Published on 12, July, 2020
I was diagnosed with autism at 41 years old, just over 2 years ago and just before I had my son as a first time mum. The diagnosis has been very positive and a huge help in a lifetime of struggle. However having my son and covid has meant I have only more recently started to have headspace to try and process the diagnosis and find better strategies
There is loads I could talk about here but one of the hardest things for me is being a parent and I'm really interested to hear fro other parents with high functioning autism or aspergers on how you feel and manage
For me caring for another person who is so dependent on me is so hard. I love my son and I know I am a good parent to him but it takes everything out of me to put his needs first when really I only want to think about myself. I am constantly exhausted and think about about what my life was like when I didn't have this responsibility. Granted many parents feel this way but it's definitely worse because of my autism. My partner shares the same parenting fatigue but not the feelings about being oppressed and put upon and I have become depressed
What do other people do to cope?
Hi,
I like you have autism but i have 2 young children.
I can relate to how you feel.
Unfortunately I dont really have any help, i am also finding things hard but here to chat if you need to x
Hi there. What things do you find difficult? For me it's a lot about having to always put someone first who totally relies on you, and never having my own space. Granted my son is 2 and full on toddler and I'm hoping some if the particular challenges will ease as he gets more independent however I didn't expect parenting to make me feel this way. I stupidly thought having a baby would help me feel more 'normal'! That was before my diagnosis.
Do you get much time to yourself? I do think that's important although I think bigger picture it's still about having to find ways day to day to cope