The day our children are born we are filled with indescribable joy. Life holds so much promise. We dream of what they will become. We savor each development milestone reached. We are proud. But then - something is not right about how THIS child is developing. Maybe it is a phase. Maybe he/she is just quirky. But the doctors and specialists say it is much more. Your child has autism. After the initial shock we start reading and reading some more. We stress out and maybe even freak out. Life choices carry a huge burden on day to day activities. But does it HAVE to be this way?


As a mother of an 11 year old autistic son life's path has taken me in different directions. Is this a bad thing? No - just different than expected. I remind myself every morning over a cup of coffee that life is an adventure. With any adventure there are many surprises, elements that bring joy, fear, and sadness. Aren't adventures supposed to be thrilling, exciting and filled with laughter? Parents of children with autism or any special needs please promise yourself to enjoy the adventure as much as you can. You are camping and it has rained for 3 days. You are wet, cold and haven't slept. But today the skies are sunny and all is looking brighter.