u/Douchebak

Hey guys. 46 year old girl dad here. My little girl is 5,5 years old.

She is high functioning autistic/Aspergers. Her condition (not sure if this is the right word, English is not my first language) manifests in physical and verbal hyper activity.

She basically starts talking and running around at 7AM at stops around 9PM. Every thought, every tiny idea is verbalized. Every point if interest, an object, a tree, a toy - has to be inspected, investigated. I consider myself highly knowledgeable about all things autism and my girl’s needs in particular. She is in adequate therapy, sensory integration and social training type of stuff since she was two. This brings tremendous benefits. But only to a point. She needs that physical activity, she needs to bang around on rollerblades, and whatnot. That, and non stop talking, is her way to regulate. It’s not going away.

Thing is I have a hard time to keep up. I cannot match the energy level, the intensity. I do have a bunch of issues myself. On top of being just old, I have a fucked back and a medical condition resulting in asymmetry between right and left part of my body. I compensate, but it is exhausting and by 4PM I am usually beat. On top of that I’m a single dad, with hardly anyone to help so I can catch a breather. No complaining, it is what it is.

I do what’s right. No smoking, no drinking, trying to eat right, 8 hours of sleep and no revenge staying up late, eating veggies, avoiding sweets, hydrate, vitamins, stretching/yoga, regular doctor checkups, black coffee, eating nuts, sitting down whenever I can, even for 30 seconds. All the usual, recommended stuff.

But I am still falling behind. I cannot match my little one's energy. It is a bummer when I’m not able to read to her goodnight, just like last night. Just too exhausted.

Looking for recommendations, tips. I am willing to experiment with stuff to energize myself so I can keep going. Green tea? Diet adjustments? Exercise routine? I am open to anything, just do not recommend cocaine 😄
Thanks!

EDIT:
Thanks for suggestions and food for thought! I talked to my doctor and set up a most complete set of tests later this week (blood, urine, crap, heart, etc.). I will try to science the shit out of this. Also, I decided to cut caffeine after noon, as I learned it stays in your system for 10-12 hours and even if you fall asleep ok, it may mess up deep sleep phase.