Share what you're learning. Create what you needed."
So here I am, standing at the beginning of something that feels both terrifying and absolutely right.
I don't have all the answers. Some days, I barely have any. But I'm committed to exploring these questions with honesty, vulnerability, and a fierce hope that refuses to be extinguished. Because I believe there's immense power in Mothers like us finding each other—in knowing that we're not alone in our complex emotions, our grief, our love, and our determination to reclaim ourselves.
If any part of what I've shared resonates with you, if you've ever felt simultaneously devoted to your children and desperate to remember who you are beyond caregiving of any type of child(ren), then perhaps you've found Your People. This membership is an invitation to walk together—to jointly support each other as we navigate the beautiful, heartbreaking, transformative journey of raising extraordinary children while refusing to disappear.
I'm opening my heart and my life here. I'd be honored if you'd join me.
With hope and determination,
Cheniece P ♡
UnCommon Design is a reader-supported publication exploring identity, joy, and personal growth through honest storytelling. Subscribe to receive weekly essays in your inbox and join a community where your whole story belongs.