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Parenting a child with special needs can create an overwhelming mental and emotional load.

Burned-out parents often function in survival mode.

Burnout does not mean you are a bad parent.

Parenting is the hardest job I’ve ever had. I say that often to myself and to parents with whom I work. Parenting a child with ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning differences, or other special needs can add another layer of emotional and physical demands. Appointments, therapies, school meetings, evaluations, medications, homework, behavioral challenges, and constant communication with professionals can leave parents feeling like you’re always on and needing to keep track of the next detail or appointment. This can be a perpetual cycle with some moments of respite, but the demand is strong. This often leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, overextended, tired, and just plain old burned-out.

1. The Mental Load Is Real

The invisible and visible mental load is very real. Parents are remembering the big things like therapy schedules, advocating at school, and friendships, while also thinking about and anticipating your child’s potential triggers and how to challenge your child so he or she can continue to make progress. This constant sense of responsibility and anticipating what’s next leads to emotional exhaustion, irritability, difficulty........

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