Raising Autistic Children as a Single Mother

As a single mother, you may not have resources, time and energy because of all your responsibilities. Though you would do anything for your autistic child, sometimes you need a little help. Taking everything upon yourself will only increase your stress when what your child needs first is a healthy, happy caretaker.

  1. Practical Parenting Tips

    • According to Single Minded Women.com, it's essential that you set goals for your family and create routines that help you work towards these goals. Autistic children do best when their lives follow a schedule, so if your goal is to take your child to a children's museum, work toward it slowly by bringing him for a few minutes every Saturday morning. As tempting as it may be to stay home to avoid criticism from others, your child will have a difficult time interacting in the world if going out isn't part of his early childhood routine. It's important for your sanity that you get out of your house, too.

    Financial Assistance

    • Both State and Federal government offer assistance for low-income women to offset the cost of childcare, food and vaccines. If you're going through a divorce or job loss, you may qualify for temporary assistance such as food stamps, housing assistance or Medicaid (health insurance). Use the government Benefit Finder in "Resources" to see if you qualify. Aside from government assistance, financial aid is available to help with medical expenses through an autism organization like Autism Speaks, the Autism Society of America or the ARCH National Respite Locator.

    Autism Support Groups

    • No parent will understand your situation better than the parent of a special needs child will. At a local autism support group, you'll learn what worked and what didn't from both new and seasoned parents. You'll learn about autism through workshops led by medical experts and educators, and many of these groups offer reliable childcare, so you can focus on learning and socializing. Autism Source.org is a great place to find an autism society near you.

    Coping With Stress

    • Parenting is stressful, so it's natural to feel burned out or resentful of your child from time to time. Chances are, your friends and family want to help you but don't know where to start. Be specific about what you need. For example, ask your best friend to research insurance companies if you don't have time, or ask your neighbor to pick up your child from school on specific days. Find babysitters through your local support group who are experienced with autistic children, and take some time to do whatever relieves your stress; rock climbing, horseback riding, going on a date or seeing a movie may give you the respite you need.

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