Episode 57: From Burnout to Breakthroughs: An Autism Mom Finds Her Voice

Does it sound familiar? As a parent of a child with autism, have you been told to simply 'tough it out' when facing the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and practicing self-care? 

The result is often feelings of isolation, frustration, and burnout, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. But there is a better way. Let's explore effective strategies and essential tips to overcome these challenges and improve your well-being as a parent of a child with autism.

In this episode, we will discuss:

·       How to overcome the challenges faced by parents of children with autism to have an improved quality of life for the entire family.

·       Be your own advocate in healthcare to ensure that your child's unique needs are met with understanding and compassion.

·       Recognizing caregiver isolation and burnout and how to find key strategies to maintain your well-being and resilience.

·       The power of support for family caregivers which leads to a stronger, more sustainable caregiving journey.

My special guest is Sarah Stelmach-Brown

Sarah Stelmach-Brown is a dedicated caregiving advocate with a major focus on autism, neurodivergence, and Alzheimer's disease. As the host of the podcasts Caregiver Chronicles and Autism Out and About, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. A mother of two boys on the autism spectrum, Sarah's background also includes work as a certified nursing assistant and certified medication technician in various caregiving settings. Her raw and passionate approach, coupled with her personal and professional experiences, allows Sarah to fearlessly tackle serious topics while infusing wit to bring levity to challenging situations. Through her podcasts, Sarah aims to help caregivers from all walks of life connect with others and advocate for better care for those in need

I think sharing resources and connecting family caregivers, reminding people they're not alone, those are our primary goals. Caregiver isolation is a huge factor in burnout - Sarah Stelmach-Brown

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:00 - Challenges of Parenting a Child with ASD

00:01:22 - The Lifelong Impact of Autism

00:02:26 - Sarah's Caregiving Journey

00:03:44 - From Burnout to Caregiver Chronicles

00:15:29 - Accessing Healthcare for Children with Special Needs

00:16:20 - Hospital Choices and Insurance Coverage

00:18:45 - Fragmented Healthcare System

00:23:42 - Being Your Own Advocate

00:27:08 - Advice for Newly Diagnosed Parents

00:30:17 - Navigating the Healthcare System as a Family Caregiver

00:31:15 - Caregiver Isolation and Gratitude

00:32:14 - Overcoming Isolation and Self-Care Tips

00:32:56 - Acknowledging the Importance of Caregiver Support

00:33:22 - Preview of Next Episode

Resources:

Caregiver Chronicles

Autism Out and About

Caregiver Chronicles - Connect and Resources