Dear tired and wonderful parent of an extraordinary child,
Today, I want to continue our journey in exploring the ways to cope with a burnout . In this blog post, we’ll see the ways you can care for yourself, avoid burnout, and keep your light bright not only for yourself but also for the one who relies on you so deeply.
For parents of autistic children, burnout risk is especially high. Compared to parents of neurotypical kids, autism parents face added stressors including:
- Trying to understand and meet a child’s atypical social, communication and behavioral needs
- Witnessing public judgment due to misunderstood meltdowns
- Securing effective services like speech, occupational therapy and specialized education
- Missing out on social events due to inflexible routines
- Sacrificing careers and finances to coordinate round-the-clock care
Over months and years, these compounded pressures strain even the most devoted parents to the breaking point. Last time we reviewed signs and symptoms for the parental burnout you should carefully track and recognize. Caregiver burnout deprives children of the patient, loving support they deserve. That’s why prevention through self-care is so vital.
Why Self-Care Must Be Your #1 Priority
When your child is first diagnosed, it’s natural to become completely absorbed in understanding ASD and finding interventions. However, you simply can’t care for anyone else without first caring for yourself.
Self-care is mandatory, not selfish. Only by regularly recharging your own batteries can you sustainably provide encouragement, advocacy and assistance over the long-term.
Try to carve out reasonable breathing room amidst the frenzy of life with autism. Protect time for basic self-care like sleeping, eating nutritious meals and exercising.
Beyond survival basics, explore stress-relieving hobbies you find interesting. Whether it’s reading, golf, photography or adult coloring books, devote time to activities solely for your enjoyment.
Don’t let guilt stop you from taking breaks, even if only for one hour per week. Think of it like putting on your oxygen mask first before helping others. Self-care enables you to show up as the positive, patient parent your child deserves.
12 Self-Care Strategies for Avoiding Autism Parent Burnout
While implementing the above tips, remember two key points. First, don’t take on too much at once! Start with one new self-care habit then build momentum slowly. Second, adapt strategies to meet your unique needs and interests. Not every approach works for everyone.
Experiment to discover which self-care practices leave you feeling refreshed. Once you have reliable stress-relief routines, stick to them with the same devotion you show your child.
When you regularly nourish your mind, body and spirit, you’ll have the resilience to handle autism’s ups and downs while appreciating special moments.
Why Social Support Is Critical
As an autism parent, community support makes all the difference. But admitting vulnerability doesn’t come easily for some. Pride or embarrassment may tempt you to pretend having everything under control.
Resist the urge to isolate. Connecting with others facing similar hardships can ease feelings of loneliness and normalizes situations wrongly perceived as shameful failures.
Building social support requires bravery but pays priceless dividends including:
- Relief from keeping difficulties bottled up inside
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Feedback on effective coping techniques
- Increased life satisfaction and ability to appreciate positives
- Playdates, mom’s nights out and other respite care opportunities
- Joy of new friendships with “tribe” members who just get it
Use multiple avenues to access backup:
In-Person Support
Online Support
Don’t let embarrassment or inertia prevent you from seeking community you deserve. Support looks different for everyone. Customize your own unique “village” of compassionate people who boost spirits, share wisdom and make this journey easier.
Closing Thoughts
Raising a child with special needs is a beautiful blessing laced with unique difficulties. Caregiver burnout in the autism community is tragically common.
Protect your long-term wellbeing through dedicated self-care practices. Support your body through healthy lifestyle choices. Soothe your mind with relaxing hobbies. Seek emotional support from similar parents.
While your child’s needs are urgent, remember your own needs matter too. Recharge yourself regularly so you can embrace both the playful smiles and painful struggles ahead with resilience, wisdom and hope.
You’ve got this! Now go give yourself a well-deserved break.