| Getting an autism diagnosis can be one of the most | | | | need help paying their bills. |
| disturbing conversations a parent can have. At that | | | | Even a child with Autism who needs 24 hour supports |
| point a parent may not know where to go or what to | | | | can have a fulfilling life. They may do it differently but |
| say. Even when the diagnosis is expected, it can still | | | | they can be part of their community just the same. |
| make a parent take pause. | | | | Many people with supports work, go to church, own |
| Many parents see an autism diagnosis as the end of | | | | homes, and mow their yard. Just like you and I do. |
| the child they wished for and dreamed about. While | | | | Parents may have to do more planning than they |
| this is true, young parents do not realize than none of | | | | might do with a typical child. Finding other parents is |
| our children turn out to be the person we dreamed | | | | what we do as typical adults. We talk about our |
| about. | | | | toddlers. We talk about our teenagers. |
| It is no different for the child with Autism. Their life will | | | | We call each other when they do well and when they |
| be different, but there is a whole world out there for | | | | do poorly. The same is true for the parent of a child |
| them. They may need more assistance than the next | | | | with a disability. An Autism diagnosis is not the end; |
| person or they may not. Not all people with Autism | | | | many times it is the beginning. |
| need 24 hour supports. Some adults without Autism | | | | |