I’m a partner, a friend, a sister, a daughter, an employee, and, most importantly, a parent of two amazing children — one of whom is on the autism spectrum. I’m not afraid to get vulnerable or talk about certain parts of my life. I recognize — and respect — that not everyone shares the same comfort level. But if I can help just one person, it’s all worth it.

That said, being the parent of a child with a disability can be isolating and overwhelming at times. Think of it as being a project manager. You’re making appointments for the therapies your child needs. You’re attending IEP meetings at your child’s school. You’re reinforcing what your child learns when at home, so they don’t lose those skills. The list goes on. Add another full-time job (in my case, working for a publishing company) to the mix, coupled with my own mental health issues, and the burnout is real.

The No. 1 question is: How do these parents balance it all? Get a support system in place. Well, what if you don’t have one? My husband is a great teammate, but we don’t have other family members or friends to lean on for babysitting, for example. (My son is nonverbal and has high needs that they aren’t equipped to handle.)

As my colleague mentioned, local, state, and federal governments offer programs that can help. However, these vary by state, so do your research. Several states offer programs that allow parents to be paid for caring for their autistic child, primarily through Medicaid or other state-funded programs. Talk to others in similar situations. (That is where sharing can make a difference.)

Talk to your supervisor. Some flexibility and empathy go a long way in employee retention. Regular daycare centers lack specialized instructors who can effectively care for children with disabilities. And while the school day may end around 2:30 p.m., the workday does not. I’m fortunate to work for someone who knows I’ll get my tasks done on time even if they are happening outside the traditional 9-to-5 work hours. Others are not, and that’s why it’s common to hear about one parent (in a two-parent household) leaving their job for one that offers lesser pay, but better hours.

Maybe that doesn’t sound like balance. I’m admittedly still learning and figuring out what balance looks like. Just remember, we’re all doing the best we can. Try not to lose sight of that.