When Golf Turns into a Meltdown — What People Don’t See

JoJo feeling overwhelmed on the golf course — a moment that shows how emotions can interrupt even the things he loves most.

JoJo has been thriving in golf — he’s focused, talented, and proud of what he’s learning. But what most people don’t see is how autism can sometimes quietly take over in unexpected ways.

At his recent golf lesson, JoJo had his first major meltdown. He laid on the grass for 10 minutes — overwhelmed, silent, emotional. Watching from afar, I knew that moment could’ve disqualified him if it happened during a tournament. The heartbreak of that possibility crushed me. He loves golf. He’s good at it. But if emotions like this surface at the wrong time, it could mean suspension or disqualification — and I truly believe that kind of experience could break his spirit.

As his mom, I’m constantly asking: What can I do to protect him while helping him grow? But being a single parent with another autistic child, I can’t walk the course with him. I wait in the car with his brother, praying the lesson goes well. Sometimes I wonder if not being there helps — since JoJo respects his coach and might hold it together better — but it doesn’t always work. Autism doesn’t follow logic.

He’s been doing so well, and yet even then, his mind can become a storm of feelings he can’t explain — and that’s what hurts the most.

Sometimes success and setbacks walk side by side. I just wish I could walk with him, too.