You're Not Alone

Whether autism rates are actually increasing, or whether diagnosis has improved while diagnostic categories have broadened, it is clear there are many, many people affected by ASDs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently estimate that there are up to 560,000 individuals in the U.S., between the ages of 0 and 21, with an ASD.¹

What this means in practical terms is: you are not alone. There are literally tens of thousands of families coping with the dilemmas involved in raising a child with an ASD. Advocacy organizations and support groups addressing those families’ needs exist all over the world.

You may want to consider joining a support group, especially during this initial period.  Through these organizations, you can meet other parents who have walked this road before you, and who may have knowledge about local resources and services.  They can be especially valuable when you are just starting out.

Checking out a support group is just like checking out any other organization, be it a church or a soccer league.  Each group has its own chemistry, its own doctrine, and its own culture.  Don’t be discouraged if the first group you come across does not seem right for you.  Find a group that is helpful, comfortable, and makes you feel understood.  Above all, find a group that makes your worries easier to bear. 

Reference

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). Autism Information Center: Frequently Asked Questions - Prevalence. Retrieved 2/13/07 from CDCP website: www.cdc.gov. 
   See also Community Report from the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network: Prevalence of the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in Multiple Areas of the United States, 2000 and 2002.