Is it suppose to be this hard?

[CandyCaneSpoon]

Embarrassed to admit this but I just can't do this anymore, I'm failing as a parent. I can't get my kids to school on time I'm too exhausted. I have 4 and 2 of them are autistic they don't sleep at night and I'm exhausted I can't even get up in the mornings where I've been up all night and I've had no sleep, I never get a break from them, they don't see their father and I have no family. I'm constantly exhausted and the tiredness is making me very depressed as I'm struggling to function doing it alone but now I'm failing even more because I can't get them to school on time. I have constant meetings because of lateness and they are constantly on at me which I understand and I will not tell them this as I do not want them to think I can't cope and report me. I don't know what else to do I'm extremely exhausted that it's affecting my life and the children's. I don't think one person is suppose to be doing this alone, if I had the occasional break from them I wouldn't be so exhausted and would have some energy. sleep deprivation is killing me so please no judgment please scroll past on if you are going to judge. has anyone got any advice on how i can be less exhausted?.

Ah OP, this is too much for anyone.

I've read a lot about melatonin for sleeping - guess I you might have tried all this.

You desperately just need a break. Is there anyone at all who can help and give you just one night off.

I was going to suggest bribing the eldest ( if they are old enough to get it) to help out. It depends on ages and whether the more challenging kids are the oldest/ youngest.

Are there any family members that can help out in any way shape or form? How old are your DCs with ASD? DS2 has ASD & SLD. When he was 6 he started going to a special needs play scheme in the holidays and an after school club, which was some respite at least & I could concentrate on other 3 DCs. A few years later we go overnight respite (short breaks). Could you find out if there's anything like this available in your area?

No unfortunately I have family but they won't help me out with my children I dont speak to them anymore for various reasons. It is my oldest 2 that are autistic so they cannot help out and they keep my younger 2 awake at night I've actually had to move my youngest into my room as she couldn't share with her sister anymore as she was keeping her up all night but it hasn't changed much due to how loud she is.

Do you have a FLO ( family liaison officer) at school who could help you?

Mine worked with me when I had trouble getting my asd children to school.

This is the primary that have issues with the lateness. The oldest is home educated so not a responsibility of the school my 2 in primary are NT.

I feel for you very much I have a 6 year old autistic son and sleep can be challenging.. have you tried magnesium a lot of people swear by this.?
also I try to remove things from bedroom such as toys to create a calmer environment that isn't as stimulating. And a dim night light has also made a difference we have resorted to taking big light bulb out at a certain time of night.
what ages are your children ? Also try speaking to social services they are not the bad guys everyone makes out to be. May be able to help with respite or services?

Sorry but under no circumstances would I contact them. I've had dealings with them before due to ex partner and it was not pleasant I will say. I'm open to trying anything else.