Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Did you know the month of April is National Autism Awareness Month? It's the perfect time to promote autism awareness and of course, to support those who are on the spectrum and their families.

An autism spectrum diagnosis is life changing, and the journey can often feel lonely for parents. But there is a whole spectrum of support out there for parents and family members of children diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Raising Kids on the Spectrum: 101 Inspirational Stories for Parents of Children with Autism and Asperger's contains 101 stories that offer great advice and emotional support for parents of kids on the spectrum, no matter what their age.

Here are a couple of my favorite stories in the book from parents who have been there:

Find your support system.
At school dismissal one afternoon, Christine Coleman had a difficult time handling her young son’s rare, but epic, meltdown. Feeling inept and self-conscious, she worried about other parents� reactions to the situation. But instead of being judged, she received an outpouring of care and support from parents on Facebook. “That’s my village,� Christine writes. “No judgment against me or Cuyler. Simply concern and worry. Asking how they can help the next time it happens.� She discovered a kind and understanding community that will support her and her family.

Embrace the small victories.
Jeneil Palmer Russell’s daughters Rhema and Hope weren’t exactly getting along. Day after day Hope would follow her older sister around, asking for a high five. But Rhema would always ignore Hope, still viewing her younger sister as a pest. Finally, one day, after Hope had crashed into her sister during a chase, Rhema finally high fived her back. “What word suffices here? Momentous? Stupendous?� Jeneil writes. “I cheered like the Red Sox had won another World Series.�


Amy Newmark