As Autism Parents, we tend to constantly be ensuring that our children have everything they need, many times at the cost of neglecting ourselves. Because let’s face it, in reality if we do not ensure we are taking good care of ourselves, how could we really help our children properly? I decided to make some changes in my life that have brought me great energy, the ability to think more clearly and at the same time feel amazing…I became Vegan.
For those who are not very familiar with what it means to be a Vegan… Veganism is a way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose. If we are talking strictly in terms of diet, vegans exclude meat (And yes, fish included), all dairy, eggs and honey. It is one of the best decisions I ever made. I also try to exercise regularly and will soon start running as well. I blog all about Veganism here:
I think it is imperative for each Autism parent to do things that will help them physically and mentally. I believe exercising is a great way to release stress as well as getting some of those “happy” endorphins. But exercising and feeding your body trash at the same time makes little sense, not so? So both exercising and nourishing your body properly can help you feel great and have the ability to cope better with the challenges associated with parenthood and autism.
As an Autism parent of 3, I cannot afford to be sick because if I am sick, my boys will feel the consequences. People are surprised when I say I haven’t been sick in years and I mean years. No flu, no cold, no stomach aches, no vomiting, no nothing! This isn’t because I am lucky, I believe there is a strong correlation between illness and what we eat but we are so used to being sick that we seem to pass it as something ordinary and normal.
We are worth it; we do deserve to treat ourselves with love and respect. We only got one body and one mind and I am convinced that making the right choices with regards to our physical being can help us and our children better because they need us strong and healthy. Autism isn’t a walk in the park for many parents, it requires sometimes all your physical and mental energy as well as vitality to cope and go on. Just imagine how better you could be if you decide to start exercising today, start making right choices with regards to foods and head towards the road of health.
We can make a million excuses why we cannot do it but as we get older and realize life is precious AND very short…we will also realize it is time to make a few changes that can help us in the long run and benefit of our children. A child with autism becomes an adult with autism. They will always need us and we need to ensure we are healthy enough to go through this autism roller-coaster in the best shape possible.
You can do it! 
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