Advice for Caregivers

Whether you’re a parent, a friend, a family member, or some other kind of caregiver, you know that caring for a child with autism can be exhausting. With the holidays around the corner and the added pressure of holiday travel, visiting family, and hosting relatives, you may find yourself feeling stretched thin. And it’s no surprise – with you giving all your care and energy to others, who is caring for the caregiver? Today, we’re sharing 5 pieces of advice to help you practice self-care and feel renewed and refreshed.

Ask for Help

Asking for help can be difficult, but don’t hesitate to accept support that’s offered to you. Asking for help doesn’t always have to mean caring for your child, either. Something as simple as doing a load of laundry, cooking dinner, or going to the grocery store can free up your plate and give you a chance to take a breath.

Talk to Someone

Caregivers of children with autism experience a lot, and keeping it bottled up can wear you down. Finding someone to talk to and share your feelings with can help you feel more supported and understand what you’re feeling.

Keep a Journal

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone, or just want to spend more time exploring your feelings independently, consider keeping a journal. Journaling allows you to let go of your feelings and can help you manage anxiety, reduce stress, and cope with depression. [1]

Take a Break

Allow yourself a few minutes to yourself, even if it’s just a walk around your block. Let go of any guilt you feel during this time by reminding yourself that your time away will help you feel renewed for the responsibilities you’ll return to.

Consider Training

At Trumpet, we know autism affects each family member in different ways, and what works for some children won’t work for others. To help you support your child with autism, we offer parent education programs to help you learn effective techniques for parenting a child with autism. You’ll be able to talk with an instructor about your child’s specific behaviors and learn strategies to help you manage tantrums and teach new skills.

Although it may be difficult to try these self-care techniques, making time for yourself will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to provide the best care possible for the child in your life.

 

[1] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentID=4552&ContentTypeID=1