bluestar.blog

Respite care – two words that became a lifeline for me as an autism mom. In the early days of my journey, I had no clue what it meant. My daughter needed me around the clock, and the idea of leaving her even for a moment was overwhelming. I was on the edge of burnout.

Then, another autism mom I met at a social group noticed my exhaustion and lovingly told me that I looked terrible. She introduced me to the concept of respite care, how it had been a game-changer for her, and even gave me the contact information for an agency.

It was a revelation, the beginning of my understanding of the importance of being connected to the autism community. I learned that anyone can benefit from respite, especially caregivers of loved ones with disabilities. Taking care of yourself is vital, and respite care can provide that much-needed break.

If you’re new to the idea of respite care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s doctor or case manager. They can guide you to the right resources. Just ask someone, start somewhere, remember to prioritize self-care. 💙