For thirteen years I single-parented my son, Thomas, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome when he was four. Now Thomas is a 21-year-old college student. As I look back on our journey together, I can’t help but realize the progress we’ve made. Single parenting a special needs child was difficult at times. I discovered that having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), my decision to divorce became substantially more complex.
My ex-husband and I sought out weekly family counseling. We both understood that we were struggling during that transitional time, almost as much as Thomas. I remember asking for assistance at times from family and friends. I took comfort in knowing I was doing the best I could do at any given time.
When your marriage ends, it’s common to feel a number of emotions. Guilt, depression, anger, or even relief. Allow yourself to feel all of these emotions. It takes time to heal. You’ve made a life-altering decision that affects you, your spouse and your child or children. Ending your relationship is a major loss, and it’s a process to cope with this loss. You may experience grief.
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Simple Tips Single-Parents with an Autistic Child Need to Know
And as difficult as it may seem, once you accept this transition you will understand that your responsibilities are changing, and find the confidence in yourself as a single parent. Embrace new possibilities for personal growth. Trust yourself. Surround yourself with friends and family who support your decision. It’s a new beginning for you and your child. Move forward. An optimistic view is important. Connect with like-minded parents who will provide you with support, encouragement and help when you need it.
Single parenting a child with ASD can be isolating at times. Find support in your community; reach out to other single parents with special needs kids. Ask them about their strategies, and what’s been successful for them and their child. Join an ASD support group. And if there is not one, create one. That’s what I did. I went to our local bookstore, told them I wanted to hold a monthly meeting and they agreed. We met there for eight years, where I had guest speakers every month who were experienced in the field of autism. Although divorce is a difficult decision, single parenting is doable. It really is.
Here are some tips for people who find themselves single-parenting an ASD child:
1. Take time for yourself
Go for a walk, get a massage, sleep. It’s ok to rejuvenate yourself to be a better parent. It’s important do things for yourself in addition to your ASD child.
2. Make new rules
Cook less, clean less, and live on less income. Don’t try to be the perfect parent. I did all of these things. It released so much pressure I’d put on myself when I first became a single parent.
3. Ask for assistance
Involve friends and family. Create a Grandparents Day for your child to share. Be willing to ask for help and accept when you need it. For example, trade carpooling with another parent.
4. Pick a Special Day to share with your ASD child
Choose a day of the week to spend with your child and let him/her plan the day. Like a movie day, a special restaurant meal or take them to pick out a new book from your local book store.
5. Create a new budget. Make a list of your needs and wants and prioritize your list. For example, need: speech therapy, social skills group, occupational therapy, Wants: assistive technology, special interest books, or any extracurricular activity like soccer or art class.
This article was featured in Issue 40 – Conquering Stress
