I work 40 or more hours as a 911 Dispatcher and another job as an on call Crisis Social Worker. I have always worked so my daughter has not known different. She went to a public daycare when she was 6 weeks old, and when she was old enough went to preschool. I am not saying it has not been a struggle but it has helped keep me sane. My daughter is now 13, she is HF autistic. She was diagnosed PDD-NOS just within the last year. If I know then what I know now I would still not change a thing concerning me working outside the home. My working does affect her sometimes in a negative way, but in positive ways as well. I know that I use work as one of my outlets. Working allows me time away from my daughter and I can focus on other parts of my life. If you want to work outside the home it may be very stressful, especially at first. Just remember to allow yourself time to find what works for you and your families unique situation. You will not find something right away that works but don't get discouraged. If this is something important to you I would encourage you to pursue this. When you have a special needs child it is easy to become consumed in their world, but there is a whole other life outside the life you have come to know. Just be patient and you might find this is not the time. Maybe it is, but if not than wait a while and try again. I hope this helps, good luck and thanks for asking a great question.

It's so hard to work while raising a special needs child. Unfortunately, I had no choice because I am the primary bread-winner in my family. I've always worked. I was fortunate though that my son got a Medicaid waiver at age 4 so I was able to get services for caregivers. I used the waiver to train those caregivers as ABA therapists. Then a few years ago, my company started to let me telework a couple days a week, which means I don't need to take as much leave now since I don't have the commute when I go to meetings, etc. You need good supports in place in order to work and raise children at the same time.

My son was diagnosed at 4 years old and I was a newly divorced mom with a corporate job that included a lot of overnight travel. I could not afford "special needs daycare" so I created my own. I found a wonderful single mom from Mexico who was willing to learn about autism and help me raise my son. She moved in with me Mon-Fri (her daughter came too!) and together we created our own little family unit. She was with me until I remarried when Jay was 10. I couldn't have done it without her!

Sorry I'm just a Mr. Mum, hope my input is valuable. I had to change my profession due to my son's needs. I was an accountant but now work from home as a day trader (trading in stocks, options and currency trading). My schedule affords me the opportunities to work around his schedule and get him to school. As a single father of twin boys, aged 4 1/2 yrs old, my day starts at 5:30 am, doing research and placing my trades before the market opens, get them ready for school and dropping them off @ 7:45. Since no day care is fully equipped to see to his needs, it's been difficult finding a care for him after school. It has been a challenge, but we do have to make reasonable adjustments for our loved ones. Take heart and things would work itself out. Best of luck.

I have always worked, it keeps me sane and I am more able to relax when with my severely autistic son.

He was not properly diagnosed until age 5 at my insistence to be tested. That was like 16 yrs ago when it was not well known.

He does not speak or potty trained yet. He is getting better with the toilet but still does not go on his own and still wears pull ups. Does not use silverware well and so mostly finger foods. We had swallowing issues his first 5 years and ate no solid food.

He has always been in a handicapped school with all levels of autistic kids. That works best as he can watch the more functioning kids and learn from them.

We have always had family caring for him, I have been lucky there. 6 yrs ago a girl came to live with us who in time did very well with him. She is like a big sister. She now gets paid for her hours from the Dept of Rehabilitation in Illinois. She lives with us during the week so I can work full time and goes home to her family on the weekends.

He will be in school until his 22nd birthday, one more year.

He is an awesome young man, happy and healthy and most of all loved.