Parenting is one of the hardest jobs out there. For parents and caregivers of children with autism, added stressors can make it even more challenging. From navigating therapies to managing behaviors and advocating for your child’s unique needs, the demands can take a toll on both your mental and physical health. To offset these stressors, self-care is a necessity.
Taking time to recharge is critical to ensure you have the energy, patience, and resilience to support your child’s needs. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present, and that starts with taking care of yourself.
3 Forms of Self-Care
There are three primary categories of self-care:
- Respite – Temporary relief from caregiving duties.
- Support – Connecting with people you feel safe venting to and discussing your frustrations with.
- Restoration – Engaging in activities that help you recharge mentally, emotionally and physically.
We encourage caregivers to establish a self-care plan that addresses each of these areas. Together, they form a strong foundation for managing stress.
6 Stress Management Strategies
Consider the following recommendations for managing stress as a parent or caregiver of a child with autism.
1. Build & Lean on a Support System
Parenting children with special needs can feel isolating. It’s important to lean on a support system that uplifts you. Whether that’s family, friends, a local autism support group, or an online community, having people to vent to, share your frustrations, seek advice, and celebrate the wins with can make a world of difference.
2. Set Boundaries—Without Guilt!
It’s okay to say no to things that drain your energy, whether it’s an extra responsibility at work, a social event or anything else that feels too much to handle. Boundaries are an essential form of self-care.
3. Seek Respite Care
There’s a saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Yet, parents of children with autism often do continuously pour from an open cup — but at what cost? Without time to recharge, chronic stress can turn into parental burnout.
Respite care provides temporary relief, allowing you time to recuperate, run errands or pursue your passions.
Find a respite care provider in Florida through APD Cares’ Community Resource Directory.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help parents feel grounded, even when things feel chaotic. It’s all about awareness, acceptance and self-compassion. Here’s an article from Psychology Today that dives a little deeper into simple ways to practice mindfulness.
5. Ask for Help
It’s important to recognize when the going is getting too tough and ask for help — whether it be from a partner, family member, friend or professional. You shouldn’t carry the weight alone. There’s no shame in needing extra support, especially when you’re juggling the demands of caregiving and other responsibilities. Sometimes, taking even small things off your plate, like someone else making dinner or organizing the playroom, can feel like a major burden lifted.
Prioritize Your Wellbeing
Self-care as a caregiver of children with autism is not selfish. Showing up for your child means also showing up for yourself. We encourage you to take one small step today to prioritize your own well-being.
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