Autism Mom Burnout : Avoid it with These 5 Tips!

Avoid Autism Mom Burnout with these 5 tips ! Burnout is characterized by physical and mental exhaustion, detachment and feelings of ineffectiveness or lack of accomplishment. Autism mama, don’t let stress take over your world, take back your power NOW!

How to avoid autism mom burnout

1. Avoid autism mom burnout by planning activities for your child.

Although at first glance it may seem that planning activities out is a lot of work, it is actually more work to manage your child that is having a complete meltdown because he’s bored at home and has no idea how to fill his time. By planning some fun home activities for your child each day, you will actually make the day easier for everyone because your child will know what to do. This sensory communication workbook will give you some fun and educational activities to get started right now.

2. Ask for help to avoid autism mom burnout.

As moms and women, we have a tendancy to take on too much and to try to do everything ourselves. It doesn’t have to be this way! Make sure that you are taking time for yourself, to recharge your batteries and to go things that you enjoy doing. I hear you screaming right now, “but I don’t have anyone who can stay with my child other than me!”. Find someone who can spend quality time with your child whether that is asking your husband to take over so you can go take a bath and read a magazine or prepping a babysitter to take over.

3. Take part in all the sensory fun and avoid autism mom burnout.

Sensory activities are not just for your child. Rolling playdough between your hands, dipping your finger or toes in dried chickpeas and cooking will help you and your child wind down, destress and have fun together. Get 25 more sensory play ideas here.

4. Make it a priority to relax to avoid autism mom burnout.

Autism moms have stress similar to combat soldiers and it’s not funny. As an autism parent, your stress is very real. It’s also ongoing and you have to learn to manage it. Here are 12 happiness tips for autism moms.

5. Consider part-time work from home as a powerful antidote to autism mom burnout.

You are probably really thinking I am crazy at this point. Why on Earth would I recommend working on top of everything you have to do already to take care of your child but let me tell you why! I recommend that stay-at-home autism moms work part-time from home for several reasons.

Autism is expensive, between autism therapies, buying adapted materials and constantly replacing broken items at home, the cost adds up. One of the major causes of divorce is financial stress and autism families have the stress of raising an autistic child and financial stress. Not a good combo and perhaps a big reason why couples with a special needs child have a 90% divorce rate on average. Working part-time can help reduce financial stress.
Autism moms who work from home have the ability to build community around the part-time work they are doing.
Have you heard the expression a change is as good as a rest? Taking time away your child to work on a project that interests and motivates you personally will help you rest and calm down.
Autism moms often suffer from low self-esteem and high rates of negative self-talk. Unfortunately, autism moms still tend to blame themselves for their children’s autism and can be very hard on themselves regarding their family’s challenges. (Even though I think autism is a super power and has many positive aspects too, the stress of raising a child with special needs can’t be ignored.)
Creating a side hustle that you are passionate about will motivate you and help you be an even better mom and wife; making you happier than ever.

More Autism Parenting Resources

Explaining Autism to Siblings
Free Autism Resources
Relaxation Strategies
Self-Care Rituals for Everyone Who Cares for Someone with Autism
Coping Strategies (my best strategies for coping with stress as an autism mom)
Autism Mom Burnout (what it is and 5 tips to avoid it!)
Happiness Tips (12 of the best for autism moms)
Work From Home Jobs
Best Self-Help Books for Women

More Autism Resources

The Successful Interaction with a Child with Autism Course – learn to better understand your autistic child or students with this complete course.
Autism Activities Workbook Bundle – build communication skills, fine motor skills, sensory play skills and daily living skills, while helping your child or students to successfully manage any difficult behaviors, with these fun, educational, printable activities.
Sensory Communication Workbook – Build communication skills with simple sensory activities.
How to Make a Communication Binder Guide & Workbook – Learn how to create a Communication Binder for your child or student with autism using real photos. Follow my expert guide to learn how to use it to increase communication skills.
Zoo Animals Play Dough Mats Bundle – use these printable play dough mat to work on the names of the animals, build language skills, and increase fine motor strength and precision in a fun, sensory way!