3 autistic children, so tired :0

[SurvivingAndSometimesThriving]

Hello,
First post, here goes....I have 3 autistic children under 8 and have newly separated from husband (he is on the autisic spectrum too and turned out be a lonely,draining and business like marriage that I couldn't bare any more).

So, here I am since 3am trying to get them back to bed as they have all had sleep issues and 8 years in, I'm so so so tired, sad, stressed and depressed at just how hard this journey is.

No significant family support, good friends but so burnt out from years and years of sleeplessness, tantrums, PDA, school changes, admin and just generally always feeling like the ones struggling- eg. all my neighbours know our family for Sen reasons.

I am not posting for practical suggestions, as explored/exploring nearly every support know to himanity...often with rejection but I press on ...just a hand hold as just so sad and overwhelmed and deciding to break free of a bad marriage was right but of course overnights are now mostly my job so my life has got harder in other ways.

Thank you for reading x

Hi 👋
Im a mum of 2 autistic kids aged almost 5 and 3.5. It’s draining. It’s hard work. And most of all it’s so frustrating and lonely. I feel your struggle completely. But you’re doing an amazing job. ❤️

I’m sorry, I struggle with one and I can’t imagine what it’s like with three. 💐
At least you’re rid of your ex; one of the main reasons I broke up with mine is I realised how much easier it was without him. Literally felt like having another child in the house.

Thank you for your message. Yh it does feel soooooo much healthier in the house not having that 'extra man child' to care for. Do you have much support around you? I have friends, no family here. The behaviour challenges and sleep issues are the parts that really, really test me. x

Thank you for messaging- you have young children too- well done to you too for all that you do. I hear you on the loneliness part, though I have friendships, when the door closes and the challenges begin, its like being cut off from the world and trapped. Is your 3 year old in nursery so you get some rest/freedom? x

Wishing you all the best. It's a funny time at the moment with school starting up again but it WILL get easier. Parenting teens has its own huge set of challenges, but sleep deprivation is a recognised torture method in itself.