I got everything I needed to get done this morning, done. That’s pretty awesome.

That being said, it’s one of those days where I am just so beat, I ended up having to take a nap. It may seem like taking a nap is more of a choice and I guess in a way it is but for an Autism parent like myself, it’s not that simple.

I had reached a point where I was simply no longer going to be able to function. It’s hard to understand and I don’t mean any offense to regular parents out there because all parenting is tough.

So often, Autism parents are tasked with having to function on levels that regular parents rarely or ever even have to and we do so with little or no sleep. I’m not talking the odd night where you can’t sleep. I’m talking long term, chronic sleep deprivation.

This is the kind of sleep deprivation that can have major impacts on your physical and mental health, not to mentions ones ability to even function.

Every family is different but this isn’t some grand secret. This is a well known issue that impacts many, if not most of the special needs parents in the world.

That’s a bit of Autism Parenting Woes 101…

As for my original point, I had reached a state where I just couldn’t stay awake any longer and I ended up having to take a nap. I was feeling woozy and even a bit nauseous. This life just takes its toll and I’ve been at it for 15 years now.

After a two hour nap, I’m feeling a little better because I have replenished some of my reserve and while I’m grateful, I know it’s not going to get me far.

That’s the thing I think the world at large doesn’t quite understand.

Sleep for an Autism parent is like replenishing the fumes in the gas tank of a car that’s already only running on fumes. Raising a child with Autism simply requires more than what limited amounts of sleep can ever replenish.