Financial Assistance for parents with autistic children?

by Nicole Yeatman
(Prescott, Ontario)

I have a 2 year old son who was diagnosed with severe autism as well as is global developmentally delayed. My time is consumed with running to appointment almost every day or other day for his special needs.

I have recently became a single mother and find it difficult to support our family, as I am a stay at home mom receiving the child tax credit. I don't think Welfare would be an option, as my husband will be paying me my half of the house.

I was wondering is the government has some sort of long term stress disability for parents, as raising my son is very challenging, especially when he goes to bed after midnight and sleeps only for 7.5 hours each night.

Daycare is challenging for naptime, so I have to pick him up before then, otherwise he will require an evening nap and I will be up until 3am. Its hard to find a job when I don't get much sleep as is, and my days are scheduled for all his appointments to attend.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Nicole