Caregiving Advice from Mother 2 Mother Founder Salina Miller

Submitted by Salina Miller via Well Beings Share Your Caregiving Story

My name is Salina Miller, and I am a mother and caregiver to three incredible individuals impacted by autism and ADHD. My son, Elijah, is 20 years old with autism and complex medical conditions, and my granddaughters, Ariel, is 16 with autism, and Breyanna,14 with ADHD. I know firsthand the ups and downs of this journey—the sleepless nights, the advocacy battles, the moments of doubt, and the deep love that fuels it all.

I am also the founder of Mother 2 Mother, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers raising loved ones with special needs. Through this journey, I have learned so much, and if I could go back and give myself advice at the beginning of this road, I would say:

✨ Establish a Relationship with God. God has entrusted us with the care of these incredible individuals, and He holds the blueprint for their lives. He created them with purpose and intentionality. As caregivers, leaning on Him gives us the strength, wisdom, and guidance we need each day.

✨ Give yourself grace. You won’t always have the right answers. Some days will feel heavy. But you are doing the best you can, and that is enough.

✨ Breathe. The demands of caregiving can be overwhelming. Take a moment to pause, exhale, and remind yourself that you are human too.

✨ Find your community. You are not alone. Surround yourself with people who understand, who will encourage you, and who will remind you that you are not in this fight by yourself. 

✨ Advocate fiercely. No one will fight for your loved one like you will. Learn, research, ask questions, and never be afraid to use your voice. You ARE their voice when they need you most.

✨ Make space for joy. It’s easy to get lost in the challenges, but don’t forget to celebrate the victories—big and small. Every milestone, every smile, every moment of connection is worth cherishing.