How do you balance caring for your autistic child and your own free time?
By Charlotte on
My son was diagnosed with profound autism, and he is my whole world. He is funny, intense, brilliant in his own way, and yes, I truly believe our kids have special powers. I don’t like framing it as “special needs.” He experiences the world differently, deeply.
But I’m tired. I feel like I have centered my entire life around him therapies, routines, sensory needs, advocating, planning, anticipating meltdowns, celebrating small wins. My brain is always “on.” Even when he’s calm, I’m scanning for what might set him off next.
My husband does step in. He really does. But somehow the mental load still feels like it lives in my body. I rarely get real free time. And when I do, I either feel guilty or too drained to even enjoy it.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed and then immediately ashamed for feeling that way. Because he didn’t choose this. And he needs me.
So I’m asking other moms here how do you do it? How do you protect even a small piece of time for yourself without feeling like you’re failing your child? How do you rest when your nervous system feels constantly activated?
I love my son more than anything. I just don’t want to burn out and become a shell of myself in the process.