AutismAwareness.com

Katy Perry’s Impact on Autism

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Katy Perry is one of the most famous singers in the world with number one hits like “Teenage Dream”, “California Gurls” and “Firework”.

She is also the first woman to have five number one singles in America from a single album.

However, for the autism community she has done so much more. She has provided hope, inspiration and tears of joy for millions of people worldwide.

In 2012, at Comedy Central’s “A Night of Too Many Stars”, Katy teamed up with 11-year old Jodi DiPiazza (who has Autism) to sing her hit song “Firework” and it could not have been more amazing. After the performance she said:

We couldn’t agree more. Over 9 million views later, this video will eternally be one of the greatest moments in music.

 

Angela Conrad

The Life that Built Me

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If you are like me, you often wonder how in the world you got to the place that you are at in your life. Seriously, it seemed just like yesterday that I had no worries in the world but now I have many. Autism wasn’t a part of my life before I had my sons but now it is a huge part of my life. I have come to realize that it has been the best thing to ever happen to me.

Now don’t get me wrong, I would love to not have the worries about what will happen to my children when I am gone. I would love to not ever have to worry about whether Trenton will talk or not. My daily list of worries are enough to send most people over the edge. However, when I think about all that autism has done for me and my sons, I can’t help but think that it has been the one that thing that has built me. It has made me the person that I am today.

The strength and courage that it has forced me to do daily is phenomenal.

Autism doesn’t allow you to give yourself a choice. It forces you to do the unimaginable. It builds you up to be even stronger that you ever thought was possible. It forces you to walk the daily journey with the most courageous spirit of anyone. Autism has the power of turning a family upside down but it is how that family responds to their new, unexpected journey that will determine who they are in life.

I never thought I could be so strong but I am. My strength grows daily through our challenges that we face.  I am beyond blessed to say that autism has built my strength  and courage to be the best that it has ever been and ever will be.

Autism is known to bring many challenges to not just your child but your whole family. In fact, it completely changes the life that you had and that you thought was possible. Autism will build you a completely different life and it is can be amazing if you allow it to be.

Some families are not as affected as others. We all know that it is a spectrum and some have more challenges each day. However, in one way or the other, autism builds you. It builds your loved one that it has affected and it builds your whole entire family and character.

In the beginning of my journey it was hard for me to see that. I spent many days crying and simply just trying to survive in a whole new world that was beyond challenging. Nonetheless, I realized that autism wasn’t going away. It was part of my children and part of me. With that said,  I wanted to make the most of it. I decided to let autism build me up to be the best person possible and to make the best life that I could for my boys.

I know your journey isn’t easy. Mine is not either. However, lets chose to let our new life build us up to be the best that we can be.

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Angela and her family reside in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they moved to get more help for her son with severe autism. She was born and raised in a small town in southern Illinois where her love for animals and helping others blossomed.

She enjoys sharing the honest and real side of autism through her writing. Her writing may not apply to every family with a child with autism, but it is sure to apply to the families raising children on the severe end of the spectrum.

To read more of Angela’s journey please visit her website or like her Facebook page.

Angela Conrad

I Need to Know That I’m Not Alone

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I need you. I don’t know if you feel the same way, but I need you. Who am I talking about? You! I am talking to you reading this. More than likely, you’re a loved one of a child with autism, maybe a fellow autism parent or autism family member. I couldn’t go through this journey without you.

There are days that I just want to sit down and cry. Cry for my child because he can’t communicate with me. On some days I just want to cry because I see how my children struggle with social situations, struggle with sleep, and all the other challenges that autism brings. I feel beat up and lonely, and then I see you and I feel so much better!

What would we do without social media?

I believe that I have met almost all of my fellow autism parents on social media. The conversations that we have are amazing! The blogs, Facebook pages, autism websites—they’re the peanut butter to my jelly! I need you! You bring so much to my life and I wouldn’t be able to walk this journey without you.

There is nothing better in this world than talking to you and listening to your story. The stories you share about your child bring tears of sorrow and joy to me. You and your child are so dear to my heart, just like my own boys.

The struggles you go through daily are real, like mine.

It’s all real. Yet, the joys over the smallest of things are totally understood by you and that’s something that I need. I need to know that you jump for joy over pee in a potty too! I need to know that you know what it feels like to finally hear your name spoken by your nonverbal child. I need to know that you have many sleepless nights too. I need to know that I’m not alone.

As I walk my journey daily, I need you. I need your friendship; I need to read your stories. I need to know that you’re there too. We have to stick together. What would we do without one another? I can’t begin to imagine.

On days that I’m sinking in my pool, I need to know that you’re there to pick me up! We’re a special group of parents that have the most special bond that anyone could ever have. We’re all strangers, but the feeling that we have for each other is real. The respect, the loyalty, the beautiful children that we are raising—it’s all for real. Very few bonds can be stronger than ours.

So yes, I need you! I need to know that I’m not the only warrior mom out there. I’m here to let you know that you are doing an amazing job in our small, difficult, autism world. Keep your head up and I’ll do the same. Do the best that you can to hang in there daily. I know it’s difficult. I know the daily struggles. I understand. I’m here for you and please don’t ever forget that. May we all find peace in knowing that this beautiful world of social media can connect us with one another. Keep up the good fight, fellow autism parents. We’re very lucky to be walking this unique journey together.

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Angela and her family reside in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they moved to get more help for her son with severe autism. She was born and raised in a small town in southern Illinois where her love for animals and helping others blossomed.

She enjoys sharing the honest and real side of autism through her writing. Her writing may not apply to every family with a child with autism, but it is sure to apply to the families raising children on the severe end of the spectrum.

To read more of Angela’s journey please visit her website or like her Facebook page.

Rachel L. MacAulay

This Is Guaranteed to Make You Smile

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Although it’s a few years old already, we couldn’t help toe tapping and singing along to this great video, sung by then 10-year-old Christopher Duffley and the WOC Kid’s Choir. Chris is blind and has autism, and although he didn’t speak until he was in first grade, he always enjoyed music and sings with perfect pitch.

We hope this makes your day like it made ours.

 

Reneé Davis

A Letter to My Neurotypical Middle Child

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To my dearest Clara,

I’d like to apologise for today. I haven’t been cucumber cool, and won’t be winning any prizes for my parenting skills. I’ve shouted too much and got angry too often, but I need you to know how remorseful it’s left me feeling. Because you, my lovely girl, do not deserve a shouty mean mama.

On days like today I’ve looked at your beautiful face and big blue eyes, and noticed (not for the first time) how much sadness you carry around. You look like you have the weight of the universe upon on those tiny shoulders, and it breaks my heart, it really does.

Your quiet, unassuming personality and good nature leave you vulnerable. The way you just get on with your business, and totally know your role in our family dynamic brings tears to my eyes.

You can be so serious, and it makes me feel too sad that you don’t get to be a regular kid. That we don’t see you skipping down the street full of the joys of Spring. Unless daddy or I take you out by yourself of course, and then your soul almost visibly lights up and you’re barely able to contain your excitement.

When your big sister wants to play nicely it’s truly the most joyous thing to watch, but when she’s feeling irritated, which she does multiple times every day, you are always the first one to cop it from her. I try so hard to intervene before you get hurt, but the damage done by low-level violence and name-calling is evident. What’s even more heart-wrenching for me to witness is when you mimic your sister’s behaviour, and bestow it upon your two-year-old brother.

In most families I know, the second and third children benefit from their parents being super laid-back. They made all their silly mistakes on the first kid, and by the time No. 2 is as old as you are, they’re virtually getting away with murder. It’s not the way this family rolls though; there is nothing laid-back and stress-free about us.

For this, and so many others things, I’m sorry my darling.

Sorry for the way that your sister controls every element in the games you play, sucking the fun out of them and leaving you miserable.

Sorry that we get so wrapped up in keeping life balanced and level for her sake, that you are often left underwhelmed, crying out for attention.

Sorry that it took us so long to realise just how much you hated your gymnastics class. Your sister needs it so much, you see, and it made sense for you to go too. It’s become apparent that it was causing you a lot of extra stress on a Saturday morning, and you can rest assured that we won’t be sending you back.

Sorry for the way that you sometimes bear the brunt of my anger and frustration, even though you’ve not really done anything wrong. You’re hardly being naughty, just doing what most four-year-olds do. It’s all a little house of cards, you see, and it can come tumbling down too fast.

People talk about the close sibling bonds that autism creates, and I can only hope this one day relates to our family. When you’re old enough to have it all explained, and you can understand why she does the things she does.

High-functioning autism is a minefield. How on earth could I possibly expect you to ‘get it’ until I do? I’m still very much learning and trying to get to grips with it myself. This is our transition phase, my beautiful girl, I just hope that any damage done doesn’t stick around. It’s a well-documented fact that being the middle child is hard enough.

Please forgive me for days like today. I’m trying my best, I really am.

Know that I love you all so very much.

Your Adoring Mama

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MummyTries.com

After surviving a severely dysfunctional upbringing, Reneé is determined to ensure that her own children have a better start to life than the one she had. Last year she wrote her first book. Become the Best You is part memoir, part self-help, and details how she ditched negative influences and behaviour to break the cycle of dysfunction.

Read more from Reneé by visiting her website, Mummy Tries or follow her on Facebook.

Rachel L. MacAulay

Meet the Kids Marching in a New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade

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Photo courtesy of The Advocate

Photo courtesy of The Advocate

I just read a fantastic article in the Advocate, about a group of teens with autism who marched in a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans this past Saturday. If you’ve ever been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, then you know what an overwhelming experience it can be for anybody, let alone somebody with sensory issues — we’re talking loud music, yelling, crowds, lights, a wild array of colors, and did I mention LOUD NOISES? It’s likely not at the top of any list of potential vacation spots for any parent planning a trip with a child with autism.

But yet, here’s a group of seven children and young adults with autism who didn’t just attend the Mardi Gras parade, they participated in it. Amazing! The group, known as the “Stomp Troopers,” are all students at a studio in New Orleans called the NOLArts Learning Center. The Stomp Troopers project came out of behavior-based therapeutic drama, music, and art classes that began this past December and are led by art therapist Kate Lacour, with the help of volunteers. For the past five weeks, Kate has been blogging about the techniques need to help the kids learn everything from sewing electroluminescent (EL) wire to their costumes to make them light up, to creating drums out of buckets, to creating their own logos.

Of course, the biggest challenge wouldn’t be known until the Stomp Troopers actually found themselves amid the din of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras. But Lacour has been preparing them for this throughout the process.

“Mardi Gras can be overwhelming even for folks with the most robust sensory systems, and we are very aware that every step should be taken to minimize irritation from noise, movement, physical sensations and general chaos,” Lacour wrote on her blog. “Because novelty is usually aversive, things go more smoothly when presented in small pieces.” These small pieces have included using videos and pictures to help “envision costume themes or parade throws.”

Credit also has to go to the organizers of the Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade, the 900-member Chewbacchus Krewe. (As you guessed, members are fans of all things Star Wars, as well as Star Trek and Dr. Who.) They worked with Lacour and her students, helping them design the drums, which are intended to help the Stomp Troopers drown out surrounding noise with their own, controlled noise. They also had them attend rehearsals, and made sure the group had a place right behind the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, at the front of the parade.

Chewbacchus founder Ryan Ballard is happy to be a part of “dispelling the idea that autistic kids shouldn’t march.”

Photo courtesy of NOLArts Learning Center“They came up with the concept, looking for a parade to accommodate children with autism, and I said absolutely,” Ballard said. “The Chewbacchus ethos is one of truly open acceptance.”

And it isn’t just the general public and the Stomp Troopers themselves who should be learning from the experience–it’s also families of children with autism. Sarah Ambrose, a music teacher for kids with autism, told The Advocate: “A lot of families feel they can’t fully engage in New Orleans culture when they have autistic kids,” Ambrose said. “We want to say nay to that.”

How did it turn out? It was an overwhelming success, even when the parade dragged on for an unexpected three hours. in Lacour’s words:

“When they reached the end of the route, the kids were exhausted but elated. ‘We did it! crowed Oliver. The whole crew cheered.”

We only wish we could have been there.

To find out how it went, read Kate Lacour’s blog here.

 

Angela Conrad

Looking to the Years Ahead

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Looking Ahead

I have thought a lot lately about my journey with autism. I can’t believe it has been four full years since the word autism was thrown in my face. So much has happened in those short four years. I have grown and became stronger in ways that I never thought was possible. I have learned how to become a fighter, and I have learned more about the definition of “hope” than I ever thought I would.

In my short journey, I have shed countless tears of sorrow for my boys. At the same time that I shed tears of sorrow, I have shed tears of joy over the smallest of accomplishments. I have learned the meaning of “tough love.” I have been up around the clock for days on end, which has led to severe sleep deprivation. I have fought battles that I never knew were possible. I have become a pro at foreseeing the things that will trigger meltdowns with my children. I learned to read all of Trenton’s noises and body language and know what he wants, since he can’t tell me. I have learned that severe and mild autism are nothing alike.

I discovered how to become an advocate for my children. After all, they can’t advocate for themselves, so who is going to if I won’t? I have spent days and nights researching the latest news in order to find something to help them. I have spent hours upon hours on social media talking to complete strangers because we have autism in common. I have learned that complete strangers often know and understand what I’m going through better than anyone else. I’m not sure what I would do without my “autism friends” on the Internet.

Sadly, on my autism journey I have learned that autism didn’t just bring challenges to my children, it also brought challenges to my marriage, family and friends. I soon faced the fact that the people who don’t get it are often the ones closest to you. Unfortunately, because of this, I have lost family, friends and a marriage in the past four years. However, as I mentioned earlier, I gained many new loved ones dealing with autism by seeking out the people just like me.

It has been a rocky road the past four years, filled with many challenges. If I could sum up what I have learned over the past four years and will continue to learn the rest of my life in one short sentence, it would be this: I never knew the amount of strength and fight that I had in me.

Autism has knocked me down, but I always get back up and will continue to do so. I didn’t know before that it was humanly possible to go on such little sleep and still have the energy and strength to battle each day. I never knew that two little boys could teach me so much about both myself and their disability. The past four years have been challenging, yet very rewarding at the same time. I am very blessed to travel this difficult road in life. I look forward to what the years ahead have in store for me and my children. I know, just as in these past years, that we will have many difficult times ahead of us, but we will get through it. We have that amazing strength to help us get by.

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Angela and her family reside in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they moved to get more help for her son with severe autism. She was born and raised in a small town in southern Illinois where her love for animals and helping others blossomed.

She enjoys sharing the honest and real side of autism through her writing. Her writing may not apply to every family with a child with autism, but it is sure to apply to the families raising children on the severe end of the spectrum.

To read more of Angela’s journey please visit her website or like her Facebook page.

Rachel L. MacAulay

To the Apple Store Employee Who Went Above and Beyond

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Apple employee

Special needs parents know how difficult it can be to take their child to so many places that other parents don’t think twice about going to with their kids. This mom of James, a 10-year-old who’s been diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome and Autism, recently posted on her Facebook page the story of an outing with her son to get a new iPad. When the trip to the Apple store started to go downhill, an employee stepped into save the day.

“Because James was born with Down Syndrome, and at six-years-old was diagnosed with Autism, we use his iPad everyday as a learning tool,” the mom, LynnMarie, wrote. After years of use, the iPad no longer worked and her own iPhone, which had taken the place of the iPad, was “limping along.” A friend got her in touch with a charity–Fiona Rose Murphey Foundation Charitable Trust–which offered to buy James a new iPad. Hence, the outing to the Apple Store in Green Hills, near Nashville, Tennessee.

While they were shopping for the iPad, James was distracted by something in the mall and, as kids are prone to do, he ran off to investigate. Unfortunately, he ran full-tilt into the store’s plate glass wall in his haste to exit. As LynnMarie sat on the floor, cradling her son, employee Andrew Wall came over to see if James was alright and to offer his help. LynnMarie replied that James would be okay, but that they’d come to the store to purchase an iPad and then asked Andrew if he’d help them buy it and set it up, “down here on the floor?”

LynnMarie went on to explain, “And so he did. Your awesome employee sat with James on the floor of the store and set up the new iPad. There are no words to accurately describe how grateful I am that he took the time to ‘meet us right where we were.’ He didn’t have to sit down on the floor with us. He could have easily waited for us to stand. Could have easily waited for us to come back another day. But he hung out with us in the midst of our pain. He even got a fist bump from James, and I snapped this photo.”

At first, LynnMarie took to Facebook in order to tell the Apple store how wonderful this employee was and to find out his name. Both have since been accomplished, and we’re proud to pass on not only this wonderful story, but also the name of this kindhearted and generous soul. As LynnMarie went on to post:

“Life is a learning journey. And I walked away from this experience with the reminder to always meet people where they are at. It’s so easy to be so focused on our own mission or plan (or sale) that we fail to see what people really need. I long to be better at this. I long to not be so self-absorbed that I never miss an opportunity to love exactly like someone needs in the moment.”

Thank you, Andrew Wall, for meeting James where he was, and for turning around what could have been an awful experience into an amazing memory.

Angela Conrad

Finding the Beauty – An Autism Story

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Angela Conrad - Finding the Beauty 1Autism is hard, without a doubt. I’m sure many of you would agree to that. As parents of children with autism, we face a wide range of emotions and challenges daily. There are times when I feel like I’ve been beat to the curb. However, at other times I couldn’t be more overjoyed by my children.

Too often in life, people focus on the “negative” things. When it comes to autism, it’s very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life with autism. For example, it is by no means ever calm and quiet in my house. Even though I have one child who is non-verbal, that simply doesn’t mean that he is quiet! He, along with my other son with autism who is verbal and loves to talk; well, our house isn’t exactly the place you go to in order to relax. I’m normally chasing Trenton around the house, trying to keep him from climbing up my walls (literally!), while Andrew is chasing after me, asking me every detailed question that he can come up with.

It’s easy to focus on all the tantrums, meltdowns and therapy schedules. Of course, it’s upsetting when we can’t participate in extended family functions or all the community activities that go on throughout the year.

Let’s not forget all the times we’ve been kicked at when it is “potty” time. All the minutes and hours throughout the day and week that we spend battling simple daily tasks just gets exhausting. Natural, daily functions are very complicated, time-consuming and often lifelong difficulties for children like mine.

The stress and overwhelming feelings are very easy to get caught up in as parents of children with autism. We often find ourselves not only lonely and jealous of people who live life without our challenges, but we often find ourselves battling a variety of other emotions daily.

Nonetheless, we have to stay positive and not forget to look at the beauty that’s right before our eyes.

Parents of children with autism and other special needs are so very blessed, if only you’re able to look beyond the difficulties. I have learned to appreciate everything in this life, both big and small. My sons have taught me to be thankful for things that I, more than likely, never would have appreciated before autism.

My children, just like yours, have so much to offer this world. You can find many blessing in your child, whether they’re mildly on the spectrum or at the most severe place on the spectrum. Our children are just like a present: It may take awhile to unwrap it, but there’s a beautiful gift inside when you get there. It is the most precious gift that you will ever receive.

I am not saying it’s easy. It’s by no means an easy job parenting children with autism. If you’re like me, you often function on very little sleep because your child was up all night. You may find yourself at your lowest point on certain days and that’s okay. We’re allowed to have pity parties, but try not to dwell on it. Find the beauty in your child. God granted us our children for a reason. I am sure none of us dreamed about having children with autism when we were expecting our children. However, God had different plans in store for us than we originally had.

My children have not only become the best teachers that I’ve ever known, but they’re also the most beautiful, innocent people that I’ve ever met. They are true examples of what all of our souls need to be like.

As I said before, I know how easy it is to get consumed with the difficulties of the world of autism. However, don’t let that keep you from seeing the beauty of it, too. If you can see the beauty and opportunities that are right before your eyes, then you will never again wish for a life that could have been.

Keep your heads held high, fellow autism parents! We don’t have an easy job, but it is a beautiful path!

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Angela and her family reside in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they moved to get more help for her son with severe autism. She was born and raised in a small town in southern Illinois where her love for animals and helping others blossomed.

She enjoys sharing the honest and real side of autism through her writing. Her writing may not apply to every family with a child with autism, but it is sure to apply to the families raising children on the severe end of the spectrum.

To read more of Angela’s journey please visit her website or like her Facebook page.

Alan Dunn

An Open Letter to New Parents of Autism

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Family Together

Parenthood. It’s a beautiful thing.

As soon as that pregnancy test shows positive or that adoption call is received, your world changes. Your hopes and dreams are modified to include hopes and dreams for your children. Visions of holidays and birthday parties dance in the air. The word “Mother” or “Father” is suddenly not old-sounding, but kinda cool. Your whole life is changing and you can’t wait for that child to be born.

The child appears and is more beautiful than ever. You can see yourself in them. Your life instantly changes to a focus on keeping them safe and building a better future.

The months go on. You share laughs. You share cries. Everything Parenthood was meant to be, it is. Nothing is more beautiful.

Then one day you notice something. Another day you notice something else. At first, you ignore it or pawn it off, but then your friends and family ask if he/she is “okay,” or your spouse suggests seeing a doctor, or you start reading online about why something isn’t right.

That special spark changes to concern. After all, your job is to keep them safe.

The concern builds. You see sparks in other children that your child doesn’t seem to have. You see behavior that isn’t typical, yet you question what typical really is.

One day you choose to stop playing doctor and go see one.

The word Autism is spoken.

A word that slightly touched your vocabulary before, but was rarely ever used. A word that was seen only in articles you read. A word that never entered your household. A word you really don’t even know the meaning of.

The world stops.

You say it again. Autism.

How? Where? Why?

It can’t be real.

How do we beat this thing? Is there a pill? Can we just give him a shot? He’ll be okay by Sunday — he has to be.

My child doesn’t have Autism. That’s crazy.

Oh, but he does.

New Parents should know that everyone has a different experience, but almost everyone goes through the same feelings.

Responsibility

“Autism is my fault.” “How did I give my child Autism?” – So many phrases like these will circle in your head. You’ll lose sleep. You’ll blame yourself. You’ll blame your spouse. You may even blame the mailman. It’s okay. We all went through this. It’s nobody’s fault. You are not responsible for Autism. You are responsible for keeping your child safe. You are responsible for helping them grow. You are responsible for so many great things and blame is not one of them.

Failure

“What did I do to deserve this?” “I can’t do this.” “I’m not cut out to be a special needs parent.”

First, you didn’t do anything wrong. He/she was made this way.

Second, you were cut out to be a parent. And that means loving your child NO MATTER WHAT. If we all had a choice, I’m pretty confident that a football star, rock star or Mark Zuckerberg would be the first choice for our children.

Sadly, that isn’t what happens. We learn to play the cards that were dealt and that’s what makes a great parent – not wishing for the best of the best but loving what you have. The sooner you realize that your child has nothing but unconditional love for you, and that you are the guardian of the person they will become, then the sooner your actions will help their development. You may not have chosen to be in this situation but you can choose how to deal with it going forward.

Anger

You will hate yourself. You will hate your spouse. At times you will hate how Autism makes you feel. It is OKAY. We all did. Many still do. But the great thing about anger is it goes away. Remember those four magical words: You are not alone.

Trust me, I’ve been there. The parent feeling alone, fighting the world of typical kids and happy marriages. Everyone else had something beautiful. I was robbed. I was angry. I checked out. Then something magical happened. I saw my child. I saw who he was. I saw he needed me. I saw he loved me. I saw he never judged me. I saw he wanted to be like me. I saw he laughed with me. I saw everything. All I had to do was open my eyes.

This will happen to you. Why? Because love conquers all.

Losing Friends

You will lose friends. It happens to all of us. But you know what? With every life change you lose friends. If you change jobs, get married, move miles away or stop dating the hot one … every turning point in your life will involve losing friends. The delusion is believing many of these people were real friends to begin with. You might have 300 “Facebook friends,” but if you can count your true friends on one hand, than you are luckier than most.

You’re a parent now. In fact, you just gained your new best friend for years to come. Your child. This is a time to focus on your family and not those who are just visitors in your journey of life. New friends will appear. Some will be awesome. Some will make you gossip. Some will spill secrets. Some will annoy you. Enjoy the sport of understanding people again. It’s fun and certainly a nice break from watching Thomas the Tank Engine for the thousandth time.

Embarrassment

My favorite. Your child will embarrass you. And not the way typical children will. They may hit you, scream at you, throw shit at you — all in a public place, while making sounds and body movements resembling those of master circus performers. You will look like the parent who can’t control their child. You will feel the eyes of everyone around you. You will feel alone in a sea of judgment. This will happen over and over — and then … one stranger will say something so kind and incredible to you that all of the embarrassment will be gone. You will find strength from that single moment to be Super Mom or Super Dad and say Heck yeah – that’s my child and I am so proud of him.

No one has all the answers for the set of challenges you face. No Grandparents. No Friend. No Doctor. No Teacher. No Advisor. Some can help. Some will guess. Others will have no clue. Many of them are also experiencing the uniqueness of your child as much as you are. One of the most popular quotes in this community is “When you meet one child with Autism, you have met one child with Autism.” A beautiful set of words, defining how unique every child on the spectrum is.

What I can provide are words of comfort and wisdom from being a parent who shattered and then found himself again, and its simply words my parents told me many years ago: “When you fall, get back up.” Your parents likely said the same thing. And you know what, our parents were right. The key is to get back up early and never, ever let the challenges keep you down.

Almost every new parent of Autism (and almost any special needs child) will go through these stages. Just always remember these four magic words.

You are not alone.