To never compare your child's journey to another's. Some parents may genuinely wake up and their non verbal child is suddenly speaking full sentences. Don't be discouraged by other people's success. It's truly a unique journey for everyone, finding what your child needs, not blaming yourself, and making sure you try every day. Happiness is what is important at the end of the day for us, not words. Our success lies in showing up every day, and being proud of who we are, how far we've come, regardless of what other people may see on the outside.

I called my brother once when my son was going through a series of behavioral/school crises (around 14). We talked and he, the father of five, told me: "Your kid is who he is." May not sound like much, but it helped me get through the comparing and the blaming and the hope for curing etc. to really accept/embrace my son - -- and the possibilities and limits of what I could do for him.

Through learning about my two sons autism, I discovered that I am also on the spectrum. I struggled with this epiphany at first. I went through a phase of feeling sorry for all of us. Then came a lot of gratitude for all of the therapy that has guided my boys to be the best version of themselves they can be. Holiday hugs to all. Has anyone here had my experience?

After 30 years dealing with my son autism journey.Ive come along way in saying this Be your own best advocate...RESEARCH ...RESEARC...THEN MORE RESEARCN.People get nervous, frustrated ,and depressed looking for answers.Very few that try to pass on what's best for your loved one,I hate to say this are wrong.People come across programs that works for there loved one that's nothing less than grand thing.Because it works for one autistic, does not mean it will work for all..Again I will say the medical community has put so many ailments under the autism umbrella, makes it difficult to get proper help for ones who are in dire straights for the care and understanding they need.If your in collage, living on your owner working and taking care of yourself.This to me is not autism.Please do not get ne wrong.If there's a need these type personalties need help absolutely, government should be taking care of everyones needs.But far to many that should be under a different medical umbrella and classified something other than autism should be.This makes the very heartfelt families who need it are not receiving the help they need.The list is long.These are my thoughts and feelings about what my family has and been going through for 30 years now.As well,AUTISM is a brain/mental/emotional ailment.All that really want a different angle heal or help the brain.The rest will change I can guarantee you.It might start off small, but it will happen.Im know expert but the other families I have helped with there loved ones all have seen great improvements.Nutrition,supplementation,and any type of simple educational things that will help.For our family it was serious violent anger outbreaks.Now completely gone.He gets mad trust me.But now is comprehending what he is doing...and the pain it causes to family.Comprehension is key.From so many situations to bedwetting.HELP HEAL THE BRAIN/BODY CONNECTIONI can't say this enough.Dont take my word for it, talk to someone read more input.BE YOUR OWN BEST ADVOCATE.Your loved cannot understand any program because its the brain that's not grasping what its being told.So how can you get any progress.To me know matter how great any program, and how many stars they are giving it(medical) community, if its not getting through for what ever reason, progress will be minimal.Just my own thoughts coming from a long trial and error process.I really hope at least one person reads this and understands what I am trying to say.Please do not waste to much time hoping that there's a program that will work.Fix what's broken first.Then the experience of learning will be something a parent/loved one will be going through things I cannot put into words.This is a nice supportive site.But it looks like the majority are stuck in the same scenario ongoing.What can it hurt to try another direction.

You have to commit to learning & understating your child & what will work for them, as it is ever changing. You need to be flexible, kind, respectful, loving & show him/her that you appreciate them & love them unconditionally. What we all want as people, they are no different!