I'm the proud mom of 2 boyz! Yes, "boyz," because for me, the alternate spelling with a "z" describes their wild, crazy & fun nature! There's never a dull moment in my life with these two alongside me!

My oldest, 15, has Autism (dx:PDDNOS). It's been 12 years of sheer hell while  fighting for a correct dx., advocating, finding the right educational setting, enduring the social/psychological abuse from other parents/kids, who were part of my son's school day, and defending him from these and some "teachers" (if I can really call them that), who totally abused my son in his initial school settings. For four years I was made to feel like I was the problem--a difficult, intrusive mom, making "unrealistic" requests, asking for "unrealistic accommodations" of teachers/educational specialists, school psychologists and administrators. My strong, direct, adamant, no-holes-barred fight to defend my son and his "rights" for a fair and safe educational setting that would meet his needs and make him feel loved, appreciated and safe, finally ended with an appropriate school placement in 2004. It's amazing to me that we have to call it his "rights" because for me, this is how all children should be treated--with love, care, concern, respect, decency. Society has lost its respect for children!

My younger boy, 12, is a FANTASTIC brother! He has defended, played with, taught, assisted his brother in so many ways, he will never fully understand how much I love him for playing such an important role in his brother's life. I'm fortunate that both get along so well. Now, grant it, he does get angry and frustrated with his older brother at times. But I try to teach him the why behind his brother's behavior, his condition, and why treating disabled people with kindness, love and respect is crucial. I want him to grow into a compassionate adult, capable of reaching out to others who need an extra lift in this crazy world. I consider it my God-given responsibility to ensure he grow up to be a compassionate person that can turn around and serve in his community.

My suggestion to parents new to the World of Autism is this: READ, READ, READ! Get your hands on every book, article, online resource you possibly can. DO NOT depend on "professionals" to do this for you. Only YOU can be your child's advocate and know what tx. will be the most effective and successful. And don't let other parents and their ideas "get in your way." Yeah, that's right! You heard correctly. We can get in each other's way from time to time. Not all the same methods, treatments or procedures work for every autistic individual. You have to find out what works FOR YOU! To share these experiences here is encouraging, enlightening and wonderful. Remember to be true to yourself & your gut instinct for your child(ren). In the end, your life is what you make of it. Here's to making the most outta all our circumstances.