Let’s be honest, working and parenting is already tough in Nigeria. Add raising a child on the autism spectrum, and it can feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells while juggling fuel scarcity, NEPA wahala, and a never-ending to-do list.
But here’s the good news: with a few realistic hacks, some local wisdom, and a whole lot of grace, it is possible to manage both work and autism parenting without burning out.
Let’s dive into some real-life, tried-and-tested strategies that actually work in our Nigerian context and stick around for a daily guide you can customize for your own family.
1. Create a Visual Schedule
Children with autism often feel safer when they know what’s coming next. Instead of just saying, “It’s time for bath,” combi e pictures. Print or draw simple images for bath time, food, play, etc. Stick them on the wall and point as the day unfolds. This reduces tantrums and provides comforting structure.
2. Use Alarms and Timers Like a Pro
Nigerian homes are noisy and unpredictable. Your phone, however, is always nearby. Set alarms for your child’s routines (lunch at 12 PM, play at 2 PM, bedtime prep at 7 PM). Let your child hear the alarms so they associate the sound with the next activity.
3. Meal Prep for Survival
A weekday meltdown plus no electricity and no food ready equals crisis. Use weekends to cook and portion simple, healthy meals into containers…rice, yam, stew, zoodles , healthy cereals with akara. Have something easy to reheat or serve cold when chaos strikes.
4. Special Boxes for Special Moments
Need to focus on a call? Keep a box of “special” toys your child only gets during those times eg special sensory toys, flashcards, or headphones. Because the toys are rare, they hold your child’s attention better.
5. Share the Load (If Possible)
If you have a partner, relative, or house-help, don’t try to do it all alone. Split shifts. Maybe you take mornings, your spouse handles evenings. Parenting is teamwork. No medals for martyrdom.
6. Controlled Screen Time Is Not the Enemy
While too much screen time isn’t ideal, 30 minutes of a favorite show to buy an hour for work is okay. Balance screen time with interactive or outdoor play whenever possible.
7. The 45/15 Rule for Focus
Work in 45-minute chunks, then take 15 minutes to check in on your child. This reduces clinginess and guilt. Your child knows you’ll return, and you stay productive.
8. Wake Up Before the Storm
Even 30 minutes of “you time” before your child wakes can change your day. Pray, drink tea, journal, or finish a key task. That early quiet is pure gold.
9. Create a ‘Calm Corner’
Designate a peaceful sensory area with soft pillows, toys, or headphones where your child can retreat when overwhelmed. Teach them it’s a safe space to self-regulate, giving you mini-breaks and them control over emotions.
10. Use WhatsApp Voice Notes Instead of Typing
Typing long messages while managing your child is stressful. Send short voice notes to friends, colleagues, or teachers. It saves time and helps you multitask.
11. Batch Everything
Group similar tasks to reduce mental fatigue. Respond to emails at once, batch laundry, do therapy exercises consecutively. Switching less between tasks saves energy.
12. Forget the Perfect House
Your home might look messy. Dishes may pile up. Relax. Focus on what matters most, which is your child’s well-being, your sanity, and feeding everyone. Deep cleaning can wait.
13. Free Online Resources Are Your Friend
Private therapy can be expensive. YouTube channels like “Special Books by Special Kids” and local centres such as Patrick Speech Centre or Blazing Heart Autism Centre offer free resources and webinars. Use them.
14. Say “No” Without Explanation
Can’t make it to an event? Politely decline without over-explaining. Your energy and peace matter more than social obligations.
15. Outsource Without Guilt
If you can afford it, hire help, a cleaner, cook, or babysitter for a few hours a week. It’s not laziness; it’s survival. It frees you up to be present for what really matters.
A Sample Daily Guide (For Working Parents with Autistic Kids)
|
Time |
Activity | Notes |
| 5:30 AM | Wake up, pray/meditate, review day | Quiet time before the chaos |
| 6:00 AM | Prep breakfast & child’s clothes | Prep work materials too |
| 7:00 AM | Child wakes, morning routine | Use visual schedule, clear instructions |
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast + 30 mins of play | Sensory or fine motor activities |
| 9:00 AM | Settle child with special toys/screen time | Begin focused work (45-minute block) |
| 10:00 AM | Snack time + short walk/stretch | 15-minute child check-in |
| 10:30 AM | Continue work (2nd focused block) | Give child a calm activity like coloring |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch + quiet time (child may nap) | Rest or work through tasks |
| 2:00 PM | Interactive play / therapy activity | Speech games, puzzles |
| 3:00 PM | Free play + screen time (if needed) | Final work calls or tasks |
| 5:00 PM | Dinner prep + family downtime | Let child help with small tasks |
| 6:30 PM | Bath time + bedtime story | Start winding down early |
| 7:30 PM | Child’s bedtime | Use time to clean up or relax |
| 8:30 PM | Review tomorrow, pack bags, sleep | Rest, even if it’s just 6 hours |
Final Word: You’re Not Just a Parent. You’re a Warrior in Disguise
Balancing work and autism parenting in Nigeria isn’t easy. It’s demanding, emotionally draining, and sometimes thankless. But it’s also beautiful, empowering, and full of moments worth holding onto.
Don’t strive for perfection, aim for peace, progress, and presence.
If today was hard, remember: tomorrow is a new chance to try again. You’ve got this.