As a parent, your primary concern will always be your child’s well-being. When raising children with autism, it can be challenging to balance a career with the daily support they need to be successful and comfortable. Your child has many unique demands to manage, which can and will sometimes conflict with your work schedule. However, with a little preparation and a fit, supportive atmosphere, you can continue to work while providing your child with all the care they need to thrive.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips and tools available to working parents who are looking for the best way to raise children with autism while continuing to pursue their careers.
Creating a supportive environment
Finding the right support is invaluable when trying to find the perfect balance between work and care. Whether you’re looking for an extra hand to assist you with your work hours or you need financial support to get care services, there are resources out there that can assist ease the burden.
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your child is to join a support group. You’ll get amazing advice from other working parents who have experienced both success and failure in different ways. This knowledge will assist you develop a plan that works for you and your family. Groups don’t just meet in person—there are a number of online support groups that work well for parents on the go, such as Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (YES).
There are also a lot of local resources in your community that are focused on providing parents with financial assistance for childcare while they are at work. During the summer holidays, finding childcare while you are working can be especially challenging and costly. Programs like CARE Family Program can not only assist cover the cost of medications and diagnosis, but also assist finance your child’s participation in summer camps for children with autism.
For parents who travel for work, getting respite care is another useful support option. Respite care is a short-term option available to caregivers who need time away from home, whether for personal or professional reasons. Ephemeral caregivers are paid hourly, and while this option is only used for a few days to a month, it can become quite costly over time.
Fortunately, there are respite care grants available, such as: Family Independent Care Voucher Program organized by the Colorado Respite Care Program. This program specifically offers last-resort financial resources to low-income individuals who need assistance paying for respite care services.
Balancing work and childcare
Even with a wealth of helpful local resources at your disposal, finding the right balance between work and parenting can be overwhelming. Depending on your career goals and personal skills, you should strive to work flexibly whenever possible.
Telecommuting is becoming more accessible, especially for those in tech and customer service. Many companies will even provide you with the equipment you need to get started, as well as subsidize internet access and electricity bills. This is a great option for those who feel stressed about leaving miniature children at home with a nanny during the day.
In any job, remote or otherwise, it’s essential to be crystal clear with your employer about your situation. This means communicating your child’s needs to your employer so that you can come to a solution that works for everyone involved. Because children with autism often miss school for health reasons, it’s essential to prepare your work for any sudden absences. Create a plan to temporarily delegate your workload to coworkers, and let your boss know as soon as you know about this change in your schedule.
One way to stay organized amidst chaos or changing plans is to create clear, visual goals for work tasks that align with your abilities as a working parent. SMART Goal Setting Method can be helpful for working parents because it sets specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound criteria that assist you stay on track no matter the conditions. Setting achievable goals can restore your sense of confidence, assist you stay composed, and prove to your employer that you have the tools to overcome whatever life throws at you.
Optimizing home life
At the end of the day, you are more than a boss, employee, or parent. You are a person with needs and desires for personal fulfillment and joy. It is essential to find time to take care of yourself every day. For example, having a regular wellness routine can assist you wind down at the end of the day with soothing bath products, lovely scents, and stress-relieving, low-impact exercises like yoga.
Furthermore, self-care includes knowing when to reach out for support. You owe it to yourself to find relief and assist – reach out to close friends or family to assist you with tasks like cooking meals or doing laundry to take the weight off your shoulders.
Time management is also a key part of home life for working parents. Establishing a routine for each day can assist alleviate the negative symptoms of autism in a child. Routines also provide a clear structure for completing essential daily tasks, reducing stress for everyone involved. Eat meals at the same time each day and always include an hour or two of playtime during the day, such as a trip to the park or solving a puzzle together.
Overall, proper support and thoughtful, thoughtful planning are key aspects of the work of raising children with autism. While it is effortless to get bogged down in the effort itself, it is essential to know that there are always resources available to you to assist you be a successful and joyful working parent.