Check to see if there are others in the same boat. You can't be the only one who has a high functioning autistic child in the area. Maybe you can talk them into letting you start a group for parents with high functioning children just for support and ideas. It is always nice to talk to someone who understands your life and has similar problems. Can't hurt to check the worst that can happen is they say no.

As to feeling guilty for getting a break don't worry about it. I stayed at home with mine and everyone needs a break. Kids are hard and autism adds another layer of hard to that. Home schooling in someways does too. Is there a home schooling group around you. I have a friend who home schooled and she was in a group that got together every few months. They helped each other and the kids got some time with others.

Once when mine were little my poor husband walked in the door hadn't even removed his boots when I was at the door telling him I was going to the basement and never coming back!! I don't even remember what all had happened that day but it was too much for me that day. Now that I'm a grandma and babysitting I have finally learned an important lesson. If the baby is napping and I'm tired I nap too. Dishes and laundry will still be waiting and we have more fun when we are not tired and cranky