Constantly Being on High Alert Exhausting

As a parent of a child with autism, I feel like I'm constantly on high alert. While there are a lot of resources and blogs out there about younger kids, my son is entering his teen years and I have more questions (and angst) than ever before. I decided to start a blog on my experiences as a way to express my feelings and if I'm able to help someone else going through the same thing or help someone without an autistic child better understand what I go through daily, then all the better.
I rarely get a break from the parenting realm. Earlier this year, I went on a business trip to Madison (that's the cool photo from above) for a dairy conference; I'm a freelance writer and the dairy industry is one area I focus on. It was such a huge relief to not worry about Michael's daily medication, if he used deodorant, brushed his teeth, his homework -- well you get the picture. Since my husband was very busy with work (he's an accountant), my mom came to help with the kids for three days and two nights. I think that experience gave her a little more perspective on what I deal with daily.
I get so tired sometimes, but I keep telling myself I need to keep moving forward and can't give up. Michael is counting on me.