How to Overcome Caregiving Fatigue: A Guide for Autism Parents and Caregivers
- dollyoksman
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
If you are a caregiver experiencing too much stress, it is time to check on yourself and give yourself what you need. Otherwise, stress, when left unchecked, can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues.
I was talking to a grandma whose grandson has autism. I saw on her face that she loved her grandson so much and worried about what would happen to his grandson. She also feels overwhelmed because they don't know their next steps.
Parenting and caring for a child with autism is a journey filled with love, learning, and unique challenges. As a caregiver, you are constantly searching for the best support for your autistic child. Navigating the system to get help can be daunting and sometimes complex, and you may not know where to begin. Raising an autistic child requires so much patience, love, and time. In the process, many caregivers put their well-being on the back burner.
The result? Chronic stress, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm. If this resonates with you, know that you're not alone.
Research has shown that parents of autistic children experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of neurotypical children. This stress often stems from:
- The daily demands of caregiving
- Uncertainty about the child's future
- Financial and emotional strain
- Lack of adequate support systems
- Balancing work, personal life, and caregiving responsibilities
If you are a caregiver experiencing too much stress, it is time to check on yourself and give yourself what you need. Otherwise, stress, when left unchecked, can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues. Stress can eventually affect the quality of your life, relationships, job, and other aspects.
For more ideas on supporting autistic children, download our free reference guide here.
One of the biggest misconceptions among autism parents and other caregivers is that taking time for themselves means neglecting their child. Some even feel guilty when they spend time for themselves. The reality? You can't pour from an empty cup. Your cup needs to overflow. You will give your overflowing love and care for yourself to your child and the people around you so you will not feel empty. When you prioritize your well-being, you enhance your ability to provide the best care for your child and those other people and things you love.
Here are some Practical Self-Care Strategies for you.
1. Have Mini-Breaks.
Even on your busiest days, take a small moment for yourself. Try Deep breathing exercises (inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4), Five-minute guided meditations (Download our Guided Self-Love Meditation Here), or stepping outside for fresh air.
2. Build Your Support System.
Isolation increases stress. Reach out to find support groups to help you in your journey. You Don't Have to Do This Alone. Strengthen your support network. Join online or local autism parent support groups. I'm starting a group for autism caregivers and teachers, The Autism Sanctuary, on Facebook. Please check it out. Click the link to join. Connect with family and friends who understand your journey.
3. Physical Wellness.
A healthy, energetic person is vital in caring for your child. Include exercise or other physical movements in your daily routine, like yoga, walking, or other low-impact exercise. Then, maintain a balanced diet to sustain energy levels. Increase your intake of whole foods and minimize highly processed food that is filled with sugar and salt. Also, prioritize sleep, even if it means adjusting your schedule.
4. Set Boundaries.
Say "No" to things that don't matter and do not contribute to your overall goal. Check your daily activities. Do you have commitments that drain your energy? Limit those activities, or better yet, stop doing them. Communicate your needs to those around you and protect your time without guilt. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love.
To learn more about increasing love for yourself, grab our book, Finding Your Lost Self: Your Journey to Self-Love. Available on Amazon.
5. Find Joy in the Journey.
Ask the grace from God to guide you in this journey. Ask for peace, patience, and strength. Remember, God is with you. To be reminded that you're given the grace and the blessings you need, especially when things get tough and rough, Keep a gratitude journal. Journaling will help shift your focus from stress to positive moments and will inspire you to see that you're guided. Also, find time to engage in hobbies that bring you personal fulfillment and celebrate your wins for you and your child, no matter how small. Remember, your joy is essential too.
Now that you understand the importance of self-care, take the next step! Download my FREE Autism Caregiver Guide to access:
✅ Practical self-care and stress-management techniques
✅ Resources and support networks tailored for autism caregivers
Caring for a child with autism is an extraordinary responsibility. Still, it doesn't have to come at the cost of your well-being. Prioritizing self-care is not only important, it's necessary. It allows you to show up as your best self—for your child and yourself. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Start small, take one step today, and reclaim your peace.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with another parent or caregiver who could benefit from these self-care strategies. Together, we can create a supportive community in which no parent feels alone.
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.
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