Kate Agyemang's daily routine involves cleaning, dressing and feeding her teenage son, picking him up from school, and attending to his every need.
While she manages to squeeze in a few hours of work in between, that's the extent of her social interaction with the outside world.
''That's the usual thing you do for a much younger child, but with Sam it will go on year after year,'' Ms Agyemang said.
Ms Agyemang's son Sam, 13, suffers from autism, among other complaints.
She said the lack of after-school care options for disabled teenagers, where they receive extra learning and social opportunities, was ''a major system failure''.
Her opinion is shared by numerous families in similar circumstances.
Diana Nasr is a single mother with two disabled children.
A few years ago her caring role became too much, and consequently she gave up work. She, like Ms Agyemang, is frustrated that the older her children get, the less likely they are to get into specialty services.
Carers such as Ms Agyemang and Ms Nasr are being celebrated nationally this week.
ACT Community Services Minister Joy Burch will today launch the ACT Carers Charter at a luncheon as part of National Carers Week.
The charter aims to recognise carers and their needs, and the contribution they make.
Ms Agyemang said, ''It [being a carer] just impacts on your health.
''In talking to people who don't have my experience there's very little awareness that even for me to go and have a cup of coffee is something that's unique and special and different.
''My husband and I don't spend time together because Sam is so demanding.
''I speak to lots of mums with kids with disabilities and they all say the same thing.''
Sam goes to Black Mountain School, a school for students with disabilities, but only has access to after-school care two days a week. Ms Agyemang said the lack of after-school specialty disability programs for teenage children placed additional pressure on carers, who often juggled work commitments and looking after other family members.
''We can only dream of a social life,'' she said.
Carers ACT chief executive Dee McGrath said the ACT Government's commitment to gaining extra after-school places was a step in the right direction.
But she said a lack of after school care options for teenagers with disabilities was an issue that still remained.
''There's been significant work done in recognising carers through programs, services and support,'' she said. ''But there are burning issues that still remain.''
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