Latest PostsWhat to Do When Your Young Adult Feels “Stuck”

Every parent knows that look—the glazed eyes, the avoidance, the “I don’t know what I want.”
You see their potential, but they can’t see it themselves.
The problem isn’t laziness. It’s overwhelm.
When the brain feels unsafe or uncertain, it freezes to conserve energy.

Step 1: Normalize Stuckness

Tell them, “It’s okay to feel stuck. It just means your brain needs a smaller step.”
This removes shame and opens the door to re-engagement.

Step 2: Break the Ice with Micro-Actions

When stuck, motivation doesn’t come before action—it comes from action.
Start with micro-steps like:

• Opening the laptop

• Writing one sentence

• Sending one email

• Taking one walk outside
  Each micro-action releases dopamine—the brain’s “I did it” chemical.

Step 3: Reflect and Reward

After a small step, celebrate it. “You did it” matters more than “You finished it.”
Progress, not perfection, builds momentum.

When your young adult feels stuck, remember: pushing harder creates resistance. But coaching gently—with structure, empathy, and consistent micro-wins—creates movement. Small steps don’t just move them forward—they unlock who they were meant to become.

For a full framework to help your young adult get unstuck and move forward, get my book: “The Autism Launch Plan.”