I am absolutely blown away at how quickly so many people jumped to help my friend in Michigan. It’s gotten me thinking about our history in special education, and I’ve realized something very important: we’ve made it this far not by relying on the professionals and agencies, but by seeking out other parents who have walked the same path. Every major question I’ve had has been answered by a mom in the preschool waiting room, a dad on the playground, or a complete stranger I’ve bonded with over vegetables and autism at the local grocery.
Autism is a social disease, but not always in a bad way. Autism has made me unafraid to approach a mom at a water park here in British Columbia and ask about how to get my son into the special education program. Autism made me bold enough to approach another mom of three boys at our local park. That particular encounter taught us how to get Jack into the French Immersion program here, and which school to try when the local school was full.
Autism has alternately made it hard for my child to be social, and made it easier for me.
So here’s my idea. I’m going to start a network of sorts here on the site of people who would like to be open to help others. If you’re interested (your commitment would be only to answer questions and guide others), let me know. If you need help, let me know and I’ll either put you in contact with someone in your area, or put the word out. We can help each other get the best results.
Let’s be social, shall we?
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