Disabled Parents and Caregivers of Autistic Children

I am always asked by others, “How do you do it?” My response is “I have no other choice, if I don’t then who will!” Usually only people who knows my struggle with my own disabilities ask this question. As most of you already know, I am a mother of three boys! One of my boys has been diagnosed with autism.

Having a child with a disability is hard enough, when you have your own disability or should I say different ability, it’s even harder. I have been told, “Wow you don’t look ill or even disabled.” I take it as a compliment. I try my best to not complain or even show I am in pain sometimes.

These are some of my different abilities I have: osteoarthritis in my right knee and need a total knee replacement, I had a ligament repair surgery on my left ankle. Last year after the birth of my youngest son, I suffered from a blood clot in the left lung and was hospitalized five days after giving birth. I have recently been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I struggle everyday to push forward and not let my disabilities consume me. Everyday is a new day! That’s how I am able to get through each day.

Here are somethings to do to make your days a little easier:

1.) Take care of your self – make sure you’re okay health wise, eat right
2.) I keep a planner/calendar – I write all my appointments and notes for my family
3.) I schedule myself some me time – cup of coffee, book, movie
4.) Don’t sweat the small stuff – don’t spend your time getting upset over every little thing
5.) Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal/notebook

I would love to hear from other parents or caregivers who have a disability who care for a child who has autism, please feel free to share.

This blog was originally written in 2013, since then my youngest son was also diagnosed on the spectrum. (September 2016)