Hi losthusband. I think most everyone here has said important things. pacman wrote exactly what first came to my mind.

I am wondering if the diagnosis of your child with autism triggered your wife's bipolar disorder. Very often bipolar is triggered by some stressful event, but it is generally thought that people are genetically predisposed to developing the disorder. My grandmother was first triggered by the birth of her youngest child, who had Down's Syndrome. My two nephews were diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (on the autism spectrum). Of course it was/is a stress for all involved. I hope your child is getting some therapy, as well. It's my opinion that supplements or medications likely do little good, but direction about socialization and adapting to the world, socially, is important. I think my nephew's received too little too late.

I have read very similar stories to yours many times, so please don't feel alone.

I hope the Lamictal helps your wife. She's still at lower doses, so be patient. Also, it may or may not do the full trick. I hope it does. Many of us have to try different medications or even more than one to get the best control over the disorder.

From what you describe, your wife has likely had hypomanic, depressed, and even mixed bipolar states. If you are unfamiliar with bipolar mixed states (mixed features) you might want to read up on them. Many of us experience many type of bipolar episodes at various times.