Biechthoekje
Being a mother with autism
Assie6919
Hi mamas,
I just need to get this off my chest.
I'm a young mom (24) with a son who's 19 months old.
Ever since I was pregnant with him, I've been depressed and things haven't been going well. Now, 19 months later, I've been diagnosed with ASD (autism).
I often feel like all the other moms know what they're doing much better than I do.
I'm really happy with my son, but everything takes so much energy.
Getting him out of bed, making food, keeping him occupied, staying calm—it all takes an enormous amount of energy from me, which leaves me feeling very tired and overstimulated.
Because I have ASD, the overstimulation is always there. I can't block out the stimuli because everything feels like a stimulus.
I feel so guilty towards my son, and because I'm often irritated, he runs away from me.
He sits calmly with his dad, watching TV and drinking. But the moment I sit down with him, he runs away or gets very hyper.
Often, I don't know what to do anymore, and I'm so glad he's in bed so I don't have to worry for a bit.
Are there any other mamas who experience this and have any tips?
I just need to get this off my chest.
I'm a young mom (24) with a son who's 19 months old.
Ever since I was pregnant with him, I've been depressed and things haven't been going well. Now, 19 months later, I've been diagnosed with ASD (autism).
I often feel like all the other moms know what they're doing much better than I do.
I'm really happy with my son, but everything takes so much energy.
Getting him out of bed, making food, keeping him occupied, staying calm—it all takes an enormous amount of energy from me, which leaves me feeling very tired and overstimulated.
Because I have ASD, the overstimulation is always there. I can't block out the stimuli because everything feels like a stimulus.
I feel so guilty towards my son, and because I'm often irritated, he runs away from me.
He sits calmly with his dad, watching TV and drinking. But the moment I sit down with him, he runs away or gets very hyper.
Often, I don't know what to do anymore, and I'm so glad he's in bed so I don't have to worry for a bit.
Are there any other mamas who experience this and have any tips?
Replies
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Steven Guest #2
With a little one, it's a bit of figuring things out for everyone, though many won't say it out loud. When they cry, you notice things, like if they have a full diaper, are dressed too warmly, or are hungry. And you rule out those things until you find out why they're crying.
Maybe you can outsource cleaning the house. That way, you'll have more energy left for the baby. Or maybe leave the baby with the grandparents for one night a week to recharge. You're doing your best; with autism, everything is a bit harder, but you can trust that you're doing the right thing.
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