My husband and I were stunned after our son’s diagnosis. We didn’t know anything about autism. Our only frame of reference was a movie we had seen years earlier, “Rain Man”. The doctor was not helpful and didn’t give us any information regarding therapies or what we could do to help our son. Maybe he didn’t have access to that information or maybe he thought we wouldn’t hear anything else because we were still in a state of shock. He did give us the phone number to the ASA. Family and friends tried to encourage us, but no one knew how to help us. When I made that phone call to the Autism Society, it felt like someone had thrown me a lifeline. Finally, I had someone who understood what I was going through, another parent just like me. Coming home from a meeting from the Autism Society helped me feel empowered. The speakers were knowledgeable and gave me valuable information that taught me how to understand and help my child. The Autism Society wants to change the way you view people with autism: to see ability instead of disability, to see a person instead of a label, to see an opportunity instead of a challenge, to see strength instead of weakness, and to see the value of each person no matter what their level of ability may be. What the ASA, CV does-informative monthly meetings, lending library, newsletter, websites, emails alerting members to important information, sponsoring trainings and seminars, information about other resources in the area and support groups. Learn about medical issues, educational rights, government policy, insurance regulations and so much more. Everything you need in one place to navigate the complex world of autism. Teaching parents to advocate for their children, teaching individuals to advocate for themselves, giving teachers and other professionals the tools needed to teach and work with individuals with autism, giving information on a broad range of subjects. It’s about educating yourself, so you can make the right decisions for your child. I’ll never forget those parents I met through the Autism Society in the early years when my son was first diagnosed. They always took the time to talk with me and answer my questions. They shared their stories with me, letting me know that I was not alone. They listed to mine as well, giving me advice and encouraging me. I learned so much from them. They gave me a different perspective from their years of experience. With time, I became a strong advocate for my son with the knowledge I gained from the ASA, CV. The ASA, CV can help you no matter where you are on your journey. You could be a parent with a newly diagnosed child or an adult with ASD, looking for job opportunities. The ASA can answer your questions and give you helpful information that will help you continue your journey.
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