Parenting is a challenging, albeit rewarding experience for most parents. However, for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodivergences, parenting can be tremendously more difficult. Research has shown that parents of children with ASD experience higher levels of stress, depression, and burnout compared to parents of neurotypical children (Yesilkaya & Magallón-Neri, 2024; Kütük et al., 2021).
Navigating therapy schedules, managing challenging behaviors, advocating for adequate support, and coping with familial and societal pressures can take an emotional and physical toll on moms, dads, and other caregivers. Without support and self-care, chronic stress can lead to parental burnout. Let’s explore the concept of burnout and consider some practical strategies parents of children with special needs can take to prioritize self-care.
Burnout is an increasingly common phenomenon in workplaces, especially those in helping professions, such as social work and the medical field. However, somewhat less talked about is parental or caregiver burnout. Caregiver burnout involves physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion as a result of prolonged stress from caring for a child. While this is not exclusive to parents of autistic children, parental burnout is more common in parents of children with special needs due to the additional stressors placed on these parents.
Every parent experiences stress from time to time–but what makes caregiver burnout different is the chronic stress that builds up when parents have minimal self-care practices and a lack of support. If left unchecked, burnout often leads to depression. Burnout can negatively impact not only the parent but their children as well.
If you’re not sure whether you or someone you love may be experiencing parental burnout, consider these common indicators.
As parents of children with autism likely know all too well, finding the time for self-care is not easy. Children’s needs often come above our own–and when a child has more substantial needs, it can be incredibly challenging to balance parental responsibilities with self-care. However, making time for yourself is critical. As the adage goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Unfortunately, many parents of children with special needs do consistently pour from an empty cup. Somehow, in some way, they make it work, but at what cost?
Self-care does not have to involve a trip out of town without the kids, a luxurious spa day, or other activities that are often time and cost-prohibitive. There are many ways to prioritize self-care through small actions. Reframing self-care as an essential aspect of parenthood can help parents place a higher emphasis on it in their day-to-day lives. Parents deserve to engage in activities that bring them joy and children deserve happy, fulfilled parents.
Now that we’ve explored the concept of burnout, let’s consider some practical strategies parents can try to manage stress and prioritize self-care. We recognize everyone’s situation is vastly unique. What may work for one family does not work for another. Use whichever strategies resonate best for you and your family.
It won’t always be easy–but strive to notice the positive things in your life, no matter how small. Celebrate the minor wins, whether it’s getting a few extra minutes to yourself, watching your child learn a new skill, or getting outside and enjoying the sunshine together.
Parenting a child with autism comes with unique challenges. It’s important to recognize throughout the highs and lows that self-care is not selfish–it’s necessary. Parents must prioritize self-care and seek support to prevent caregiver burnout.
At CompleatKidz, we’re here to support the whole family. Our team of multidisciplinary care providers offer parent training and support to guide parents through the challenges of raising a child with autism. Your wellbeing matters to us. Looking for pediatric therapies in North Carolina? Reach out to our intake team today!
References
Benn, R., Akiva, T., Arel, S., & Roeser, R. W. (2012, March 12). Mindfulness Training Effects for Parents and Educators of Children With Special Needs. Developmental Psychology. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1037/a0027537
Kütük, M. Ö., Tufan, A. E., Kılıçaslan, F., Güler, G., Çelik, F., Altıntaş, E., Gökçen, C., Karadağ, M., Yektaş, Ç., Mutluer, T., Kandemir, H., Büber, A., Topal, Z., Acikbas, U., Giray, A., & Kütük, Ö. (2021). High Depression Symptoms and Burnout Levels Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Multi-Center, Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 51(11), 4086–4099. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04874-4
Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S. W., Karazsia, B. T., & Singh, J. (2014). Mindfulness-based positive behavior support (MBPBS) for mothers of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Effects on adolescents’ behavior and parental stress. Mindfulness, 5, 646–657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-014-0321-3
Yesilkaya, M., & Magallón-Neri, E. (2024). Parental Stress Related to Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Benefit of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Parental Stress: A Systematic Review. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241235033
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