Your child’s diagnosis (autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, dyslexia, etc) means that your daily parenting journey feels like a wild roller coaster ride rather than a straightforward path. 

You’re not in control, you don’t see the twists and turns coming, and you have no idea when it will end (if ever).

First, I want to normalize what you’re feeling. You’re not alone. The stress you’re feeling is real. Here’s why:

1. Your sleep deficit is no joke. Almost every family I support experiences sleep issues in both parents and children. Often, individuals with autism have difficulty sleeping soundly and consistently due to both biomedical issues and challenges with routine. Even when the child does sleep well it’s common for parents to struggle with insomnia due to the worry and stress associated with their child’s path. Additionally, insomnia leads to a psychological profile associated with depressed mood, rumination, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and poor coping resources.* If you feel like you can’t shake the dark cloud that’s been hovering over your brain, you’re not hallucinating. Sleep deprivation intensifies it.

2. 50% of mothers of children with ASD have elevated depression levels, compared to 6-13% of the typical population. When their child is diagnosed, they’re sent home with a task list a mile long (which they add to while doing their own 3am online research) of all the things they need to do for their child. Nobody tells them what to do for themselves. 

3. On average, children and adolescents with ASD have medical costs 6.2x higher than their neurotypical peers. Children with autism, allergies, behavioral issues, and other neurodiversities require more frequent trips to doctors and specialists than their neurotypical counterparts. Of course, this requires more time, energy, and resources from the parent as well, a demand that parents of neurotypical kids don’t experience. 

4. Parents are often frustrated by the limited options in school environments, sports, and social settings. Many schools still struggle to provide varied and effective options for children who learn differently. Families are finding that they need to “be the change they wish to see in the world” but don’t know where to start. 

In a nutshell, it’s a lot. Parents are left leaderless and with no guide manual, fending for themselves as best they can. You took to the internet to educate yourself and step up your game, and I’m glad you did because you’re in the right place! 

Because there’s no reward for martyrdom, I’ve created this check list of 5 simple steps to lower your stress right now. It’s time to step out of survival mode and start thriving. But don’t take my word for it. Download the mini guide now and see for yourself. 

Spoiler alert: doing these things will affect your child’s well being in the most powerful ways. Right now, they are absorbing your stress and anxiety whether you know it or not. By helping yourself you’re lowering their stress response too. Is there any better way to support them than that? 

Fill in your info below to get your checklist today.