When the going gets tough where do you go? Drop us some ideas in the comment section and share what works for you.

Angie and I have found it critical that we get "me" time so that we can give it our all when it comes to "family time". When you have a child with autism, you must always be "on" and full speed. Autism is no picnic, and you are not ever given a hall pass when you have a child with a neurobiological disorder. His brain won't slow down and he sleeps only 2 hours a night. Who is going to watch him? Your child bangs their head, is self-injurious, and doesn't grasp that jumping from high spots can lead to limbs breaking or even worse. You're tired. Who is going to watch her? It's the middle of the night and you are trapped with no where to go. Who is giving you a break?

Mom Time:
Angie and I learned the "trade" very early on. One of you has to be on; therefore, one of you needs to be reenergizing. Then you trade. Angie used to be extremely enthralled in scrapbooking before autism took over. Angie still goes on "scrap nights" with her good buddy Danielle. They will meet up at a local scrap hang out and do whatever scrapbook pros do for 5-8-10 hours. Sometimes these sessions start at 5pm and end at 5am. She may be worn out and tired BUT she has refilled her tank. Twice a year she will go to full-on scrap book weekends in Canton, TX. This is a bed & breakfast setup with massages and scrapbooking marathons that last well into the early morning hours. Without these essential breaks, Angie would have been gone a long time ago.

Additionally, Angie and her best friends from college meet up for "Girl's Weekend" once a year. I have no clue what they do and relish the fact that these have become a sacred weekend for her. I am sure they share stories, play games, talk girl/sister/daughter/wife/mom talk......geez, they sure play a lot of roles, don't they. These are some of the most wonderful, beautiful, most precious women I have ever known. They are as much my friends as they are Angie's. I have watched tears fall from her eyes when she just longed to get away from the reality of our lives to spend just a few more hours in the safety of her friends.

Run, walk, move:
At one point in our early autism days, Sam had a broken femur (that's a whole other blog) around the age of two years and two months. With extra support from GG (Grandma Ginger) around the house, we would pop out for little runs together. We ended up in D.C. and successfully completed the Marine Corps Marathon. Not a bad result for two people trying to stay connected and figure out how to survive.

The Work Escape:
For a long time, work was an escape that had purpose and gave me results that justified my actions. After a period of time, I realized the money, the therapy, the private schools will never replace being fully engaged and connected to my family. We have a wonderful and powerful marriage because of what we have learned from traveling these extremely tough roads that autism has taken us down. I would not wish them on my worst enemy. But, our marriage and outlook on life is more rich than I ever dreamed

Single Parent:
I can't even begin to imagine what you are going through. Your load is multiplied and your hard work and dedication is rarely acknowledged.

I strongly encourage you to find some form of respite care through a church, family member, support group, therapist or teacher who knows your child and is willing to help you get a break. These people can make all the difference in the world. We have been blessed by a wonderful young woman (Kaitlyn) who has babysat for us and cared for our boys like they were her very own. She has been an angel to our family.

I haven't found what my outlet is just yet. A number of years ago I went skiing with some guys, I played a little indoor soccer, and injuries prevented my return to triathlons. What the getaway and my outlets will end up being now, I just don't know. We'll see what ideas I get from all of you.