For a very long time, I had absolutely no idea how to handle the way I felt. I didn't know how to identify with others if I was sad, anxious or upset. I still have some days where it takes a lot of thought for me to figure out what's going on (thankfully, those days are far and few in between.) However, nannying for a child with severe autism has helped me better understand and deal with my emotions, as well as hers.

For "normal" people, we may talk it out with a friend, go on a run or write in a journal. But, for some special needs kiddos, they may deal with their emotions through self-injury: hitting, biting, hair pulling, the works.

I think it's pretty straightforward that self-injury should never be the answer for fighting negative thoughts. However, there was a time when I didn't know that- and I think some special needs kiddos are in the same boat.

Even though I've only been nannying a child with autism for a few weeks now, I have learned so much from her. She has taught me how loved and supported I am, even when my brain tricks me that I'm not. She's taught me that self-injury is never the way out; it only makes the situation worse later. Lastly, she's taught me the power of using my words and identifying why I am feeling the way I am.

I've learned the power of having a stable foundation- nutrition, movement, sleep and social. For both "normal" and special needs kiddos, we need a regular amount of sleep to function, enough food to eat throughout the day, some play time, and time to be with friends and family.

One day, I hope she can come to the same realizations I did, and I hope she realizes how loved she truly is.