I want to say that we’ve had some really wonderful responses to the website and I would encourage those of you reading this and living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to share your own story. As I’ve mentioned to others, it’s not often that we get to share our story with so many people. Most of those we interact with, doctors, therapists, and educators would prefer the glossed-over, cliff notes version of our struggles and triumphs. But what is really interesting is how similar our stories actually are, even from the very beginning. As some of you have read through my own family’s story, you may be thinking to yourself, ‘my lord this sounds just like my life’. I would encourage all of you to take the time and post your own story in our Discussion Forum. For one, it really is just a cathartic experience and it feels like a weight has been lifted off. Two, I’m hoping that another family who is struggling with getting help or not finding help, may learn something from all of us. Maybe a family will read through these stories and realize that it’s a validation of all their thoughts, feeling, and fears. Maybe these stories will be the final ‘AHA’ as to what might be going on. No matter what it’s always great to hear that you are not alone. Even if getting a diagnosis is not what you’re looking for, getting treatment might be. Connecting to other families is so important for a family living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and it’s my hope that through sharing our stories with each other, we can also connect in ways that isn’t often possible when you get the cliff notes version.

 

So if you haven’t already, read through Our Story, and then post your own in our Discussion Forum. You don’t have to use your real names and you don’t have to show your e-mail address. Just take the time the ‘let it out’ to people who can understand where you’ve been and where you are and how you got there.