5 Gentle Tips for Autism Caregivers Who Are Tired, Overwhelmed, and Still Trying Their Best

If you're caring for a child with autism, you know it's more than a full-time job—it's a calling filled with love, advocacy, and a million tiny decisions every single day.

But let's be honest:

It can also be exhausting.

You're not just a parent or teacher. You're a therapist, an interpreter, an advocate, and often, the last one to rest.

I know what that feels like.

And that's why I wrote You've Got This—to be the supportive voice in your corner when things feel like too much.

Here are five gentle but powerful tips I share with the families and educators I work with.

1. Stop Trying to "Fix" Everything

Your child is not broken. Autism is not a flaw—it's a different way of experiencing the world. The more we shift from fixing to understanding, the more peace we invite into our journey. Learn to listen between the behaviors. Every meltdown is a message.

2. Make Room for Grief and Gratitude

It's okay to feel grief about what you thought parenting would be and still feel deep gratitude for your child. These emotions can coexist, and honoring both makes you stronger. You're allowed to mourn. You're also allowed to celebrate.

3. Establish One Simple Self-Care Ritual

You don't need a spa day. You need 10 minutes where nobody's calling your name. Whether it's deep breathing, stepping outside, or journaling, schedule it like it matters because it does.

4. Build Your Village (Even If It's Just One Person)

You don't need a big support system—you just need someone who gets it. Whether it's a fellow parent, a teacher, or even a podcast or book that makes you feel less alone, reach for it. You can get my book, Finding Your Lost Self: Your 30-Day Journey to Self-Love, or subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

5. Speak to Yourself Like You Would Your Child

You would never call your child a failure. You'd never tell them they aren't doing enough. So please, stop saying it to yourself. You are doing more than enough. You are showing up. And that matters more than you know.

🌟 From my heart to yours: You've Got This. I promise.

Ready to Feel More Seen, Supported, and Stronger in Your Journey?

Order You've Got This today!

➡️ Click here to order You've Got This now!

Caring for others doesn't mean forgetting yourself.

This book serves as a reminder that your peace matters, too.

And no matter how hard today feels… You've Got This.

With love and solidarity,

Dolly Tampos Oksman

Author • Speaker • Educator • Autism • Advocate

About Dolly

Dolly Tampos Oksman, MA, MAED-SPED, is a Transformational Speaker, Author, Certified Wellness Coach, Special Education Teacher, and Behavior Analyst. She is the Founder and Owner of Love. Heal. Believe. LLC.

Dolly experienced chronic stress that affected her mental and emotional health. However, when she entered the convent to be a missionary nun, she learned the secrets of how to live a fulfilled life with inner peace and joy. Today, she is sharing those secrets with you.

Dolly is on a mission to help you develop a deeper love for yourself and find long-term solutions to stress. Her new book, Finding Your Lost Self, which is also available on AMAZON and her programs & Services will take you on a step-by-step journey to a happier, healthier, and calmer life with less stress. 

Please contact Dolly HERE.