What to Do When Your Young Adult Feels “Stuck”

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.”